Stock show moments

Rebecca Raves



 

 

This past weekend I was out covering the McMullen County Livestock Show with our reporter, Cade Andrews. It was the first year I was out at this show all day long from start to finish. I’ve sporadically covered the Atascosa and McMullen County shows over the years, but never like this before.

Throughout show day on Friday, I was behind the scenes taking photos of these amazing kids with their animals and families. Kids were napping with their animals, in their chairs or up against fences recovering from a long night of preparations for the day ahead. Parents were making sure their children’s outfits were primped and ready to go. Animals were being washed and groomed to ensure they were as presentable as possible for the judges, too. And let’s not forget the moment these kids walked into the show ring in this manner of professionalism that is rarely found in our youth today. I could not be more impressed with what I saw on Friday from these kids.

Bailey Ruiz hugs her mom, Gracy, after winning Grand Champion Steer. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Bailey Ruiz hugs her mom, Gracy, after winning Grand Champion Steer. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

I have always loved stock show season, but never really fully understood or appreciated it until I was out there in the thick of it with these kids, parents, teachers, board members and every single person in the agricultural community who make these shows possible. To see the hard work of these kids pay off at the end of their competitions is truly one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.

To that end, hearing and seeing those parents, family members and friends yelling at the top of their lungs and jumping up and down in celebration as a kid places, and especially if they win grand or reserve grand champion, is a moment you never forget. I was emotional just seeing it all unfold before me. The first time tears flowed from my eyes was when Bailey Ruiz won Grand Champion Steer Friday afternoon for the second year in a row. I remember watching her at last year’s show thinking she knows how to show her steer. Watching her walk out of that ring and break down crying in her parents’ arms with joy after winning is a sight I can’t get out of my head. Please see that photo within my column this week. I love capturing moments like this when the hard work pays off!

Another moment that had the waterworks flowing from my eyes was when McMullen County ISD senior Aaron Lewis won Grand Champion Hog. The best reaction was from his friends, family and mom from across the show ring as the judge named him champion. He walked out of that show ring and went straight to his family who surrounded him with an abundance of celebration. After showing swine since the third grade, Aaron’s hard work finally paid off his last year.

There were many moments like Bailey’s and Aaron’s throughout the entire show on Friday, and even on Saturday during the sale. Please visit the Pleasanton Express’ Facebook page where we have live video footage from this weekend’s show, and you’ll see just what I’m talking about. The reactions from these youth to see their hard work pay off and just how much the community supports them right back is priceless. In this week’s Pleasanton Express you’ll find photos of all grand champion and reserve grand champion winners from the McMullen County Livestock Show. Our Feb. 9 issue will have a complete list of results from every competition including more photos of special moments from both the Atascosa and McMullen County Livestock Shows.

REBECCA PESQUEDA is the News Editor of the Pleasanton Express. You may reach her at rpesqueda@pleasantonexpress.com

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