Organizers anticipate 58th Jr. Livestock Show to be ‘big’

The 58th annual Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show will be held Feb. 15 and 16 with the Premium Sale taking place on Feb. 17 at the Sequoyah County Fair Barn, Jace Goodwin, Sequoyah County agent for the OSU Extension Office, announced.

Last year’s show was hindered some from freezing temperatures and precipitation resulting in hazardous road conditions. Despite the icy weather, Goodwin reported the show was a success.

This year, Goodwin said he looks forward to better weather and invites everyone to come out and support “your local” agriculturalists.

“The Sequoyah County Jr. Livestock Show is a standing tradition within the county that continues to help grow and develop our young community of Agriculturalists. Last year was a record breaking year for the show, even experiencing the dreadful weather,” Goodwin said.

“In 2023 we are expecting a larger group of exhibitors, larger crowd, and many memories to be made. We are excited and ready for the show and welcome everyone to come out and witness the hard work the 4-H and FFA members of Sequoyah County have put in to their projects over the year.”

Marty Green, executive director of the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, said he also invites the public to come out and support the youth of Sequoyah County.

“It’s going to be a beautiful weekend or it seems like it. We just want to invite everyone to come out and support the kids,” Green said.

He said the Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting will take place Wednesday at the Sequoyah County Fairgrounds building and will give the members an opportunity to meet some of the youth who will be speaking that day. The chamber collects and disburses monies from the sale to the youth once it has all been collected from the buyers, Green said.

The show will kick off at 9 a.m. Wednesday with check-ins for sheep, goat and cattle.

At 5 p.m., the show will begin as follows: -Doe Goats, Wether Goats, Wether Goat Sale Order, Goat Showmanship, Lambs, Lamb Sale Order, Sheep Showmanship, Heifers, Heifer Sale Order, Steers, Steer Sale Order and Beef Showmanship.

Thursday’s schedule will begin with check-in for swine from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

At 5 p.m., the schedule includes a Breeding Gilt Jackpot, Market Barrows, Barrow Sale Order and Swine Showmanship.

Friday’s schedule includes a Bidder’s Barbecue at 6 p.m. and the Premium Auction at 7 p.m.

For the first time in several years, the show will also include a 4-H Impressive Dress Contest at 10 a.m. Thursday, and a Talent Show at 10 a.m. Friday, Goodwin said. Both events will be held in the indoor part of the barn.