Cuddly pets are commitment, not presents, visitors learn

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

news@vindy.com

CANFIELD

A rabbit is more than a gift; it’s a responsibility. Getting participants to understand that fact is one of the goals organizers had for Bunny Day at the Farm.

“One thing I hope they learn is how much it takes for these kids to take care of their rabbits, and they’re not just an Easter present,” said Tina Imburgia, chairwoman of the Junior Fair’s Rabbit Committee. “It’s a long-time commitment, and you have to take care of them.”

The educational event Saturday at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm attracted about 500 participants. Hosted by the Mahoning County Junior Fair Rabbit and Poultry Committees, it also served as a fundraiser for the park.

The Junior Fair comprises youth from Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, Grange, and the Farm Bureau.

Junior Fair committees are allowed to use the farm throughout the year for their activities, Imburgia said.

“And all the funds that we raise [Saturday] go back to the park as a thank you,” she added.

This is the second year for the event.

Poultry was included this year, said Kim Moff, agriculture educator, park photographer and manager for the Canfield Fair Junior Fair.

“The cute little yellow chick and the cute little yellow duck are going to grow very quickly and by six months are going to be full grown,” Moff said. “So they’re not going to stay that cute, tiny little peep that people like to take home. They’re going to grow up and need proper care and attention.”

Youth from various organizations that make up the Junior Fair rabbit and poultry committees showed off their animals.

Hannah Magrell, 9, of Austintown brought her 3-year-old Lionhead-mix rabbit. She held the gray and white rabbit wrapped in a blanket and explained how she cares for him.

Hannah is a member of Ohio State Buckeyes 4-H Club. She’s owned the rabbit, Smokey, since October 2014.

She feeds the rabbit every day and cleans his litter box. When she goes on vacation, she must find someone to take care of him, she explained.

“He’s really nice. He’s sweet, and he really doesn’t bite,” she said. “He chews on his own blanket.”

Hannah also has a dog, a cat and a fish.

“I love my dog, but I think my bunny’s my real best friend,” she said.

Another goal of the event, Imburgia said, is to raise awareness of the farm and what it has to offer to the community.

Jennifer Myers of Girard brought daughters Emma and Ava Latell to see the rabbits. Ava, 5, made a chick finger puppet. Emma, 3, made a purple and blue rabbit finger puppet.

“It’s fun,” Myers said. “They like to pet the animals.”