Victoria Livestock Show 2023

Marcus Casillas

Robyn Richter LeeSwearingen President QuinnGleinser

Sara Trojacek

LuAnn O’Connor Carolyn Nix Susan Orsak

Shannon Trott

l

ThankYou to the27thAnnual

COMMERCIAL HEIFER COMMERCIALHEIFER SHOW &SALESPONSORS AL ORS

For27years theCommercialHeiferShowand Sale hasbeenasuccessfullygrowing projectinwhich the4-H andFFA youth educationallybenefitfromhands-oncattleproduction. This includes thepurchasing,development,breeding, exhibition,record keeping, andmarketing of crossbredheifers.VictoriaLivestock Showextends ourdeepest appreciationtoour 2023 show andsalesponsors.

Special ThanksToOur CommercialHeiferDivisionSponsors

Expect a few changes to this year’s 77th annual Victoria Livestock Show

BY KEITH W. KOHN KKOHN@VICAD.COM

The Victoria Livestock Show brings a few twists and turns this year, making the 77th annual extravaganza one for the books.

But first, a look at what hasn’t changed. The show remains at the Victoria Community Center and the surrounding grounds.

“The city can pat the Victoria Livestock Show on the back and say, ‘Thank you.’ Because it’s the reason why the community center was built,” show spokeswoman Robin Janecka said. “The Victoria Community Center was built and the Jaycees held their first livestock show there in 1967.”

The show was renamed from the Jaycees 4-H and FFA Livestock Show to Victoria Livestock Show in the early 1970s.

And it continues, as always, focusing on the young exhibitors. “I mean, well, your main reason we’re here is for the kids, the 4-H and FFA exhibitors.” That won’t change.

The show is produced at a cost of about $100,000 by the Victoria Livestock Show. General chairman of the show this year is Gary Loest, his first time in that spot after serving most recently as assistant general chairman. He’s been with the show since 1972. Assistant general chairman is Kirby Garrett; and operations manager is Wesley Schmidt.

The thrills and spills of the show’s carnival is going to be presented once again by Pride of Texas Shows, which last year offered 28 rides, 20 games and nearly a dozen food stands.

This year, likewise, about 30 rides will be on tap. Wrist bands again are $30 for a day of excitement, though individual rides for those who don’t want to do too much will cost $4 to $5 each.

The rides might be fun, but the show’s focus is on the livestock raised by 4-H and FFA students, and, of course, the auction of their prize animals. Don’t be surprised if some of those animals end up sticking with the participant rather than the buyer — the show warns buyers the animals may end up at larger regional fairs, where they may be sold at auction.

Also returning is a performance by another animal. Racing wiener dogs are always a highlight of the show, and there’s no reason to expect any less this year.

“The wiener dog races is one of my very favorite categories,” Janecka said. “Those are great. If you have a chance on Saturday the 18th, come out at 2 o’clock. Oh my gosh, it is a blast to watch these little doggies run across the arena.”

But don’t bring your own dog; they’re not allowed, other than service animals.

“It just gets a little distracting,” she said. As for the changes, some facets of the auction are different this year. For instance, the grand champion and reserve champion winners of agricultural mechanics competition may be able to sell their projects at the live auction after the show on Feb. 27. Of course, folks can still place add-on donations for items on sale at the auction, which would give the exhibiting 4-H or FFA member a little extra cash.

In addition, the ag mechanics projects will be showcased in the dome with commercial exhibits, which will be easier for the public to view, Janecka said.

She said auctioning the winning ag mechanics items is optional, because some sponsors might just want to keep the barbecue pit or other items they paid to create once the show is done. But otherwise, the exhibitor would be able to sell their project.

Second, a secret many visitors might want to know about, is the beer trailer. Yes: Beer. Trailer.

“You can walk around with a beer. You don’t have to just stick around in the beer garden,” Janecka said. “You’re welcome to sit in the stands and walk around exhibits with your beer.”

She said the trailer and ability to wander with beer have been at the fair the past couple of years, but, “you may not be aware of it because it’s one little trailer.”

She added, “Of course, over 21 only.”

At the beer garden, a number of regional and national acts will perform throughout the show. Check the show’s website — https://victorialivestockshow. com — for complete schedules.

Cody Robles Jr., 11, goes into a pen with his hog at the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show during the market hog show.

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Victoria Livestock Show Ultimate Showmanship contestants maneuver their hogs around the judging area at the Victoria Community Center.

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Carnival attendees go for a spin on the Tiki Bar ride at the Victoria Livestock Show carnival.

Livestock show commercial exhibitors

63-74..Atzenhoffer’s

Victoria Livestock Show Chairmen

Gary Loest

Assistant General Chair

Kirby Garrett

Business Division Chair

Traci Shadle

Treasurer

Shelly Marbach

Recording Secretary

Toni Stithem

Operations Chair

Wesley Schmidt

Advertising

Robin Janecka

Ag Mechanics

Troy Koenig

Agrilife

Extension Agent

Paige Melton

Auction

Sara & Jeff Perry

Auction Dinner/ Snacks

Matt Cantu

Awards

Jackie Parsons

BBQ Cook-off

Heather McBride

Beer Garden/ Entertainment

J.R. Perez

Bloomington FFA

Julian Luna

Camper Lot

John Pozzi

Carcass Hogs

Larry Frederick

Carcass Lambs

Jerry Leita

Carcass Steers

Russ Svetlik

Coloring Contest

Crystal Cantu

Commercial Exhibits

Missy Sappington

Commercial

Heifers

Ryan Pletcher

Commercial

Heifers Co-Chair

Justin Leita

Concession Stand

Toni Stithem

County Fair Heritage

Homeschool 4-H & Agrilfe Extension Service

Disposition

Farah Janak

Goat Roping

Meghan Starr-Leita

Horseshoes and Washers

Victor Eder

Hospitality

Jake Barefield

Industrial FFA

Tiffany Wells

Judges and Sifters

Gordon Harris

Jr. Breeding Bulls

Melanie Hood

Jr. Breeding Gilts

Zach Depine

Jr. Breeding

Heifers

Susan Hempel

Kids Day

Alan Murray

Kids Day CoChair

Jillean Chreene

Market Broilers

Brad Bethke

Market Goats

Mike Tater

Market Hogs

Bruce Williams

Market Hogs CoChair

Jennifer Gordon

Market Lambs

Kevin Janak

Market Rabbits

Becky Kuecker

Market Steers

Stephen Diebel

Mutton Bustin’

Robert Shadle

Parade

Nick Rodriguez

Parking Lot/ Admissions

Richard Castillo

Parking Passes

B.J. Nelson

Pony Show

Shelley Milberger

Queen Victoria

Pageant

Sarah Rowlands

Scholarships

Nadine VanBeveren

Security

David Stithem

Technology

Kirby Garrett

Veterinarians

Teresa Moorman

Victoria East FFA

Charles Holloway

Victoria East FFA

Savannah Rab

Victoria East FFA

Lauren Holloway

Victoria West FFA

Daisy Brooks

Victoria West FFA

Scott Meinardus

Victoria West FFA

Amber Novosad

Weiner Dog Races

Pet Resort on Main

Western Games

Michelle Lassere

Kirby Garrett

Gary Loest

Founded by Victoria Jaycees

Victoria Livestock Show Schedule

Admission:

Charged Feb. 23-26 — $5 per person

Ages 5 and under and 65 and older free

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

8 a.m. — Market rabbits judging with breeding rabbits to follow

11 a.m. — Market broiler judging

11 a.m. — Opening ceremonies

Noon — Carcass winners announced

Noon-8 p.m. – Petting zoo open

Noon- 9:30 p.m. Exhibit hall open

1-7 p.m. — Ag mechanics & County Fair open for viewing

1:30 p.m. — Market hog judging

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

8 a.m.- Breeding gilt judging

8 a.m.-3 p.m. – Kids Day school tours

8a.m.-8 p.m. – Petting zoo open

10 a.m.-10 p.m. – Exhibit hall open

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Ag mechanics and County Fair open

1-3:30 p.m. – Market lamb judging

3:30-6 p.m. – Market goat judging

6 p.m. — Market steer judging

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

9 a.m. — Breeding bulls judging and heifers to follow

10 a.m.-10 p.m. Exhibit hall open

Noon-8 p.m. – Petting zoo open

Noon — Special Livestock Show

1 p.m. — Peewee Livestock Show

3 p.m. — Western Games

7 p.m. -Ultimate Showmanship

8 p.m. – midnight — FFA/4-H Youth Dance in VLS Hall

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

Noon- 6 p.m. — Exhibit hall open

1:30 p.m. – Mutton Bustin’

2:30 p.m. 4-H/FFA Awards & Scholarship ceremony

MONDAY, FEB. 27

3 p.m. — Auction buyer registration

4:30 p.m. – Auction

CARNIVAL

FEB. 20-24

5 p.m. – midnight

FEB. 25-26

Noon-midnight

BEER GARDEN Community Center Annex

FEB. 23

9 to 10:15 p.m. — Jukebox Preachers

10:45 p.m. to midnight — Art Tigerina Band

FEB. 24

7 to 9 p.m. — Stephanie Ross & The Southern Drive Band

9:30 p.m. to midnight — Chris Medina Band

FEB. 25

1 p.m. — Karaoke Finals

3 p.m. — Cornhole signups begin 4 p.m. — Cornhole games start 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Rick Evans Band

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Abigail Arriaga, 16, celebrates with Andy Guerrero, 12, right, after he was named runner up in the lightweight light cross division during the market hog show at the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show.

2023 Queen Victoria Contestants

BY KYLE R. COTTON KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

The 2023 Queen Victoria Pageant is Feb. 18 in the Victoria Community Center Dome. Gary Moses and Rachel Robbins will serve as the emcees of this event where the new court that will reign over the Victoria Livestock Show will be named. Competing age division are:

■ Queen Victoria: 15-18 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, custom livestock show leather jacket and a belt buckle will be awarded.

■ Junior Queen Victoria: 11-14 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, custom livestock show leather jacket and a belt buckle will be awarded.

■ Young Queen Victoria: 7-10 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, custom livestock show leather jacket and a belt buckle will be awarded.

■ Little Miss Cowgirl: 4-6 years old. A scholarship, tiara, sash, bouquet, custom livestock show leather jacket and a

belt buckle will be awarded.

■ Little Mister Cowboy: 4-6 years old. A scholarship, leather hat band, custom livestock show leather jacket and a belt buckle will be awarded.

Twenty-five contestants competed in the event, that’s two more than the previous year.

First runner-up and second runner up in each division will receive awards as well and will participate with the court throughout the year.

