Junior Livestock Show concludes another year

The Bandera County Junior Livestock Show has ended for another year, but the 178 exhibitors will not soon forget their experiences showing their projects to judges, visitors, parents, and the community.

While most of the 469 exhibits were shown on Friday, Saturday was when the community came together to support the youth by bidding on their animals and projects.

After a delicious barbeque meal prepared by the Bandera Eastern Star and the Bandera Masonic Lodge, the ceremony started.

Over 200 buyers prepared to show their support and competitive spirit by opening their checkbooks for the premium sale.

The ladies came dressed in cowgirl chic with lots of turquoise bling while the gentlemen sported dusters and stiff creased jeans with winter cowboy hats. Even the wind died down to just a breeze when the bidding began.

Buyers Rick, Lisa and Allen Nelson sat quietly at a table waiting for the auction to begin.

Lisa Nelson remarked, “We are here to support the children who worked so hard. We are here for the kids.”

Troy and Karen Konvicka, representing the Ridin’ on Faith Rodeo; Biker Rallies of Texas; and Bob and Nancy Harvey were intently studying the Sales List and chatting with neighbors before the auction began.

“We are here to show our support for the 4H and FFA, as well as the kids. They have put so much effort into their animals,” said Karen Konvicka.

“Bill Taber of Biker Rallies of Texas wanted to give back to the Bandera community. He felt that Bandera had shown lots of support for the Biker Rallies,” said Troy Konvicka.

The winners were also on hand to show their animals to the crowd.

Cooper Arnold with his Grand Champion Market Steer, Curly Fry, stood at the back of the show barn waiting for his turn to enter the ring. Cooper, a well spoken and quiet seventh grader from Medina ISD said he would like to use his prize money for college and to buy another steer for next year.

When asked what the hardest thing was about showing his steer, he quickly said Curly Fry had “attitude.”

“It’s been hard working with him with his attitude and the curly hair of his hide” explained Arnold.

Arnold also plans to take Curly Fry on the road to other area stock shows like San Antonio and Fort Worth.

Ian Diaz, a nine-year-old fourth grader with an engaging smile from Fields Elementary in San Antonio, was in the pen with his Grand Champion Market Swine calming him with gentle pets.

Ian said he had been working with his swine since the summer. A second-generation exhibitor, Ian’s dad also exhibited livestock. Ian said he worked with his animal about 15 hours a week.

“It was hard getting him to learn to walk fast enough,” said Diaz. “My dad showed me how to walk him and keep his head up,” he added.

Diaz, while only in fourth grade, said he plans to save the prize money for college and to buy more “pig stuff” for next year.

After a tribute to Barbara Mazurek, a 51-year director of the Junior Livestock Show, the ceremony turned to a welcome and invitation by the Ambassadors of the San Antonio Livestock Show.

Then the auction really began as buyers talked amongst themselves making deals to jointly sponsor the animals they bid on.

After bidding $17,000 on Curly Fry, the buyers stepped up to the photo booth to have their picture snapped with Arnold and his steer, their only memento of the event. These pictures serve to testify to the power of a community coming together.