In Nebraska, raising roosters is serious business–especially when you have to live up to generations of tradition.
“I have been looking forward to this summer’s fair for a long time. My Dad said Boomer is by far the best rooster in the county–and he ought to know, he’s been judging em’ for years.”
As 15 year old Kyle Haltom walks the long corridor of caged roosters, it’s clear he’s focused on sizing up the competition.
“My three brothers all won ribbons for their roosters–and if I don’t get mine, I’ll never hear the end of it. But Boomer’s the one, there’s no way this bad boy is going to lose.”
“Especially if your dad’s calling the shots,” I ribbed.
And that’s when I got to see a glimpse of what was coursing through this kid’s veins.
Stopping in mid-stride, Kyle Haltom turned to face me. And in a moment of remarkable sincerity, Haltom explained, “My Dad doesn’t judge when we have entries. That just wouldn’t be right. I’ve got to win this thing fair and square or it won’t mean much.”
For decades, small town kids from all over Nebraska have learned some of life’s greatest lessons by competing in county fairs. Most will never be rich or famous. But a lot of them will grow up to be good people–the kind you can only hope to have in your corner. I have a feeling Kyle Haltom is going to be one of those people.
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