Junior Queen Victoria Contestants:

Lynleigh Yandell, 12, Our Lady of Victory, daughter of Jason and Amanda Yandell.

Peyton Emerson, 14, Industrial High School, daughter of Jenny and Jeremy Petru and Seth Emerson.

Amanda Grace Traxler, 12, Howell Middle School, daughter of Cherish Aiken and David Traxler.

Avery Urban, 14, St. Joseph High School, daughter of Michael and Amy Urban.

Young Queen Victoria Contestants:

Paityn Williams, 10, Mission Valley Elementary School, daughter of Chris Williams and Codey Taylor.

Larkin Miller, 9, homeschooled, daughter of Trey and Melissa Miller.

Patti Ann Riley, 7, Nazareth Academy, daughter of Bonnie Riley and Douglas Bagwell.

Annani Rodriguez, 9, Smith Elementary, daughter of Marcelo and Kimberly Cisneros.

Harper Schroeder, 10, Our Lady of Victory, daughter of Matt and Mindy Schroeder.

Katelynn Whittley, 10, Nazareth Academy, daughter of Erin Rodriguez and Clinton Whittley.

Payton Meyer, 10, Nazareth Academy, daughter of Samantha Izard and Granvel Meyer Jr.

Madayn Schroeder, 10, Our Lady of Victory, daughter of Matt and Mindy Schroeder.

Ellasyn Stumfoll, 9, Industrial Elemen-

tary West, daughter of Mark and Dawn Stumfoll.

Little Miss Cowgirl Contestants:

Sadie Ellis, 6, Aloe Elementary School, daughter of Bracken and Madison Ellis.

Payton Moore, 5, Rowland Elementary School, daughter of Jeff and Kathy Moore. Cassidy Easley, 5, Faith Academy, daughter of Lance and Kaylin Easley.

Olivia Vasquez, 5, Dudley Elementary School, daughter of Victoria Alvarez.

Conleigh Whitley, 6, Aloe Elementary School, daughter of Preston and Kelli Whitley.

Whitley Lambright, 5, Industrial Elementary School West, daughter of Thomas and Kristen Lambright.

Little Mister Cowboy Contestants: Samuel Martinez, 4, Torres Elementary School, son of Hector and Victoria Martinez.

Hudson Leita, 4, Parkway School, son of John Leita and Meghan Starr.

WHITLEY LAMBRIGHT, 5, Industrial Elementary West daughter of Thomas and Kristen Lambright.

SADIE ELLIS, 6, Aloe Elementary School, daughter of Bracken and Madison Ellis.

PAYTON MOORE, 5, Rowland Elementary, daughter of Jeff and Kathy Moore.

CONLEIGH WHITLEY, 6, Aloe Elementary School, daughter of Preston and Kelli Whitley.

CASSIDY EASLEY, 5, Faith Academy, daughter of Lance and Kaylin Easley.

OLIVIA VASQUEZ, 5, Dudley Elementary School, daughter of Victoria Alvarez.

HUDSON LEITA, 4, Parkway School, son of John Leita and Meghan Starr.

SAMUEL MARTINEZ, 4, Torres Elementary School, son of Hector and Victoria Martinez.

ELLASYN STUMFOLL, 9, Industrial Elementary West, daughter of Mark and Dawn Stumfoll.

PAITYN WILLIAMS, 10, Mission Valley Elementary School, daughter of Chris Williams and Codey Taylor.

PAYTON MEYER, 10, Nazareth Academy, daughter of Samantha Izard and Granvel Meyer Jr.

PATTI ANN RILEY, 7, Nazareth Academy, daughter of Bonnie Riley and Douglas Bagwell.

MADAYN SCHROEDER, 10, Our Lady of Victory, daughter of Matt and Mindy Schroeder.

KATELYNN WHITTLEY, 10, Nazareth Academy, daughter of Erin Rodriguez and Clinton Whittley.

ANNANI RODRIGUEZ, 9, Smith Elementary School, daughter of Marcelo and Kimberly Cisneros.

HARPER SCHROEDER, 10, Our Lady of Victory, daughter of Matt and Mindy Schroeder.

LARKIN MILLER, 9, homeschooled, daughter of Trey and Melissa Miller.

LYNLEIGH YANDELL, 12, Our Lady of Victory, daughter of Jason and Amanda Yandell.

AMANDA GRACE TRAXLER, 12, Howell Middle School, daughter of Cherish Aiken and David Traxler.

PEYTON EMERSON, 14, Industrial High School, daughter of Jenny and Jeremy Petru and Seth Emerson.

AVERY URBAN, 14, St. Joseph High School, daughter of Michael and Amy Urban.

QueenVictoriaContestants: NatalieOhrt,15,AbekaChristianAcademy,daughterofClayandWendyOhrt. PaytonHembree,15,homeschooled,daughterofRobbyandKellyHembree. GwynethEyre,18,VictoriaWestHighSchool,daughterofSamandBethEyre. AddisynTurner,15,VictoriaWestHighSchool,daughterofCoreyandJillTurner.

NATALIEOHRT

15,AbekaChristianAcademy,daughterofClay andWendyOhrt.

PAYTONHEMBREE

15,homeschooled,daughterof RobbyandKellyHembree.

GWYNETHEYRE

18,VictoriaWestHighSchool,daughterofSam andBethEyre.

15,VictoriaWestHighSchool,daughterofCorey andJillTurner.

Outgoing Queen Victoria treasures last year with pageant

BY KYLE R. COTTON KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

The last year has been a whirlwind for Queen Victoria Hailey Urban.

The 17-year-old said she has enjoyed every minute of being Queen Victoria. From engaging in community service, traveling around the Crossroads and bonding with her sister Avery Urban, 14, who was part of her court as Junior Queen Victoria runner-up.

Hailey has been involved with the Queen Victoria Pageant since 2016.Shewasinspiredto get involved after watching the show “Toddlers and Tiaras” and seeing all the work that goes into the contests.

“It was something that me and my sister always watched when we were little. It was all little girls across Texas, and they competed in pageants and they would film it. We watched it and we loved that show,” Hailey said.

She was also inspired by the parades she attended with her grandmother, particularly the Goliad lighted Christmas parade. She was in awe of the floats and the young ladies in the pretty dresses on the floats.

“They had their crowns on and I think just looking at them and being like, that’s something I wanted to do.”

Prior to being crowned Queen Victoria, she served as Junior Queen Victoria in 2020.

During her reign, Hailey and her court were able to represent Victoria County across the Crossroads, help throughout last year’s livestock show and help in various community service projects, including Warrior’s Weekend.

“You get to help these people that have fought for our country. They come from all across the United States. I actually met an older man who I sat down and had a conversation with.

It was just really special getting to hear his story,” Hailey said. “It’s really moving just to be around all those people that have done so much for us and to try to give back to them what they’ve given to us.”

As her year winds down, one element of her reign she will treasure is the time it allowed her to spend with her sister Avery.

Hailey’s year as Queen Victoria was the last she could compete before going to college in the fall. She has been accepted to Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School.

With the age gap between Hailey and Avery, they haven’t been as close as they would like, Hailey said. But, over the last year, they helped each other through last year’s pageant, and Hailey helped Avery in this year’s pageant.

Hailey was anticipating her final walk as Queen Victoria to be an emotional one.

“It’s definitely going to tug at my heartstrings, for sure, because that’s where I started...And this is kind of my endpoint with the actual organization that has given me so much. So it’s going to be an emotional moment. But I know that it’s time to close this chapter of the book and move on to the next one,” Hailey said. “If I would never have competed in 2016, I wouldn’t have competed

in other pageants in Texas, where I’ve gotten to meet lots of awesome people... And I don’t know what I would be doing if I wasn’t as active in my community. It’s done a lot for me just getting to give back to the community that’s given so much to me.”

She has a simple message for her successor, be true to herself.

“Just continue to be your authentic self. You definitely shouldn’t put on a show for other people. You need to be who you are for sure. Just lead with grace, remain confident, cool and collected through everything because it’s gonna be a big change. It’s going to be a lot. But as long as you’re willing to represent your community and do it with grace, I think you’re going to be fine too. So don’t be scared to jump in headfirst because it’s gonna go by very, very fast.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Queen Victoria Pageant

■ Where: Victoria Community Center, 2905 E North St.

■ When: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Queen Victoria contestant Hailey Urban, right, reacts to winning the pageant during the Victoria Livestock Show Queen Victoria Pageant Feb. 19, 2022 at the Victoria Community Center.

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Hailey Urban, 16, left, and Avery Urban, 13, right, chat while getting ready for rifle shooting last year at the 4-H Activity Center.

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Hailey Urban, 16, left, and Avery Urban, 13, right, pose for a portrait after the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show parade. Hailey was crowned Queen Victoria. Avery competed in the pageant for the first time.

HAILEY URBAN, 17 St. Joseph High School, Senior Parents: Michael and Amy Urban

Band to play country, Tejano tunes at VLS beer garden

BY LEO BERTUCCI LBERTUCCI@VICAD.COM

Art Tigerina and his bandmates strive to please crowds at both honky-tonks and quinceañeras.

Tigerina takes part in both a country music band, Jukebox Preachers, and a Tejano group, the Art Tigerina Band.

Both of the Central Texas-based bands will perform Thursday night at the Victoria Livestock Show beer garden.

Chris Tigerina, Art’s wife and a manager for both bands, said the Feb. 23 night set will be a “perfect fit” for the livestock show audience.

“We think people will say ‘Shoot, I’m gonna stay,’ when they hear we are going to play Tejano music,” Chris said.

Art, 56, developed a passion for both Tejano and country music growing up in Bryan. He once played for Grupo Vida, a Tejano group which opened for The Chicks during their “Fly Tour” in 2000.

While the Art Tigerina Band played at small gatherings during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Art realized he wanted to explore the country genre more, his wife said. Jukebox Preachers released its first single, “Bourbon and Bad Decisions,” in 2021.

Nowadays, Art’s bands play three to four shows each weekend, Chris said. When the players switch from Tejano to country, the fiddle replaces the accordion.

“I think he’s a genius,” Chris said of her husband.

J.R. Perez, the Victoria Livestock Show’s entertainment chairman, said this is the first year the beer garden will feature Tejano music.

“It’s great to have local bands, but it’s also cool to see the out-of-town bands people haven’t listened to before,” Perez said.

The livestock show’s live music lineup at the beer garden will also feature the finalists from the karaoke competition, Perez said. They are competing for a $1,000 prize.

Perez said livestock show attendees can visit the beer garden at no extra charge.

“This will be a time to kick back, relax, enjoy the day and maybe do a little dancing, too,” Perez said.

