-Messenger photo by Dan Voigt The lambs of Tristen Ruppert, center, and Megan Brown, right, get a good look from sheep judge Evan McCleary, of Ames, during one of the classes of the sheep show Thursday at the Palo Alto County Fair. Brown's lamb was chosen as the Grand Champion of the show. Brown is a member of the Fern Valley 4-H Club. Also at the fair, royalty was crowned Thursday to close out the first day. Anna Sorenson, of Graettinger, was named 2017 queen.

-Messenger photo By Anna Veltri The Palo Alto County Fair included a watermelon eating contest on Saturday during which contestants were divided into age groups. In the 6 and under age group, Nolan and Samuel Joyce, compete against each other.