MOUNT VERNON — Wednesday’s rabbit show at the 2008 Knox County Fair started off with the market fryer competition. Each contestant presented a group of three rabbits for inspection by judge Nita Butler.

Anesha Tharp, 12, of the Danville Winner’s Attitude 4-H Club, took home the championship trophy for her pen of three. Butler said that although all the entries were nice animals, Tharp’s had firm flesh and were the most uniform in size and fur.

Next up were the various breeds of rabbits — Californian, Dutch, Holland lop, Mini lop, mini rex, Netherland dwarfs, New Zealand, satin, other and mixed. There were junior and senior doe and buck categories for each breed, and a champion and reserve champion were chosen from each division.

Samantha Keefer had the champion Californian animal, and Lacey Brown’s was the reserve Californian champion. The Dutch breed champion was shown by Sierra Williams, and Hannah Moreland displayed the reserve Dutch champion.

The Holland lop champion is owned by Malinda Oare, and Anesha Tharp had the Holland lop reserve champion. Brittany Dawson’s mini lop won the champion slot, and Desiree Cottrell took home a reserve champion ribbon. The mini rex champion was exhibited by Bernie Douglas; Molly Fitzpatrick had the reserve mini lop.

The Netherland dwarf category was swept by Andy Rieman, who had the champion and reserve champion animals in that breed. Courtney Strait showed the champion New Zealand rabbit; the reserve New Zealand was shown by Danny Burris. There was another sweep in the satin category, as Jessica Martin took home champion and reserve champion honors.

In the other “fancy” category, Abby Shew won the champion award, and Casey Rudolph had the reserve champion. Shew also had the other “meat” champion; the meat reserve champion was exhibited by Ashley Rudolph. In the mixed division, Samantha Wilson’s senior doe was the champion, and Jarrod Frost’s junior doe was the reserve champion.

Butler said she was impressed with the quality of the entrants, and said each champion was an “exemplary example of its breed.” All champions returned for a final assessment, and Strait’s New Zealand buck was chosen Best of Show.

Taking into account factors such as the rabbit’s overall condition, the color and quality of its fur, Butler said Strait’s animal most closely conformed to the ideals set for the New Zealand breed, and showed off everything for which the breed stands.