CONTRIBUTED

Musician Art Tigerina will perform both Tejano and country music Feb. 23 at the Victoria Livestock Show.

IF YOU GO

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE AT THE BEER GARDEN

■ FEB. 23

Jukebox Preachers— 9 to 10:15 p.m.

Art Tigerina Band— 10:45 p.m. to midnight

■ FEB. 24

Stephanie Ross & The Southern Drive Band— 7 to 9 p.m.

Chris Medina Band— 9:30 p.m. to midnight

■ FEB. 25

Karaoke Finals— 1 p.m.

Cornhole signups begin at 3 p.m., games start at 4 p.m.

Rick Evans Band— 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Livestock show carnival has something for everyone

BY JON WILCOX JWILCOX@VICAD.COM

The Crossroads may be a long drive to the nearest amusement park.

But that’s exactly why Pride of Texas Shows is once again bringing its carnival to this year’s livestock show.

“It’s a different type of entertainment. There’s no real Six Flags (here), so we bring the amusement park to the people,” Chris Barton, owner of the company, said. “That’s why we go to the places we go. We don’t go to big towns.”

The carnival is bringing its collection of food vendors, games, prizes and rides to the Victoria Community Center for the week leading up to the stock show and then during the event. Entry to the carnival is free, but visitors will need to pay for parking if they bring their vehicles during

the week of the livestock show. Wristbands are $30 per day and give visitors unlimited rides. For those who are interested in only riding a few rides, tickets can be purchased for $1 a pop. Each ride requires four-five tickets.

This year, the carnival is bringing about 30 different rides, including the Triple Twist, which made its first Victoria appearance last year.

This year, as in years past, there’s something for everyone, whether they be 7 months, 7 years or 70 years old, Barton said.

“We see everyone from newborn babies to people going around in a wheelchair,” he said.

For those looking to get their adrenaline pumping, the carnival offers a ride for stouthearted, motion-sickness-immune thrill seekers.

A 100-foot drop tower will take riders to the top of Victoria before plunging them into white-knuckled free fall. Alien Abduction will lock visitors to their seats through a spinning centrifuge. And the Sizzler twists riders around in spinning, swirling bathtubs.

For those looking for something a bit gentler, there’s a 70-foot Ferris wheel and carousel.

The rides will be accompanied by a collection of games that range from basketball throws to balloon pops to beer bottle busting, which give players a chance to win fun prizes like oversized stuffed animals the size of a small child.

Food and drink vendors will be on hand as well, offering all sorts of traditional carnival snacks like corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cake and bacon-wrapped sausages.

Victoria Police Department officers will

provide security on the carnival grounds. Those looking to avoid long lines are encouraged to attend during weekdays.

IF YOU GO

■ What: Livestock show carnival

■ When: 1 p.m.-midnight Feb. 18 and 19, 5 p.m.-midnight Feb. 20-24 and noon-midnight Feb. 25 and 26

■ Where: Victoria Community Center, 2905 E North St.

■ Cost: Parking is free the week before the livestock show. Entry to the carnival is free, but rides require tickets or a wristband. Wristbands are $30 per day and offer unlimited rides. Individual tickets are $1, and rides require fourfive tickets.

■ More Information:Visit prideoftexasshowsinc.com or call 254-495-0527.

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Visitors to the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show carnival line up for tickets while the Ferris Wheel lights up the sky at the Victoria Community Center.

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Hayden Salazar, 11, left, and Elliana Salazar, 12, right, whirl around on the “Sizzler” ride at the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show carnival.

Karaoke finalists set to take beer garden stage

BY LEO BERTUCCI LBERTUCCI@VICAD.COM

It all comes down to this.

After six qualifying rounds, 20 contestants will sing for an $1,000 prize in front of Victoria Livestock Show attendees.

“It’s a tremendous amount of fun,” said Carlos Salas, general manager of Dodge City Saloon. “You’ll hear some really good contestants.”

Dodge City sponsors the karaoke contest and hosts the qualifying rounds in January and February. Judges selected three contestants each round and used two “wild cards” for singers they thought were also worthy of making it to the finals.

Amateur singers with a satisfying sound and solid strategy ride down the road to victory.

“I tell people to not save their best songs for the finals, because there’s a chance they may not get there,” Salas said.

Salas said some contestants who failed to qualify on their first attempt gave it another go the next week.

Contestants were judged on their song choice, pitch and vocals, stage presence

and crowd participation. These categories will factor into the finals as well, Salas said.

After each vocalist performs on the beer garden stage, judges will select five contestants to sing one last time, Salas said. The final five will each earn some cash, even if it is not the $1,000 top prize.

“We get a pretty good-sized crowd to come and watch the finals,” Salas said.

Dodge City started the karaoke contest in 2016.

“It’s a privilege for us,” Salas said. “It’s my favorite event of the livestock show.”

For those who would like to enter the next karaoke competition, Salas said all contestants can enter for free.

IF YOU GO

■ What: Victoria Livestock Show Karaoke Finals

■ When: 1 p.m. Feb. 25

■ Where: Beer garden

PRIZES FOR FINALISTS

■ 1st Place— $1,000

■ 2nd Place— $500

■ 3rd Place— $300

■ 4th Place— $200

■ 5th Place— $100

Karaoke finalists will sing for prize money at the Victoria Livestock Show beer garden on Feb. 25.

Over 2,000 children compete in the 2023 coloring contest

BY TAMARA DIAZ TDIAZ@VICAD.COM

More than 2,000 children colored “Barn in the USA” coloring sheets and entered this year’s Victoria Livestock Show coloring contest.

The winners were imaginative pieces. They started with a simple barn, silo, bare rocks, clouds and stone path — the blooming artists added fireworks, colored the skies and filled them with swirled clouds or clouds with silver linings, a rainbow or a shining sun.

There were smiling horned cows with pink ears and black spots and fat pink pigs with cork screw tails, popping flowers and short tufts of green grass. Each little Picasso added lots of color.

Even though each contestant started with the same coloring sheet, none of the winning submissions looked alike. Each one displayed the panache of its young creator.

“We had 2,100 entries which is more than last year. We hand delivered the coloring contest to 25 schools and almost all of them participated. This is a fun event that lets young children get involved in the Victoria Livestock Show without raising an animal,” Crystal Cantu, chair of the contest, said.

The old barn had a smiling face in the top window above Old Glory on each sheet.

“We created an old barn with an American flag on it and the kids had so many cute additions like fireworks, flying pigs, farm animals, and one even quoted the song by Miley Cirus ‘Party

in the USA’,” Cantu said. Dean Rosas, who placed second in the fifth grade category, said he spent three days meticulously coloring his submission.

“We look forward to meeting all of these talented artists at the Victoria Livestock Show,” Cantu said. “Thank you to all the teachers and schools that took time to participate. This wouldn’t be possible without you.”

KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE

Grand champion: Demi Zapata, Northside Baptist School, Mrs. Stevens’ first grade class

Reserve grand champion: Charlotte Leita, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Svetlik’s kindergarten class

Kindergarten (400 Entries)

First: Charlotte Leita, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Svetlik’s class

Second: Carter May, Nursery Elementary School, Mrs. Hull’s class

Third: Everett Goyen, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. Woods’ class

Fourth: Makenna Lassman, Faith Academy, Mrs. Abrego’s class

Fifth: Elizabeth Holm, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Neuvar’s class

Honorable mention: Paxton Westbrook, Vickers Elementary, Mrs. Beckner’s class; Gracyn Pallanez, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Morris’s class

First Grade (400 Entries)

First: Demi Zapata, Northside Baptist School, Mrs. Stevens’ class

Second: Jaxon May, Nursery Elementary School, Mrs. Culberson’s class

Third: Gemma Hawes, Mission Valley Elementary School, Mrs. Shafer’s class

Fourth: Dax Leita, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Tomas’ class

Fifth: Frank Wang, DeLeon Elementary School, Mrs. Rodriguez’s class

Honorable Mention: Serenity Ring, DeLeon

Elementary School, Mrs. Rodriguez’s class; Mackenzie Heller, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. King’s class

SECOND AND THIRD GRADES

Grand champion: Hunter Wolter, Industrial Elementary East, Ms. Pattillo’s second grade class

Reserve grand champion: Madison Burger, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Supak’s third grade class

Second Grade (550 Entries)

First: Hunter Wolter, Industrial Elementary East, Ms. Pattillo’s class

Second: Carter Fernandez, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Fernandez’s class

Third: Luke Lange, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Villarreal’s class

Fourth: Gabriel Pham, Our Lady of Victory School, Lara/Weempe class

Fifth: Analysa Casas, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Vara’s class

Honorable Mention: Mason Martinez, Industrial Elementary East, Mrs. Pattillo’s class; Stella Hickman, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. Aitchison’s class

Third Grade (310 Entries)

First: Madison Burger, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Supak’s class

Second: Emily Chovanec, Our Lady of Victory School, Janak/Smith class

Third: Emory Matias, Our Lady of Victory School, Janak/Smith class

Fourth: Camille Turner, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. Dotras’ class

Fifth: Huda Nusayr, Vickers Elementary, Mrs. Beckner’s class

Honorable Mention: Brayden Alfa-

ro, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Yates’ class; Milana Jarosz, Vickers Elementary, Mrs. Becker’s class

FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE

Grand champion: Baelyn Urban, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. Biles’ fourth grade class

Reserve grand champion: Cooper Kickendahl, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Frazier’s fifth grade class Fourth Grade (250 Entries)

First: Baelyn Urban, Trinity Episcopal School, Mrs. Biles’ class

Second: Violet Boenig, Heritage Homeschool, Mrs. Boenig’s class

Third: Lauren Wolter, Industrial Elementary East, Nieto

Fourth: Aaliyah Padierna, DeLeon Elementary, Alvarade

Fifth: Jessie Wang, DeLeon Elementary, Zimmerman

Honorable Mention: Addyson Schroeder, Industrial Elementary West, Bednorz; Erlie Garcia, Industrial Elementary West, Pfuhl

Fifth Grade (190 Entries)

First: Cooper Kickendahl, Our Lady of Victory School, Mrs. Frazier’s class

Second: Dean Rosas, Heritage Homeschool, Rosas

Third: Ainslee Chapa, Our Lady of Victory School, Frazier

Fourth Clementine Chamrad, Schorlemmer, Mr. Carrasco’s class

Fifth: Izaiah Ruiz, DeLeon Elementary, Koch

Honorable Mention: Sydney Pletcher, Industrial Elementary West, Mrs. Neel’s class; Rachel Adkison, Our Lady of Victory School, Frazier

Kindergarten and first grade grand champion submission by Demi Zapata, Northside Baptist School, Mrs. Stevens’ first grade class.

