Around 350 FFA and 4-H exhibitors are expected at this year’s Pottawatomie County Junior Livestock Show next week at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee.
Suzanne Gilbert is chairperson of the show that opens Tuesday, March 3 and runs through Friday. March 6. Goats and sheep will be exhibited on Tuesday beginning with the sheep at noon. Beef judging starts at 11 a.m. Wednesday and the swine show is on Thursday starting at 10 a.m.
It’s the 83rd year for the show. This year’s event has a new FFA chapter from North Rock Creek. “We haven’t had a new chapter in a long time. That’s contributed to the increase in animals nominated,” Gilbert believes.
She said in December 550 animals were nominated. That includes 258 swine, 90 goats, 80 sheep and 100 beef. “The 550 is good,” she stated.
She expects there will be 350 of the animals exhibited.
“New for the first time ever is we’ve added a bronze medallion in each of the species of the show. That’s the third highest placing animal to be exhibited in those species. That exhibitor will be awarded a trophy and jacket.
“That’s six more exhibitors who will receive awards in the grand drive of each species,” Gilbert explained.
The Premier Grand Drive event will be Thursday, April 16, she said.
Gilbert stressed, “This is a total volunteer committee and volunteers that make the show possible.”
She thinks the show teaches great leadership skills and great work ethic.
Gilbert said that 110 animals will make the annual premium auction that begins at 7 p.m., Friday evening, March 6, and the sale concludes the show.
This year’s two PCJLS honorees, Jim McBee and Dr. Bob Evans, will be recognized again and presented their jackets that Friday evening.
Four $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to seniors. “Last year’s winners will actually receive their $1,500 check after they have attended and completed a semester and proved that they’ve enrolled in the next semester of college of trade school or training beyond high school,” Gilbert emphasized.
She said the funds are invested with the Community Foundation of Oklahoma and the interest is what pays for the scholarship each year. We’ve had the money invested since the first year we did it,” she stated.