Bristol Tipton selected for Ohio State Fair Celebrity Steer Show

Bristol Tipton has been selected to represent Harrison County as one of 10 youth exhibitors statewide in the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Celebrity Steer Show, a fundraiser benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

The event, held each August during the Ohio State Fair, pairs youth cattle exhibitors with well-known Ohio figures who enter the show ring to raise money and awareness for Ronald McDonald House. Past participants have included former Ohio State coaches, governors and Columbus-area media personalities.

Participants do not apply for the opportunity but are chosen based on performance, character and involvement throughout the show season.

“We just assumed the email was about her points,” said Ashley Tipton, Bristol Tipton’s stepmother. “When we realized what it was, we were kind of blown away.”

“I was very surprised, shocked and excited when my stepmom got the email asking me to participate,” Bristol Tipton said.

Bristol Tipton will meet her assigned celebrity in June and will host the guest at the family farm before the fair to teach them the basics of handling and showing cattle.

Until then, the Tipton family is focusing on giving back.

They are organizing a stuffed cow drive for children staying at the Ronald McDonald House across from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. In March, Bristol Tipton plans to visit the house and personally distribute the donated stuffed animals to children and their siblings.

“We just thought it would be something to give them comfort while they’re going through treatments or being away from home,” Ashley Tipton said.

The house can accommodate up to 206 families, with more than 100 rooms currently occupied. The family plans to collect donations through March 18, leaving any extras for future families and siblings staying at the house.

Community members can donate through the family’s Amazon wish list titled “Taz and Bristol’s Stuffed Cow Drive for the Ronald McDonald House” at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/32RLPVUI3X57B?ref_=wl_share.

“I’m very excited and honored to be able to help the kids at the Ronald McDonald House, and doing this with my steer Taz makes it so much more special,” Bristol Tipton said.

Bristol Tipton will also bring her steer, Taz, during the family’s trip to Columbus in conjunction with the Ohio Beef Expo.

“Taz is my steer that was bred and raised on our family farm, and I absolutely love him,” Bristol Tipton said. “I’m very excited to get to do all this with my Taz and my family.”

Bristol Tipton represents the fourth generation on her family’s 600-acre farm, which has been family-owned since her great-grandfather started it. The operation is run primarily by her father, Matt Tipton, along with family members including her grandfather, Fred Tipton, and uncle, Cody Tipton.

She began participating in Cloverbuds as soon as she was eligible and has been showing at the Harrison County Fair for seven years. In addition to cattle, she shows horses and serves as president of her 4-H club.

Last year, Bristol Tipton and her cousin combined to win 11 banners at the county fair. She is also one of the few youth exhibitors in Ohio who breeds and raises her own cattle rather than purchasing show animals.

“That’s kind of what makes her stand out,” Ashley Tipton said.

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association show circuit includes nine events from November through March, with youth earning points at each show. Among hundreds of participants statewide, Bristol Tipton was selected as one of 10 for the Celebrity Steer Show.

“You can show up that day and just show,” Ashley Tipton said. “But we want to make a difference. We want to bring awareness and do a lot for the kids.”

In addition to the stuffed cow drive, the family plans to begin fundraising efforts later this spring.

Donations can also be mailed by check made payable to Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio and sent to 4255 Rapp Road, Hopedale, OH 43976.

Updates, photos and donation information are shared on the family’s Facebook page, “Taz and Bristol’s State Fair Journey.”

“It’s an honor to be chosen,” Ashley Tipton said. “We just want to do as much good with it as we can.”