Kindergarten and first grade reserve grand champion submission by Charlotte Leita, Nazareth Academy, Mrs. Svetlik’s kindergarten class.

MarcusCasillas

RobynRichter

LeeSwearingen President

QuinnGleinser

Sara Trojacek

LuAnnO’Connor

SusanOrsak

Trott

BillyMurphy

Ag mechanics gives students chance to compete

BY KYLE R. COTTON KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

For some of the students in Victoria West High School’s FFA agriculture mechanics program, the Victoria Livestock Show is one of the few opportunities they get to showcase their work.

Much like the students that raise their animals in preparation of the show, the students of the Victoria West FFA invest significant time drawing up plans for and creating their projects. Their projects range from gates, elevated fire pits, and smoker and barbecue pits.

Enoc Mendez Jr., 17, a junior, got into the ag mechanic program because he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Growing up, he constantly saw his father work on cars. He saw the class as a way to do what his father does.

“He works in autobody, so every time he would fix cars he would always restore them,” Enoc said. “I like the idea of metalwork and building something that is kind of challenging...It’s not paper. With metal there is a challenge to it.”

This will be Enoc’s first time to compete in the Victoria Livestock Show. It will also be his first time to attend the show.

He made a Minion-inspired mini-charcoal grill based on a design he saw online that was 50 feet tall. He put his own spin on it with repurposed metals after his dad suggested making a mini-pit like the one his father gave Enoc’s grandparents.

“This is probably the closest I can get to experience like (his),” Enoc said.

Other students in the program are also first-timers. Junior Joshua Williamson, 16, and sophomore teammates Christian Hernandez and Jaiden Perez, 16, primarily got into the program to learn welding skills and to have a career in welding after high school.

Joshua is entering an elevated firepit, while Christian and Jaiden are entering a vertical smoker.

Logan Berger, 18, a 10-year veteran of the show, is building a large decorative gate.

He is a veteran showman with livestock including commercial heifers, market

hogs and market rabbits. But this is his first time to participate in the ag mechanics show.

He enjoys being able to focus on building his project.

“Ever since I was little, I loved doing anything agriculture,” Berger said. “You see just metal with this, but you can turn this into something very neat.”

For these students in the Victoria West ag mechanics, they don’t often have other projects in the show, said Scott Meinardus, Victoria West FFA advisor and ag mechanics and metal technologies teacher. The projects are completely their own, sparking their creativity and teaching responsibility and, hopefully, by the end of the show, inspired to try other types of projects.

This year will be unique as the grand and reserve ag mechanics projects will be sold at the auction, Meinardus said.

“They’ll get some return on it. It doesn’t matter if it is a blue ribbon or a red ribbon. All of them will get something and it’s a good experience for them,” he said. “Mainly, these kids are building it for themselves, their family and they’re going to have it 50 years from now.”

Enoc Mendez Jr., 17, straightens the top on his Minion inspired grill that he is entering into the Victoria Livestock Show.

IF YOU GO

■ What: Ag mechanics show

■ When: 1-7 p.m. Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-7p.m. Feb. 24.

■ Where: Victoria Livestock Show Hall, 2905 E. North St., Victoria

KYLE R. COTTON/KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

Joshua Williamson, 16, Victoria West High School junior, loads his fire pit project into his truck with the help of classmate Logan Berger, 18, and West FFA advisor Scott Meinardus.

KYLE R. COTTON/KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

Christian Hernandez, 16, and Jaiden Perez, 16, Victoria West sophomores, work on their smoker pit for the Victoria Livestock Show.

KYLE R. COTTON/KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

Returningchampiongoes foranotherCountyFairwin

BYTAMARADIAZ

TDIAZ@VICAD.COM

DeanRosasisalreadyawinnerbeforethecompetitionevenbegins.He isamultitalented-returningchampion andabitsecretiveaboutsomeofhisentries,whichspanafewcategories.

The10-year-oldartistandbakeris backforanothergo-roundatthecountyfairafterwinninggrandchampion intheacrylicpaintingcategoryin2022. Forthatwin,hepaintedabrilliantlycoloredEarthonarichbluebackground.Stunninglydoneandquitea credittoathen9-year-oldboy.

HisparentsareDeanandJessicaRosas,bothofVictoria,andheishomeschooledwithinthegroupClassicalConversationsofVictoria,hismothersaid.

Thecountyfairgivesyouththeopportunitytocompeteinseveralcategories,includingart,photography,crafts

andhorticulture,clothingandhandiwork,foodsandeducationalexhibits. Withintheartcategory,therearesubcategoriessuchasacrylicandwatercolorpainting.

Dean’sfavoritecategoryiscrafts,he said.

“Inthepastyearstheonewhowon grandchampionorreservechampion isgiventheoptiontoselltheirwork,” hismothersaid.“Hehassoldsomeof hisphotographybuthehasn’twanted toletgoofhispaintings.”

Deanhascreationstoenterin painting,photography,woodworking (crafts)andbakingthisyear.

Hehasphotographedhisblackand whitepetrabbitHopper,aswellasa lizardandaspider.HesaidhewillenterHopperforsure.Hehasn’tdecidedwhichoftheothertwotoenter.He foundallthesubjectsofhisphotographyinhisyardathome.

Hehaspaintedablackbearloungingonitsbellyonathicktreebranch, legsdanglingdown.Heismakingwriting-pensfromrosewood(alsofoundin hisyard)andbakingaloafofgluten-free bread.Alltoenteratthecountyfair.

Inadditiontothose,heisbakingup somecupcakesbutsaidhewon’treveal whatkind.

“I’mgoingtosavethatforthejudges,”hesaid.

Deanissuretotakehomeanother ribbonortwoandmaybeatrophyin thelivestockshow’scoloringcontest. HespentthreedaysmeticulouslycoloringtheLivestockShowsheetwiththis year’stheme,BarnintheUSA.Heused coloredpencils,hesaid.

“Weneedanothershelfforthe awards,”Deansaidwithashy,albeit knowing,smile.

Tuesday,May16that6:30pm

DeanRosas,10,displaysapaintinghewillenter inthecountyfaircompetition.

IFYOUGO

■ What: CountyFairschedule

■ WHERE: VictoriaCommunityCenter 2905E.NorthSt.

■ WHEN: 1-7p.m.,Feb.23; 10a.m.-7p.m.,Feb.24

TAMARADIAZ/TDIAZ@VICAD.COM

VLS auction adds new features this year

BY LEO BERTUCCI LBERTUCCI@VICAD.COM

One way in which the prize-winning kids of the Victoria Livestock Show will be honored for their work is through the annual auction.

The auction on Feb. 27 will feature everything from animals to artwork, starting with the reserve and grand champion steers. Lambs, goats, hogs, chickens and rabbits will also be up for sale, said event organizer Sara Perry.

The commercial heifer auction will be Feb. 18 at the Victoria Community Center pavilion, before the livestock show begins.

“We had over $1 million in sales last year, which was a record,” Perry said.

Exhibitors have the option to enter their projects into either a terminal or premium sale, said Robin Janecka, the livestock show’s publicity chair. In a terminal sale, the exhibitor sells the animal to a buyer.

“The buyer may keep the meat, or they eitherdonateittoalocalcharityortheyresell it,” Janecka said.

Premium sales, which were introduced last year, allow the exhibitor to keep the ani-

malanduseitinanothershow,Janeckasaid.

“The buyers really want to support the kids,” Janecka said. “They’re not in it for the meat.”

Janecka said the animals up for sale will no longer be moved into the auction ring.

“We wanted to relieve stress on them because this is more about the kids anyway,” she said.

In lieu of a live appearance, photographs of the animals will be projected on a large screen inside the venue, Janecka said. The photos will be contributed by the exhibitors.

“The kids are also welcome to hold up a poster or oversized photograph of the animal,” Janecka said.

Moving inside the dome of the Victoria Community Center for this year’s event is the silent auction for the County Fair prize winners. Buyers will be able to purchase a variety of arts and crafts, as well as baked goods, Janecka said.

Also new in 2023 is the option for the grand and reserve champions of the ag mechanics contests to put their projects in the live auction.

“Kids spend a lot of time on their proj-

Attendees bid during the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show auction.

ects,” Perry said. “There’s a lot of beautiful work.”

During the auction, buyers can eat a fried catfish meal provided by Cat Daddy’s Fry Shack, Janecka said.

IF YOU GO

■ What: Victoria Livestock Show Auction

■ When: Feb 27

■ Time: Registration starts: 3 p.m.; sale starts :4:30 p.m.

■ How to register: Livestock show publicity chairman Robin Janecka said the best way to register for the livestock show this year is in person. Participants can receive their buyer number inside the Victoria Community Center.

