Last weekend’s Washita County Junior Livestock Show may have had small numbers, “but it went quite well and without a hitch,” County Fair Board President Joe Thomp son said.
“We had under 30 kids who exhibited their animals. We went right through everything,” Thompson stated.
Saturday’s show included swine, sheep, goats and beef cattle.
“We had seven fair board members who worked their tails off. We had the show over and the kids’ checks to their Vo-Ag advisors before noon,” he added.
Thompson also noted there were several people who came to watch. “Under the circumstances, we had a good audience. They used social distancing and they were spread out like they should be,” he believes.
He commented that families could sit together.
“County workers came in and set up the pens for us and got things ready,” Thompson stated.
Fair board members had to put the show on without volunteers, unlike those of past years.
“We did the best we could under the circumstances,” he said, making reference to COVID-19 and the impact it’s had.
Due to their concerns about the virus, Fair Board members about three weeks ago decided to cancel the annual County Free Fair but still hold the Junior Livestock Show. It would have been the 113th consecutive year to hold the fair.
“We were very reluctant, but safety for the people won over nostalgia,” he emphasized.
Elaborating, Thompson remarked, “We had some remorse about having to cancel the fair and so many kids couldn’t be involved. The same with parents who couldn’t participate in the open classes.
“Gardeners couldn’t bring their best pumpkins and watermelons. I just wish we could get 2020 over with,” he continued.
“We have people who have been at this more than 40 years. And it’s really hard on them and on all of us.”
He emphasized the Junior Livestock Show was the only thing they could do in a more open setting. “That was the reason for just doing the livestock show.”
Thompson stated, “This is the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make.”
But Thompson pointed out, “We’ll sit back and plan to have one bigger and better next year.”