A Lot More At The Show Than Just Exhibiting Animals

By MAGGIE MCMURRAY

The Progress

Although every exhibitor at the Clark County Junior Livestock Association (CCJLA) show aspires to win the coveted grand champion awards, those are not the only awards to win. There are plenty of other contests throughout the weekend in which the kids can participate.

On Wednesday, April 7, the livestock barn at the Logandale Fairgrounds was already buzzing with activity. Several contests were going on for kids that wanted a chance at winning some pretty great prizes.

First, they had a chance to try their hands at being a livestock judge. Each contestant judged and ranked a group of steers, a group of breeding ewes, a group of goats, and a group of pigs. When their rankings were complete, they presented and defended their findings to the contest judge.

For the first time ever, kids were invited to participate in a livestock knowledge quiz. Participants were given an age-level test about livestock. The winner in each age category was awarded a belt buckle sponsored by Aravada Springs.

Each kid also was required to submit a record book about their animal with another belt buckle on the line for the most diligent record keepers.

The finale for the day’s activities was the sheep shearing contest. One of the more entertaining events at the show for both spectators and participants, this contest involves teams of two kids armed with a set of sheep shears. Each team attempts to wrestle a sheep into letting them shear it in under an hour before a judge.

The team with the best looking animal at the end is declared the winner. This year brought plenty of suspense and laughs as kids bought their most innovative shearing styles in hopes of winning the day.

The awards were presented on Saturday morning at a special ceremony. Prize tables were overflowing as kids received awards they’d earned the whole week.

Every contest and award has a point value, and a running total is kept for each kid. At the end of the week, the showman with the highest point value for each age group is crowned the “All-Around Champion.”

This year’s all-around winners were Iain McMurray, senior division; Nadia Shakespear, intermediate division; and Aurelie Stratton, junior division.

There were also plenty of activities each night in the barn, after the days’ judging and competitions were over. Kickball contests, glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, and even a barn dance provided a relaxing and fun place for kids to kick back and hang out with their friends while making new ones from all over the region.

All exhibitors and their families agreed that this was one of the best shows ever and many friendships were born.
“It was a great year and will definitely go down as one of the best,” said CCLJA president Corey Houston.

“Everywhere I look kids are smiling and happy, getting a chance to be kids and do what they love. I love seeing kids serving and helping each other. I love seeing them succeed after the countless hours they put in with their animals. I love seeing the sacrifices and support for these kids from members of the community and the way everyone lifts and supports each other. It’s a great program and I’m honored to be a part of it.”