Students ready for their big show

ALOE 4-H CLUB

Brody Clayton, Com Heif

Madison Cowan, H

Trustyn Cumberland, JBx3, S

Jacob Dentler, H, Gilts

Ava Dornburg, Com Heif

Layla Dornburg, Com Heif

Kodie Foster, Br rabbits, R, Com Heif

Mattie Garrett, JBx3, S, Com Heif, CH

Sam Harrell, H, Gilts

Karley John, Com Heif, CS

Kourtney John, CS, Com Heif

William John, Com Heif, CS, Ag mech

Tatum Johnson, G

Ava Krossgaard, H

Kayden Marbach, Giltsx2, H, Com Heif

Mackenzie Moncrief, H

Korbyn Murray, CS, Com Heif

Shaylee Murray, CS, Com Heif

Carter Nelson, CH, H

Clayton Perry, CL, Com Heif

Colten Perry, CL, Com Heif, Ag mech

Riley Petrash, R

Carlie Richter, Com Heif

Cy Richter, Com Heif

Renah Richter, Com Heif

Lena Svetlik, CS, S

Sawyer Svetlik, Com Heif, S

Sloan Svetlik, S, Com Heif

Sutton Svetlik, S, Com Heif

Walker Svetlik, CS

Laney Taylor, Com Heif

Sunny Taylor, Com Heif

Blake Thigpen, H

Macy Thigpen, G

Micah Thigpen, Gilts, H

Avery Urban, Com Heif

Hailey Urban, Com Heif

William Weischwill, Com Heif

Reagan Weiser, Com Heif

Reese Weiser, Com Heif

Caroline Williams, Bro

BLOOMINGTON 4-H CLUB

Austin, Arias, H

Kathleen Arias, H

Victoria Arias, H, CH

Nia Baladez, H

Rylan Barr, H, CH

Aidan Castro, H, CH

Cameron Castro, Gilts, CH, H

Aden Chapa, CH, H

Kayden Clemons, H, Gilts

River Darilek, CH, H

Lorenzo Dilworth, H

Marquez Dilworth, H, CH

Kaeden Dollins, CH, H

Colbie Drexler, H, Gilts

Brodie Flores, H

Sophie Franke, CH, Com Heif, H

Alazaha Garcia, H

Liam Garcia, H, CH

Niyah Garza, H

Jeremiah Herrera, H

Presley Johnson, H, Gilts

Brooke Klekar, H, Gilts

Jacob Martinez, H, CH

Maxamus Moraida, H, CH

Jalynn Nelms, H, CH, Gilts

Memorie Pena, H

Tayvian Peoples, H

Khyler Reed, S, Gilts, JB, H

Miguel Reyes, H

Kambryan Richter, CH, Gilts, H

Sawyer Richter, CH, H

Jonathan Rivera, H

Cody Robles Jr., Giltsx2, H, CH, CS

Collin Robles, CH Gilts, H

Taylor Rogers, CH, H, Giltsx3

Koy Shelton, H

Ty Shelton, H

Chase Sturm, CH, H

Allison Villarreal, H

Henry Villarreal, H

Kholton Williams, CH, H

Daidree Zarate, H, Giltsx2, CH,

BLOOMINGTON FFA

Abigail Arriaga, H

Alexis Arriaga, H

Devin Cano, H

Juan (Alex) Delgado, H, Gilts

Carlee Drexler, H, Gilts

Ayden Gardner, H

Haley R. Gardner, H

Dominic Goodale, H

Sicily Goodale, H

Herlinda Guerrero, H

Mirakle Gutierrez, Gilts

Zeah Morales, H, Gilts

Ashtynn Pettis, H

Hunter Portales, G

Roper Portales, G

Scarlette Portales, G

GUADALUPE 4-H CLUB

Wyatt Coldewey, H, Com Heif, Giltsx4

Caroline Garcia, Giltsx2, H

Derek Hempel, S, JBx3

Callie Humphrey, S

Maddison Jeanis, CH, H, Gilts

Christian Molina, Giltsx2, H

Jordan Olguin, H

Layton Shadle, Giltsx2, H

Avari Winks, Giltsx3, H

HERITAGE 4-H CLUB

Connor Goerhing, CL, L

Payton Hembree, JBx4, CS

Noah Rung, CS, Com Heif

Thomas Rung, Com Heif, CS

HIGH BIDDERS 4-H CLUB

Emry Adcock, Gilts, H

Haley Beckner, Giltsx2, Com Heif, H

Adyson Bernhard, Br rabbits, H

Blayne Bernhard, H, Gilts

Karsyn Bernhard, Gilts, H

Kenneth Wyatt Bernhard, Gilts, H,

Colden Miller, CL

Averie Porras, Gilts, H, Com Heif

Andrew Reissig, CL

Seth Reissig, CL

Caleb Schustereit, G

Cameron Schustereit, G

Keaton Wesley, H

INDUSTRIAL FFA

Grace Bowers, R

Molly Bowers, R

Lilly Brittain, L, CL

Carlee Burow, H, Gilts

Kylah Fulkerson, H, Gilts

Zaley Fulkerson, H, Gilts

Avery Harper, CH, H

Ryder Harper, CH, H

Emma Hessler, S, Com Heif

Aidan Janis, CH, H

Jack Koehl, S

Natalie Koehl, S

Trevan Koenig, H, CH

Zain Koenig, H, Gilts, CH

Chelsea Kretser, H, CH, Gilts

Jax Kretser, Giltsx2, H, CH

Jayce Kretser, Giltsx2, CH, H

Alana Lange, CS

Gabrielle Lange, CS

Scarlett Lange, CS

Allison Leita, CS, Com Heif

Lauren Leita, CS, Com Heif

Karter Powell, H

Kohl Powell, CH

Natalie Powell, Gilts, H

Dylan Rerich, Bro

Anthony Sills, Com Heif

Cullen Stumfoll, CL, L

Faith Villarreal, CH

Isaiah Villarreal, CH, H

Zachary Villarreal, CH

INEZ 4-H CLUB

Connor Aiken, S

Laney Aiken, S, JB,

Tanner Amsler, CH

Alexis Andress, Gilts, Com Heif, H

Payton Barnett, Gilts, CH, H

Tyler Barnett, H, CH

Macy Rae Cantu, S, JB

Magi Jo Cantu, G, L

Adison Cutler, Gilts, CH, H

Ansley Cutler, H, Com Heif

Easton Horelka, R, Br rabbits

Garrett Kolodziejczyk, L, CL

Macie Kolodziejczyk, CL, L

Kade Kubecka, Bro

Madison Kubecka, Bro

Calynn Lankford, H

Clark Lankford, H

Addyson Leita, CS, Com Heif

Caleb Leita, Com Heif, CS

Max Majewski, R

Bo Neill, Com Heif, S

Abigaill Nunez, CS, Com Heif, JB

Cody Nunez, JB, Com Heif, CS, S

Madalynn Nunez, CS, JBx2, Com Heif

Jack Osburn, Bro

Kayl Osburn, Bro

Rylan Pletcher, Com Heif, CS

Shelby Pletcher, CS, Com Heif, CL

Sydney Pletcher, CS, Com Heif

Madison Raz, L

Mason Raz, CL

Grady Shore, H, CH, Gilts

Greyson Shore, H, CH, Gilts

Ellasyn Stumfoll, L, CL

Kate Weitz, CS

Tanner Weitz, CS

Sawyer Wimberly, Com Heif

KELLY CREEK 4-H CLUB

Ashlyn Berger, R, Com Heif

Logan Berger, R, Com Heif

Alex Hernandez, H

Parker Johnston, G, CS

Victor Nunez, CS, JB

Connor Robles, CH, H

Abigail Shannon, Bro

Dalton Taylor, Gilts, H, CH

Baelyn Urban, Com Heif

Paityn Williams, H, Gilts, CH

MISSION VALLEY 4-H CLUB

Chloe Benner, H, Gilts

Mackenzie Brown, H, Gilts

Layton Depine, JB, L

Pacer Depine JB, L

Reghan Dornak, CH

Calder Gras, R, Br rabbitsx2

Callie Gras, Br rabbitsx2, R

Conner Gras, Br rabbitsx2, R

Hayden Hermes, Com Heif

Haidyn Jordan, CH, H

Cailyn Loest, R, Com Heif, JB

Cole Loest, JB, Com Heif, R

Cayden McDowell, G

Chloe McDowell, G

Carlie Parsons, JB, S, Com Heif

Miles Peltier, JBx2

Korgen Ramirez, JBx2, CL, H, Gilts

Johanna Rangnow, JB

Colt Rowlands, H, Com Heif, CH

Karoline Rowlands, H

Kaslyn Sappington, CL

Kelyn Sappington, L, CL

Landon Stewart, JBx2, Com Heif, NURSERY 4-H CLUB

Elizabeth Arnecke, Com Heif, S

Madeline Arnecke, CS, Com Heif

Sydney Bohac, JBx2

Claire Connally, Com Heif

Bryan DeBord, Com Heif, H

Kaid DeBord, Com Heif, H, Giltsx2

Emily Estraca, H, Com Heif

Ethan Estraca, Com Heif

Claire Franz, Com Heif

Kate Franz, Com Heif

Trevor Garber, H, Gilts, Com Heif

Ruben Gonzalez, G

Dominic Goodman, Com Heif

Kaci Haschke, H, Com Heif

Finley Janak, Bro

Kendall Janak, CL

Katherine Johnston, H, Gilts

Allison Joiner, JB

Hannah Koudelka, Gilts, CH, H

Michael Koudelka, CH, H

Br rabbitsynnley Laake, G

Br rabbitsody Leuschner, R, Com Heif

Kristen Leuschner, R, Com Heif

Isabella Lyons, Br rabbitsx4, R, Bro

Maria Lyons, R, Bro, Br rabbitsx3

William Lyons, R, Bro

Mia Mabray, Com Heif

Aiden Matey, R, Br rabbits

Fourdam, Matey, Br rabbits, R

Hudson Matthews, JBx6, S, CS

Sophie McNeill, Com Heif

Sydnie McNeill, Com Heif

Anna Claire Miori, Bro, Com Heif

James Miori, Com Heif

Kristen Miori, Com Heif

Luke Miori, Com Heif

Megan Miori, Bro, Com Heif

Riley Morgan, R

Maris, Murphy, Com Heif

Maston Murphy, Com Heif

Colton Ohrt, Com Heif

Kade Ohrt, Com Heif

Kamrie Ohrt, Com Heif

Kyler Ohrt, S, Com Heif

Natalie Ohrt, S, Com Heif

Alexa Pinson, G

Emmaleigh Porter, G

James Porter, G

Katelynn Pratka, Com Heif

Julianna Stevens, Gilts, H, Com Heif

Braylen Stevenson, CS, Com Heif, S

Bailey Zeplin, Com Heif

Bryce Zeplin, Com Heif

Blaine Zimmermann, CH, H

SHOTGUN 4-H CLUB

Carly Migura, Com Heif, CH

Angelina Orozco, Br rabbits, R

Brayden Orozco, Bro

Mia Orozco, R, Br rabbits

SOUTHERN COUNTRY 4-H CLUB

Cort Raymond Becker, CS, S

Zoey Jones, R

Kolten King, R

Darcy Leinen, H, Gilts

David Leinen, Gilts, H

Deana Leinen, H, Gilts

Azilee Leita, S, CS

Major Monney, CL

Maxton Monney, L

Allison Murray, CS, S, Com Heif

Brock Murray, CS, Com Heif, S

Cate Murray, CS, S, Com Heif

Harper Schroeder, Com Heif, L, CL

Madyn Schroeder, L, CL

Brendie Tapp, Com Heif

Taylor Thomas, JBx3, S, Com Heif, CS

Celeste Wagner, Com Heif

Lynleigh Yandell, L, Com Heif, CL

Walker Yandell, L, CL

VICTORIA EAST FFA

Judson Brown, H

Harley Driscoll, H

Kayla, Gossett, L

Christian Hernandez, R

Madison Hiller, H, CH

Adrian Holst, H

Kaylie Huth, JB, L

Katelyn Kahanek, CH

Meredith Korczynski, Bro

Hadley Livingston, Com Heif

Janae Mathis, G

Kenna Migl, Com Heif, R

Andrew Olguin, Giltsx3, H

Sophia Perez, G

Jaidyn Robles, G

Madi L. Schatz, H

Emily Wall, CL, L

Landon Weber, G

Hailee Wehrheim, S

Natalie Williams, H

VICTORIA WEST FFA

Sy Anderson, H

Carson Baker, Giltsx2, H

Brooklyn Carter, L

Ryan Chandler, H, Gilts

Nevaeh Chavera, G

Ava Davis, Gilts, H

Gavin Davis, CH, Gilts, H

Timothy Edmondson III, H

Cheyenne Glover, R

Ty Hartman, Com Heif

Christian Hernandez, H, Gilts

Emma Hernandez, Gilts, H

Kyndall Hopper, Giltsx2, H

Tanner Hoskins, JBx3, Giltsx2, S, CH

Patrick Moeller, G, H, Gilts

Slayton Moeller, G, Gilts, H

Kayla Mozisek, H

Sarah, Schoener, H, Gilts

Kyle Shedd, H, Gilts

Claire Stillwell, H, CH, Gilts

Addison Tesch, H

Blake Thigpen, JBx2

Macy Thigpen, JB

Haley Thompson, CH, H

Kylee Wickliffe, Gilts, H

WESTWOOD 4-H CLUB

Logan Hartman, R, Br rabbitsx2

Elizabeth Holliday, Com Heif, H

Kendall Holliday, CH, Com Heif

Emaleigh Martinka, CH, H

Jillian Martinka, CH

Jackson Mebane, H, CH, Gilts

Emma Norman, H

Dayna Rippamonti, Gilts, H

WOOD HI 4-H CLUB

Braden Adamek, CH, H

Nathan Adamek, H

Kaleb Bennett, CS

Weldon Bowers, Bro

Will Bowers, Bro

Carlee Burow, CH

Bailey Buzzard, JBx3

Clayton Diebel, S, Com Heif

Amry Feuerbacher, L, CL

Levi Feuerbacher, CL, L

Trapper Feuerbacher, L, CL

Brennan Fuhrken, S

Dalton Johnson, JB

Lindsey Koehl, H, CH, Com Heif

Hannah Koenig, CL

Hattie Koenig, CL

Ashley Kruppa, CL

Emersyn Kruppa, CL

Westyn Kruppa, JB, CS

Brayden Mansfield, Br

Camdyn Mansfield, Bro

Taylor Matula, CH, H

