Photo by courtesyPhoto Children from Sagner Center Head Start in Frederick pet Kim Droneburg’s Holland Lop bunny at The Great Frederick Fair.

John Wightman of Frederick has been the 4-H rabbit, poultry and cavy (guinea pig) department superintendent for six years. He has witnessed the youngsters' dedication to their smaller animals. He grew up showing rabbits, enjoys working with the 4-H members today and being a part of the fair.

"For people who don't live on a farm or have much land, raising rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs is easier," he said. "Entries were down a little this year, but the quality was good."

Fifteen county 4-H'ers exhibited more than 100 rabbits, according to Wightman.

"Raising rabbits is fun for kids and the 4-H members exhibiting here are an energetic group of kids," he said. "They work hard with their animals."

One of those 4-H members is Kim Droneburg of Thurmont . "I exhibited my two rabbits, 20 chickens and a Boer goat," the 15-year-old said.

"I have 30 more chickens at home, but really enjoy my rabbits."

She won first place with her Holland Lop doe (female) and did well with her Netherland Dwarf rabbit.

"They're my pets and I bring them into the house sometimes," she said. "I would encourage anyone to raise a rabbit -- it's fun."

The Walkersville High School sophomore admitted it takes a lot of time preparing so many animals for the fair, even if they are smaller.

"I have to clip the toenails of my rabbits and brush their short hair," she said. "The judge evaluates them on their face, eye color, ears, weight, toenails and overall body confirmation."

According to the Shookstown 4-H Club member, some rabbits are disqualified if they are too heavy or have unrecognizable colors that are not typical of that breed.

"I even helped with the judging this year," she said. "I carried the rabbits to the judge who was from Ohio."

The rabbit industry is huge, according to Wightman. There are county, state and national competitions and conventions across the United States for rabbit breeders.

Kim has enjoyed raising rabbits for four years and said she likes exhibiting at the fair the best. "It's fun showing them at the Frederick Fair and letting kids pet them," she said. "The city kids learn about rabbits."

The six-year 4-H member has a rabbit book she can refer to in order to learn even more about the different breeds of rabbits she's raised over the years. "I've had my Holland Lop and Netherland Dwarf rabbits for two years and had different rabbits before that," she said.

"I was inspired by a friend to get involved in the 4-H rabbit program," she said. "It's a good program to participate in and a lot of fun."