FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, AUG. 9, 2009
Livestock shows breed fierce competition
Contact: Gary Stamey, Livestock Superintendent
gary.stamey@ncagr.gov
FLETCHER—Livestock shows and competitions at the 2009 N.C. Mountain State Fair will begin shortly after the last dairy goat is unloaded from their trailer on Friday, Sept. 11, and won’t end until the last open junior dairy cow is judged on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of animals will pass before judges during the 10-day run of the fair, and ribbons and cash prizes await the best animals. A total of 17 different shows featuring cattle, llamas, sheep, goats, rabbits, turkeys, chickens and pigeons will occupy multiple barns and show rings during the fair.
“These shows are a great representation of the livestock grown here in western North Carolina,” says Fair Manager Matt Buchanan. “The bulk of the animals will come from western North Carolina, but the competition is so good, some of the open show animals will come from all over the eastern United States.”
Open shows are literally open to all, where youth shows are limited to exhibitors from N.C. and district shows are limited to western NC residents. A complete listing of Division II Livestock Shows can be found in the 2009 premium book for the NC Mountain State Fair, available on-line at www.mountainfair.org. Animals in the shows except for the display livestock will not be on display all 10 days of the fair.
Display livestock is housed at the fairgrounds all 10 days of the fair and represents a sampling of all the livestock raised in the area including horses, which do not compete at the Mountain Fair. Display livestock is housed in Barns B, C and D in the upper portion of the fairgrounds.
Perhaps the most unique competition is the Very Special Livestock Show held on Saturday, Sept. 19, where handicapped and challenged youth exhibitors are paired with gentle sheep in an all-winner show.
Livestock competitions are housed in numerous buildings around the fairgrounds, including the renovated Livestock Sales Arena, Davis Arena, the covered ring behind McGough Arena, a temporary ring between C and D barns, and more. Check the daily schedule for complete show times and information.
Rules governing the shows are posted in the premium book, and veterinary regulations will be strictly enforced. More information on the livestock shows is available from the fair office at (828) 687-1414.
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