Emma Meyer, S

Payton Meyer, G

Corbin Milberger, JBx4, Com Heif, CS, S

Adyson Miller, Com Heif

Larkin Miller, Com Heif

Cole Neill, Com Heif

Falyn Perkins, Com Heif

Hannah Rippamonti, G

James Rung, CS

Madelyn Rung, CS

Jonathan Sills, Com Heif

Brenham Tumlinson, Gilts, CH, H

Tylor Yogi, CL, L

Legend

Junior breeding bulls/heifers — JB

Gilts — Gilts

Breeding rabbits — Br rabbits

Market Hog — H

Market Lamb -L

Market Goat — G

Market Broiler -Bro

Market Steer — S

Market Rabbit — R

Carcass Steer — CS

Carcass Hog — CH

Carcass Lamb — CL

Commercial Heifers -Com Heif

Ag mechanics — Ag mech

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Market steer grand champion Sloan Svetlik, 8, watches the judge make his rounds during the 2022 Victoria Livestock Show at the Victoria Community Center.

Mission Valley senior hopes to win big in final year

BY KYLE R. COTTON KCOTTON@VICAD.COM

Carlie Parsons, 18, a Mission Valley 4-H senior, has raised market steers to compete in livestock shows across the state for years. While she has enjoyed her share of victories and defeats, she almost always puts on a show.

Parsons has won multiple awards across the state for the showmanship of her steers. Still, with it being the final year of her eligibility with the Victoria Livestock Show she is hoping to win her category and perhaps grand champion.

Parsons got involved in 4-H at a very early age and has shown a wide range of animals, including lambs and pigs, but showing steers has always been a joy for her, she said.

“As I first started showing cattle, I wouldn’t win all the shows. I’d normally placed in the bottom of my class, and I was OK with that because it taught me how to win and it taught me how to lose,” Parson said.

She has done well in places like the Heart O’ Texas Livestock Show in Waco and other competitions, winning various awards, particularly regarding showmanship. Still, Parson has always had her eye on winning the Victoria Livestock Show.

“I’ve always been one about showmanship. I don’t care if I win my class at most of the shows or if I got last place. All I cared about is if I showed my heifer or my steer better than what I did in the show before...This year, I would hope to be grand champion (at the Victoria Livestock show),” Parsons said. “That has always been one of my goals on my bucket list, ever since I was little. I’ve always wanted to try and win the Victoria Livestock Show. But I have won showmanship in the

Exhibitor wants to show the top rabbits in this year’s show

BY CHASE COFIELD CCOFIELD@VICAD.COM

Most children spend their free time playing video games. But Kodie Foster spends her time tending to her farm animals.

She has a fondness for rabbits, which has led to her exhibiting rabbits at the Victoria Livestock Show.

Carlie Parsons handles Reggie the steer.

past with my heifer, and I was reserved showmanship last year with my bull.”

Parsons decided the steer she picked for this year’s show will be her showmanship steer. She noticed his personality soon after she got him almost a year ago. He also had a tendency to drag her around.

Parsons has calmer steers to pick from, but she knew she needed to spend more time working with her Victoria Livestock Show steer. In shows over the last year, that gamble has paid off with showmanship awards at various jackpot shows leading up to the Victoria show, she said.

Regardless of the result, the ending will be bittersweet for Parsons, with it being her last year to show.

“I’ve always been a part of the Victoria Livestock Show,” Parsons said. “It’s going to be pretty emotional. Since I’ve been involved with it for so many years, it’s gonna be pretty sad. I think I’m gonna have my mom and my dad cry.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Market steers

■ When: 6 p.m. Feb. 24

■ Where: Victoria Community Center, 2905 E North St, Victoria

The upcoming show isn’t Kodie’s first rodeo at the competition. This year will be her fourth year to compete in the market rabbit competition. Previously, she won grand champion in 2021 and placed fourth in 2022.

Kodie Foster, 12, poses with her one of rabbits.

In addition to competing, she also gets excited about other aspects of the show.

She likes learning and participating in the show because she gets to meet a lot of people and learn new things.

“I’mlookingforwardtomeetingsomenew people and getting better at things like showmanship because I’ve done that for the past couple years,” Kodie, 12, said.

Kodie wants to improve her performance

from last year’s competition, She also hopes to win her second grand champion award.

With the market rabbit competition, rabbits must be born 100 days before the competition and entrants must exhibit their three best rabbits. Kodie sources her rabbits from a rabbitry in Edna.

Kodie takes care of many animals at her farm but became particularly interested in rabbits after seeing her sister and her dad’s friendcompeteinpreviousmarket rabbit competitions.

Like many children in the livestock show, Kodie receives a lot of support from her parents, Derrick and Paige Foster.

“It takes a team to do this. It’s not easy,” her father said. “The mom and dad are out there teaching the kids.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Market rabbit judging

■ When: 8 a.m. Feb 23

■ BREEDING RABBIT JUDGING TO FOLLOW AFTER MARKET RABBIT JUDGING

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Livestock competitor readies to take show with new lamb

BY DUY VU DVU@VICAD.COM

Having competed in livestock shows ever since she was 10 years old, Macie Kolodziejczyk, a seven-year veteran, is coming back to the Victoria Livestock Show aiming to take the glory during the Market Lamb show.

Victoria sisters raise hogs for livestock show

BY LEO BERTUCCI LBERTUCCI@VICAD.COM

Pigs are a part of Blayne and Karsyn Bernhardt’s morning routine.

Every morning, Blayne, 11, and Karsyn, 9, head to the nearby barn to feed their hogs. Meatball, Maggie, Camo and Toots squeal loudly as the sisters prepare the meal.

The Bernhardts’ barrows and gilts walk a half-a-mile each day as part of their exercise. They also have a daily skin care routine. The pigs seem to enjoy all of the brushing and oiling.

“It’s good to make a special connection with the pigs,” Karsyn said. “Trying to understand them more helps you make strong bonds with them.”

The sisters will have an entry in the market hog and breeding gilt shows. The pig they consider to be their best on the day of the market hog show will go to the show, while Maggie and Toots are training for the breeding gilt contest.

This year’s show hogs are less than a year old, which is typical, the sisters said The family received the hogs from in-state breeders last summer.

When getting their pigs ready for show, the sisters pay attention to the animal’s build—its muscles, fat and joints—because the judges will be making note of this during the contest. With this being their second year showing hogs, they are eager to learn from the more experienced participants.

“I like to watch people show their pigs,”

Blayne said. “I watch their showmanship and the techniques they use. You get to see how you can do it.”

Both Blayne and Karsyn said the day of a show can be quite nerve-wracking.

“It can be scary when you’re walking up to the ring,” Karsyn said.

Blayne said she gets very nervous leading up to the show, but things get better once the judging process is underway.

“When you’re in the ring, you feel a lot better,” Blayne said. “You’re excited when it’s all done.”

Blayne and Karsyn’s parents also enjoy the lifestyle of raising hogs, saying it benefits a child’s development.

“It teaches them responsibility,” said Matthew Bernhardt, Blayne and Karsyn’s father. “All of the kids work hard for many months on their pig projects.”

Casey Bernhardt, the girls’ mother, said the show hogs have some hobbies in their free time.

“Sometimes we take them out to the garden so they can roll around in the dirt and just be a pig,” Casey said. “When there’s sunshine, we tan them because they need Vitamin D just like humans do.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Market Hogs Show

■ When: 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

■ What: Breeding Gilts Show

■ When: 8 a.m. Feb. 24

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

The senior at Industrial High Schoolcredits the friends she has made along the way while competing at the Victoria Livestock Shows for all of the knowledge she has learned over the years tending to animals. Having the support behind her helps too as Macie gave credit to her mother, Shanda, her father Jeffery, and her grandparents, who she affectionately calls Nonnie and Paw.

“I just wanted to learn how to take care of livestock show animals,” Macie, 17, said. “It teaches you responsibility and lots of important life lessons you can take with you later on in life.”

Macie recalled her first time to ever compete with a little lamb named Osten, short for ostentatious. It was a struggle at one point because her lamb refused to eat, Macie said. To help, she gave Osten probiotic protein shakes, ones typically given to little children.

“At the end he actually made the sale so that was pretty exciting,” Macie said. “My first year getting to make the sale in the auction.”

The strategy for this year is simple: applying all of the knowledge she has learned through the years and trying her best.

“This year I actually went out to Haws Club Lambs and I actually picked out my lamb and I’m so excited to see how he does,” Macie said.

