Published: March 26, 2008 04:35 pm      

Gettin’ down on the farm at livestock show

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Spring has sprung; temperatures are rising — it must be time for the 59th annual Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show and Sale.

A total 348 exhibitors have entered 496 projects into this year’s show and sale, which takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Cherokee County Stock Show & Expo Center on West Loop 456 in Jacksonville.

“We’re up quite a bit from last year in exhibitors,” show chair Steve Hutson said. “It’s going to be a good show.”

Participating groups in the show and sale this year include Alto FFA, Bullard FFA, Carlisle FFA, Classic 4-H, Cloverleaf 4-H, Footbridge 4-H, Hearts in Bloom 4-H, Jacksonville FFA, Lookout 4-H, New Summerfield FFA, Rusk FFA, Troup FFA, Wells FFA and Wells 4-H.

The action begins Thursday with showings of poultry at 1 p.m., rabbits at 3 p.m. and horticulture projects at 5 p.m.

Friday’s exhibits open at 8 a.m. with goats and shop projects, and continue with swine at 11:30 a.m., dairy cattle at 3 p.m. and beef cattle at 4 p.m.

On Saturday, horses show at 10 a.m., the Queen’s contest begins at 2 p.m. and barbecue will be served at 3 p.m. The sales start at 5 p.m. with shop and plant projects, and the livestock sale immediately following.

“We’ve got some great projects this year,” Hutson said.

Livestock Queen-nominees are Kristin Beam, Brittany Blanton, JimmieLynn Dement, Amelia Kirkpatrick, Monaca Mayes, Ashley Meaux, Lacy Moore, Kristen Parsons, Haley Posey, Chelsie Stewart, Ramie Weaver and Valerie York.

According to the Expo Center’s Web site, a few improvements were made to the show barn in time for this year’s show, including two new sets of aluminum bleachers and new lighting. Improvements in progress include installing a new ceiling in meeting room and office and upgrades to the PA system for the back of the barn.

New to this year’s show is the chance for exhibitors to win one of four $500 scholarships.

The scholarship’s funds comes from the Agri-Business Committee of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Scholarships winners will be chosen at random from the Showmanship Award winners from each division, Hutson said.

Plans for next year’s show are already being discussed, Hutson said. Expo officials are looking to add a lamb exhibit for next year’s show.

This year’s officers and directors are Wayne Berry, president; Bill McKnight, 1st vice president; Jackie Bolton, 2nd vice president; Randy Low, past-president; Rachel Vickers, secretary; Royce Traylor, treasurer; Stephanie Essex, Randy Berry and Stacy Tugwell, Precinct 1 directors; Kenneth Hicks, Donnie Carver and Amy Goodwin, Precinct 2 directors; Wade McKnight, Hal Walker and Larry Burton, Precinct 3 directors; Kay Moore, Ricky Moore and Jeff Parsley, Precinct 4 directors; Jack White, advisor; and Mary Jo McKnight, rentals.