2016 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show to run January 24-30th

By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016

Every year the month of January brings the much anticipated and educational Maverick County Junior Livestock Show and Sale (MCJLS) and the Miss MCJLS Western Beauty Pageant to Eagle Pass, Texas.

The 2016 edition of the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show activities kicked off with the Miss MCJLS Western Beauty Pageant on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 1 P.M. at the Zan Matthies County Showbarn at the Maverick County Lake. Many local young ladies competed for the coveted Miss MCJLS Western Beauty Pageant Queen title with Alexis De La Garza being crowned as Queen.

The traditional Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Memorial Cowboy Breakfast, named in honor of the late Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Association President Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez, was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 from 7 A.M. to 9 A.M. at the Zan Matthies Show Barn with over 1,000 people in attendance.

The 2016 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show started on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 with the weighing and sifting of goats, lambs, and rabbits and the selection of the grand and reserve champion rabbit and meat pen starting from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. The judging of out of county and breeding sheep and goats was held at 4:00 P.M. and the judging of young exhibitor projects was at 5 P.M. on Wednesday, January 27th, announced Sandra Rios-Rodriguez.

The famous Food Competition and Show starts on Thursday, January 28, 2016 with all entries submitted between 7 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. and the judging commencing at 12 Noon at the Zan Matthies Show Barn. All Maverick County citizens are invited to participate in the Food Competition and Show.

Also on Thursday, January 28th, will be the weighing in and sifting of market steers and swines at 9 A.M. and the judging of market lambs, goats and market goat and lamb showmanship contests starting at 9 A.M. until completed at the Zan Matthies Show Barn. In addition, the judging of out of county and breeding cattle and swine and the judging of young exhibitor projects will take place at 5 P.M. on Thursday, January 28th, at the Zan Matthies Show Barn.

Also on Thursday, January 28th, will be the selection of the grand champion and reserve champion goat and lamb at 5 P.M., announced Sandra Rios-Rodriguez.

On Friday, January 29, 2016, will be the judging of market swine and steers followed by market swine and steer showmanship contests beginning at 9 A.M. until completed. The selection of the overall Senior adult showmanship contest will also be held on January 29th.

The recognition of food, art and photography show winners will take place beginning at 5 P.M. on Friday January 29th, stated Sandra Rios-Rodriguez.

The showcase of the 2016 MCJLS is the selection of the grand and reserve champion hog and steer on Friday, January 29th, beginning at 6 P.M. until completed. Don’t miss out this championship round.

On Saturday, January 30, 2016, will be the final day and highlight of the 2016 MCJLS which will commence with a delicious barbecue plate sale from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the Zan Matthies Show Barn.

The highlight of the 2016 MCJLS is the sale of the show animals on Saturday, January 30th, commencing with the dedication of the 2016 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show at 11 A.M. followed by the recognition of the 2015 MCJLS top buyers, and the sale of animals will begin at 11:30 A.M. until completed.

All Maverick County and surrounding businesses, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and supporters to register and attend the 2016 MCJLS as buyers to demonstrate their support of the youth of Maverick County.

The 2016 MCJLS will close with a stomping and barn storming western dance to be held at the City of Pass International Center for Trade beginning at 8 P.M.   Tickets for the fun loving western dance are now on sale and will cost students pre-sale $15 and $20 at the door on the day of the dance, while Adult tickets are $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door. Table reservations are available for $50. Entertainment will be by western music recording artist Chris Salinas and the Wild Grass Band.

For more information about the 2016 MCJLS or would like to purchase tickets for the MCJLS Western Dance, please contact the MCJLS Association at (830) 513-0616.

“The MCJLS association invites the entire community to come join us in supporting our youth in an very important and family friendly event for our entire region. Come join us and have one great time,” said Sandra Rios-Rodriguez.