Browsing through all of the different lambs, Macie said she instantly knew whichlambshewasgoingtobuy.Thelamb she bought, Hercules, a medium-wool lamb, certainly lives up to his name.

“Before I got him to sit up properly I actually struggled with him pushing really hard up against me,” Macie said. “One day he almost knocked me over because he has such strong muscle structure, he’s just an amazing animal.”

Beside competing in the market lamb division, Macie said she is also going to be competing in the Ultimate Showmanship show and will help a friend show chickens. It will be Macie’s first time to compete in the Ultimate Showmanship. She plans to train with her friend who has shown steers and heifers.

“I actually watched the competition last year and one of my friends used my lamb for the show and I wanted to see how she would do so I watched the competition and I ended up getting hooked,” Macie said. “Watching everyone show the hogs and steers and all the other animals, I decided during my senior year I wanted to go out with a bang and try it all.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Market Lamb Show

■ When: 1-3:30 p.m. Feb. 24

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

CHASE COFIELD/CCOFIELD@VICAD.COM

Karsyn Bernhardt, 9, hugs one of her hogs to

Macie Kolodziejczyk, 17, holds up her new lamb, Hercules, at her home in Inez.

No ‘McNugget’ here: Osburn family raises champion broilers

BY TAMARA DIAZ TDIAZ@VICAD.COM

Chickens that are raised to eat are called broilers.

For the judging in the broiler competition, deciders look for a large chicken, up to 10-12 pounds, with a thick, deep breast.

Each competitor is given a box of 50 chickstoraiseover42days,andnotallthose chicks will make the cut (pun intended).

Melinda and Eddie Osburn’s children, Kayla and Jack, give their smaller chickens endearing names, like “McNugget.” The bigger chickens are champions.

Kayla, 14, a student at Industrial High School in Vanderbilt, earned the reserve grand champion prize in 2019. She was in the fifth grade then.

Her brother, Jack, 11, from Industrial Junior High School, won grand champion in

2021. He was in fourth grade.

The siblings are back this year after putting in the six weeks’ work it takes to raise winning chickens.

All the chicks in the competition come from the same hatchery, Melinda Osburn said. Every competitor picks up their box of chicks on the same day The boxes are randomly assigned.

“Youstartwiththemasday-oldchicksand raise them for 42 days,” she said. “It is an intense project. The chicks grow rapidly.”

Some of the chickens grow to 10-12 poundsfromastartof amere38orsograms as chicks.

Osburn said the more time the growers spend with the chicks, the more active they become and the bigger their appetites, leading to bigger chickens.

“Forthiscompetition,allof yourworkgoes

intoasix-weekperiod,soit’safamilyproject,” Melinda Osburn said. “Somebody checks on thechickensatleasteverythreetofourhours and that includes during the night. We’re checking things like temperature, making surethey’renotgettingtoohot.”

Kayla and Jack will each show a pen of their three best broilers, their biggest birds.

“The judges are looking for the bird that has the most meat,” Osburn said. “They look at the length of the breast bone and the width and depth of the breast.”

KaylaandJackhavecompetedsincetheir third grade years. That makes this year’s competition Kayla’s seventh and Jack’s fourth.

“After the show, we take them to a processor,” their mother said. “They’re not egg-laying chickens. This is chicken you’re going to buy somewhere like H-E-B.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Market Broiler Show

■ When: 11 a.m. Feb. 23

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

Two-time market goat grand champion ready for another turn about the ring at Livestock Show

BY KIT MACAVOY KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

Magi Jo Cantu has had some grand times at the Victoria Livestock Show. The 14-year-old from Inez has shown the grand champion market goats twice.

In past years, that would mean that her goat showing days in the Crossroads had come to an end.

“But since they changed the rule, I’m going to go back, showing goats over there,” Magi Jo said.

Joining her at the Victoria Community Center is Hooey, a fine and upstanding goat who is around a year old.

Magi Jo may have a history of success with goats, but she isn’t resting on her laurels. Over the years, she’s evolved how she works with her animals.

“I definitely have to say, I work my animals harder,” she said. “Like I run them more just to get the right body shape that I want and everything.”

Magi Jo’s mother, Crystal Cantu, has seen her daughter’s growth first-hand.

“She’s matured, and you could tell that in her animals this year,” she said. “She’s put in a lot more work.” Cantu said she never needs to remind her daughter about her responsibilities in the barn.

“She always worked hard, but this year, she has the passion,” Cantu said Magi Jo will also show in the market lamb competition. She’s shown goats four times in Victoria, and she used to show

steers. But there’s something about goats, which Magi Jo said are a great species for an intermediate kid to start on.

“I love steers, but I guess goats — that’s more my way to go,” Magi Jo said. “I enjoy them way more because I have time to do other things,” like playing sports.

But make no mistake, her biggest time commitment is to her animals. The twotime market goat grand champion said anyone thinking of showing a goat needs to work hard with their animals.

“Make sure you’re taking care of them, always have fresh water, hay,” she said. “Basics. Basics matter.”

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Kayla Osburn holds her reserve champion broiler at the 2019 Victoria Livestock Show auction.

Industrial junior aims for top spot at Ultimate Showmanship

BY DUY VU DVU@VICAD.COM

Trapper Feuerbacher is back and ready to roll as he prepares for this year’s Ultimate Showmanship show.

Coming back from last year’s show, the 17-year-old junior from Industrial High School laid out his plans for this year and what he has learned along the way.

“It went real well,” Trapper said, talking about his performance last year. “I was able to show really well with the lamb and the hog, but so much with the cattle though. “But I had a great time doing it and I ended up placing third.”

The Ultimate Showmanship Show will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Victoria Community Center, 2905 E. North St. The show is open to students from ninth to 12th grades, said Paige Melton, Victoria County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development and organizer.

The Ultimate Showmanship show consists of three rounds, with each round consisting of a different animal, Melton said.

“They have to show a hog, and then they can choose to show a lamb or a goat, and they can show a heifer or a steer,” Melton said. “The deal is they have to learn pretty much who is the ultimate showman, who can show all the species the best.”

Now that he’s gotten a taste for showmanship, Trapper said he has a plan in mind for this year. Trapper said he plans

to show with another heifer again, alongside his lamb and a hog that he is going to borrow from a friend.

“(Showing) has always been something that I wanted to do and with a lot of people that I show with, we show all these different kinds of species and we always talk about which species is the hardest to show with,” Trapper said. “The ultimate showmanship allowed us to get a taste of what everybody is experiencing with their show animals.

Beside competing in the ultimate showmanship, Trapper will also compete in the market lamb show.

After high school he plans to attend Texas A&M University, but before he leaves town, Trapper said he has a grand plan in mind, winning the grand champion lamb at the Victoria Livestock Show and to be considered as the Ultimate Showman.

With nine years of experience under his belt in showing lambs, showing livestock runs deep in the family with his mother showing lambs back when she was a student, Trapper said. Having patience is the key in any showing, he said.

“I’ve definitely seen myself grow over these past nine years. My very first year I didn’t place at the show at anything,” Trapper said. “Up until last year I was second in my class and I won senior showmanship, so it was a very good growing process for me and making sure I stick with it.”

Mutton bustin’ is the secret star of the livestock show

BY JON WILCOX JWILCOX@VICAD.COM

There very well might be more people in the stands at this year’s mutton bustin’ than the steer show, the event’s chairman said.

That’s because the event is tons of fun for audiences and competitors alike. Mutton bustin’ gives kids 6 and under the chance to compete for trophies and custom belt buckles by hanging onto the back of a sheep for dear life. Defying description, the event simply must be seen to truly understand its unique charm.

“It’s little kids. It’s mom. It’s dad. It’s grandpa,” Robert Shadle, livestock show chairman for mutton bustin’, said. “They want to watch these kids have fun.”

Since its debut at the Victoria County Livestock Show in 2019, mutton bustin’ has continued to draw crowds and young competitors. This year will feature 70 kids participating.

“I’ve got kiddos that will ride every year,” Shadle said. “They are trying to win that buckle.”

In many ways the event mirrors a real rodeo, and kids who compete have been known pursue that passion later in life.

At the start of this year’s mutton bus-

tin’, the national anthem will be played, and former mutton bustin’ competitor Korgan Ramirez will ride on horseback carrying an American flag in tow. She will also carry a flag of various sponsors periodically during event.

This year’s sponsors include Shawn and Patty Gott of Gott Consulting Services, Bubba and Sherri Leita of Leita Farms, Pat and Cindy Adams of Econo Air Conditioning, Zach and Savannah Depine of Depine Farms, Matt and Crystal Cantu of The Bomb Diggity.

Despite some bumps, bruises and tumbles into the dirt, the event is an overwhelmingly positive experience for kids who take part, Shadle said. Safety is a key focus, and a team of four rodeo clowns named Bubbles, Zig, Zag and Wowzers are on standby should a rider fall. Participants also don a helmet and vest for added protection.

“No one has ever been hauled off in an ambulance,” Shadle said. “Have kids eaten dirt before? Heck yeah.”

IF YOU GO

■ What: Mutton bustin’

■ When: 1:30 p.m Feb. 26

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

Audrey Garrett shows off a Brahman cow during the Ultimate Showmanship competition at the 2020 Victoria Livestock Show.

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Major Monney, Little Mister Cowboy 2018, competes in the mutton bustin’ event at the 2019 Victoria Livestock Show.

KIT MACAVOY/KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

6th annual Peewee Livestock

Show gives future exhibitors a chance to participate

BY CHASE COFIELD CCOFIELD@VICAD.COM

The sixth annual Pewee Livestock Show where children from prekindergarten to second grade will get a chance to compete and show hogs, lambs, goats, steers, or heifers will return this year.

The Peewee Livestock Show provides children an opportunity to participate in the competition before they’re old enough to compete in the actual livestock show.

Paige Melton, Texas A&M AgriLife

Extension Agent for the Victoria County 4-H and Youth Development Program and event coordinator, said that despite the contestant’s age, it’s still a serious competition for those involved.

“It’s pretty competitive. It’s a livestock show in itself,” Melton said.

“They are dressing up like they’re ready

to show. They’ve got their brushes, they’ve got their animals cleaned and ready to be presented to the judge. It’s fun to see our next generation show how competitive they are and how much experience and practice they’ve been doing.”

For many children competing in the event, they’re used to seeing their older siblings participate in the event so the Peewee show lets them have all eyes on them.

“They’re so excited that they get the opportunity to show that attention can be on them. It’s all about them at that time,” Melton said.

