Alex Johnston, from the television show “7 Little Johnstons”, learns how to show pigs at the Butler County Fair
three cast members from the TLC reality show “7 Little Johnstons” have been spending time in Hamilton this week — and hanging out with pigs.
Signs posted at the entrances of the Butler County Fair on Monday and Tuesday informed visitors that filming for a reality TV show was taking place.
Camera crews followed the Johnstons as they took part in the fair activities. Amber Johnston, the mother of Jonah, Elizabeth, Anna, Alex, and Emma Johnston, shared that she, along with Alex and Emma, traveled from Georgia to support Allie Smith, Alex’s girlfriend, during her final year of 4-H showing pigs.
Three members of the “7 Little Johnston” reality TV show family attended the Butler County Fair
“We’re super excited for Allie,” Amber Johnston said. “Allie’s been involved in this for 13 years, so we really wanted to experience the fair with her. And since this is her last time, it’s important for us to be here to support her.”
Amber also shared that it was meaningful for her to meet Allie Smith’s family and friends, as Allie plays an important role in Alex Johnston’s life.
While in town, Alex Johnston took the opportunity to learn how to show pigs and even planned to participate in the open market hog show on Tuesday.
“I’m really excited but also a little nervous about learning how to show a pig,” Alex admitted. “My biggest concern is just making sure it doesn’t run away from me across the arena. But Allie told me that’s normal and all I need to do is walk up and guide it. Still, it’s a little nerve-wracking.”
Alex Johnston admitted that at first, it felt strange having his relationship so publicly visible, but now, “it doesn’t really bother me anymore.”
“It’s just nice finally getting to experience this because Allie’s been telling me about it for three years, and it sounded like a lot of fun,” he said. “Now that I’m here in person, seeing all the animals and the fair itself, it really is a lot of fun. I’m glad I could be here to see her in person.”
Grace Murphy, an 18-year-old 4-H member and fan of the show, commented, “I think out of all places, Butler County is kind of crazy.”
Jenna Haubner, a 17-year-old fellow 4-H member, agreed.
“It’s cool, but it’s random,” she said. Haubner also mentioned she’s curious to see how people across the country will react to seeing the Butler County Fair on national television.
Amber Johnston reflected on the experience: “We come from kind of a suburban life in Georgia — there are a lot of farms there — but being here and seeing the farm community up close gives us a greater appreciation for farm life. The community here has been so tight-knit, caring, and incredibly welcoming to us.”
Allie Smith, left, teaches Alex Johnston, from the television show “7 Little Johnstons”, how to show animals at the Butler County Fair