IF YOU GO

■ When: Peewee Livestock Show

■ When: 1 p.m. Feb. 25

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

Special students shine in arena at Special Livestock Show

BY KIT MACAVOY KMACAVOY@VICAD.COM

After most of the hogs, lambs, goats and steers have cleared out and most of the grand and reserve champions named, the Special Livestock Show will return to give special needs kids an unforgettable experience.

Agrilife Extension Agent Paige Melton said the show is very “take it as we go.”

“We’re not in a hurry. It’s up to what the kids feel comfortable with,” she said

As in previous years, entrants will be paired with a mentor who donates their time and animal to the event. Almost every kind of animal entered into the Livestock Show is on the table, with the exception of the broilers.

“We ask 4-H, FFA members for cattle projects, they can do a lamb or a goat, or hog — and then we do allow them to do a rabbit,” Melton said. Many entrants opt for the lambs because of their size and temperament.

The show has benefits for everyone in-

volved, Melton said. Kids who otherwise might not have the opportunity to show an animal get to experience working with an animal. On the flip side, she said, mentors learn that kids who may be different than them can still be fully capable of a lot of things.

Watching participants shine in the ring, Melton said, is “truly an experience that you need to come out and watch.”

“The joy that it brings those kids, it’s just a good experience for all,” she said.

The Special Livestock Show will be at noon Feb. 25, at the Victoria Community Center. To receive a T-shirt, participants will have needed to fill out an entry form by Feb. 3. But those signing up afterward will still be able to participate, Melton said, adding that she’s never turned a way a kid.

IF YOU GO

■ What: The Special Livestock Show

■ When: Noon Feb. 25.

■ Where: Victoria Community Center

PeeWee Livestock Show contestants walk their hogs around the judging area.

Cheyenne Slivas, then 14, competes in the Extra Special Livestock Show with the help of her brother, Wesley Slivas, then 18, in 2016 at the Victoria Community Center.

Livestock show dedicated to Ronnie Morris, who volunteered over 50 years

intendent. He later took on the position as general superintendent in the 1980s. Ronnie also joined Victoria Livestock Show Inc., where he served as a member of the board of directors. He was involved in organizing the commercial cattle show and sale.

Until last year, Ronnie dedicated late nights serving as a “spotter” for the auction held on the show’s final night, as he did for over 30 years. Acknowledging the value of what VLS brings to young people, Ronnie was a dedicated volunteer for over 50 years.

Ronnie’s passion for raising livestock, promoting goal setting and understanding the importance of agriculture was passed to his children, Lanell Rachid, Brian Morris and Samuel Morris; and his grandchildren, Ross and Nick Mantey and Lexi Morris, who participated in Livestock Show with lambs, pigs, steers and heifers. Ronnie found no greater joy than to watch them all grow and learn with the same opportunities he was given.

ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT

Ronald “Ronnie” Linn Morris of Victoria died Dec. 5. He was born on May 17, 1948, in Victoria.

Growing up in Victoria and Mission Valley, Ronnie and his family understood the hard work and expense required to raise livestock. While a student at Victoria High School, Ronnie became an FFA member, where he was first introduced to the Jaycees and the Victoria Country Livestock Show.

He participated in the Houston Calf Scramble, where he caught and haltered a calf and earned him the opportunity to purchase an animal donated by the Sears Roebuck & Co. He received a “Sears” gilt as a breeding stock animal later shown at the Livestock Show. That is where his involvement with VLS — then held at the Riverside Park facility — began.

Ronnie understood the opportunities, training, education and guidance he was given as a participant in the VLS. So, when he became a businessman at First Victoria National Bank, he joined the Victoria Jaycees in 1971, where he dedicated years of service to support the Livestock Show.

In 1973 he served as special assistant general superintendent. Then, later in the 1970s, he became the sales (auction) super-

RonniededicatedhistimetoVLSandhis community through other organizations. He was actively involved as a member and past president of the Victoria Rotary Club for 45 years, where he was awarded two Paul Harris Fellows, and had perfect attendance for the past 45 years. He enjoyed riding horses and was a member of Wheel and Spur Riders Inc., which sponsored the Six Flags Trailride, where he served as director and trailboss. In addition, Ronnie served as the district chair for the DeLeon District of the Gulf Coast, Boy Scouts of America. He was a devoted member of the First English Lutheran Church and served as Church Council president.

Ronnie was a faithful servant to his community.

He loved helping young people learn about raising animals and how to be successful, responsible human beings. He lookedforwardtotheLivestockShowevery year and enjoyed getting together with old friends and sharing memories of the past. Ronnie was a firm believer in service to his community, so he did just that through his volunteerism in Victoria.

Ronnie would be honored that this year’s Victoria Livestock Show is dedicated in his name. He would also extend his gratitude for allowing him to be a part of VLS for so many years, bringing families and friends together to support agriculture, education, training, and inspiration to our young adults in building their future.

Show celebrates life of Tanya Smejkal

Tanya Elizabeth Kendrick was born Aug. 10, 1957, the third of four children, and grew up in Telferner on the family homestead.

She met Gary Wayne Smejkal on a blind date her freshman year of high school in 1971. They were married on Jan. 10, 1976, and had just celebrated their 47th anniversary together. They raised three children, Scott, Bradley and Amy.

Tanya died on Jan. 20, of ovarian cancer.

She was involved with various organizations as her children grew up. She was a Guadalupe Elementary School

PTO member, taking on the annual Halloween carnival. She was a board member for the Stroman High School theater, tennis and cheerleading booster clubs. It is rumored that on school trips she was mistaken for a student and not a chaperone more times than not.

In 1998, Tanya put her organizational skills to work and accepted a two-week, part-time job with Korczynski’s Photography. After five years, she decided her two weeks were up and she was going to spend time sewing. Tanya was an amazing seamstress, spending many hours pushing the sewing machine peddle and creating amazing items from costumes to quilts.

While most of Tanya’s spare time was spent correcting the pronunciation of her name, she still managed to be involved with numerous organizations. She spent 35 years with the Victoria Livestock Show, retiring as a superintendent (now called chairman) in 2014. Through this venture, she developed a reputation for not being one you could push around.

She was integral in serving as the disposition chair. Disposition touches every division of the show and is quite a task. Her skills also shone on auction night, along with the team of committee members who make sure each animal is sent to the right slaughter house or resale auction ring. She and the ladies who served with her

were known to stay early into the morning after the sale, loading up animals.

Tanya was also on the executive board of trustees for the Victoria Fair Association for the past 10 years.

She was the treasurer for the Coastal Conservation Association for 10 years, a member of the Friends of NRA–Victoria Chapter for five years and treasurer for the Ducks Unlimited Victoria Chapter for the past 10 years. Tanya just loved hosting banquets, but again you didn’t say her name wrong or push her around.

Her death surprised many, who never knew she was ill. She was a strong woman, creating the illusion that she was never in any pain. She leaves this Earth in physical form, but her spirit shall live on in the stories of all who knew her.

Longtime volunteer Russell

Gerard Hessler was 56

Russell Gerard Hessler, 56, a longtime volunteer involved in many organizations,

FARMERS &RANCHERS OPPORTUNITY TO PRODUCE MOREYIELD

Nowisthetimetoputoutpurechickenmanure. Guaranteedanalysissoilenhancements -giveittimeto breakdown,sosoilisrichforallcrops!!!

Alsoworksgreatonpasturelandandhayfields. Willproducemoretonsperacreinyourhayfields.

ADVOCATE FILE PHOTO

Ronnie Morris, an auction spotter, works during the 2021 auction. Morris, a longtime volunteer, died Dec. 5.

Tanya Elizabeth Smejkal

died on April 15. He was born in Victoria on Oct. 1, 1965. He loved to be outside — planting his garden, helping his kids with their livestock projects, working cattle, and giving his grandkids rides in the “buggy.”

When Russell wanted to do something, he only knew how to give 110%. He could build a picnic table that would take eight grown men to move and built fence for over 30 years, mostly on his own. There are fences all over Victoria and the surrounding counties that are his handiwork and will outlive most of us.

Over the years, he was actively involved in the Industrial Athletic Booster Club, Industrial FFA Booster Club, Victoria Area Go Texan, Victoria County Farm Bureau, Knights of Columbus Council No. 1329, Victoria Prairie Wildlife Association, ACTS, Independent Cattleman’s Association and, of course, the Victoria Livestock Show.

Russell began his livestock show career as a showman himself, participating in FFA and showing steers. He led his five children through VLS, spanning 23 years, in projects including commercial heifers, market and carcass hogs, market and carcass steers and a carcass lamb. He would be seen helping other exhibitors with their projects. His love for cattle was endless.

So it only made sense that his passion for beef led him to serve on the steer committee for the Livestock Show. He was actively involved in the sweepstakes heifer show — now called the Junior Heifer Show. He assisted with the commercial heifer tagging at Briggs Ranch every year Then he helped with that heifer show, sale and buyers’ meal as well. You could rely on him to be part of the set-up and takedown efforts that are so labor intensive but necessary to make the show possible. He also served on the scholarship committee and built the wooden backdrop that was used in thousands of photo opportunities throughout the years.

Former Superintendent Kasper Lyssy was 89 Kasper “Chester” Lyssy, 89, of Victoria, died March 3. He was born Sept. 1, 1932, in Sample. He graduated from Nordheim High School. Chester worked for

Goad Boles Motors, Goad Motor Co. And Wilkinson GMC as parts manager for more than 50 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Later in life, he became a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where he served as a eucharistic minister and was a member of the Holy Name Society.

He enjoyed helping his children and gr and ch ildren with their FFA and 4-H projects, cars, hunting, traveling, raising cattle and shredding his pasture with his tractor.

He loved to repair things and there was nothing he could not fix. He was also known to be quite a jokester

In 1952 Chester married his longtime spouse,OraKrause.Theyhadfourchildren, son Chester Paul; and daughters, Kathy, Connie (Robert) and Loretta (Jerry). He had six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

After Ora passed away, Chester married Doris Loest Eichman, whom he was married to for 10 years. Doris’ children and grandchildren were also very involved in the VLS.

Chester became involved in the VLS when son Chester Paul began showing animals in FFA.

Chester was a market lamb superintendent for more than 30 years and was a lamb project leader for his daughters’ 4-H Club, where he led many of the kids to championships. He continued to serve as a superintendent until Parkinson’s Disease made it too difficult to participate. (He could not get his walker through that deep sand!) Chester made many longtime friends while serving as a superintendent and enjoyed the superintendent and spouse dinners each year.

His daughters said he dearly missed being a part of the VLS!

Chester is deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made during his 89 years on this Earth.

InLoving Memory

Kasper Chester Lyssy

Russell Hessler