2024 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Underway, Sale is Saturday, Jan. 20
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2024
The 2024 Maverick County Junior Livestock Show and Sale (MCJLS) is underway during January 16-20, 2024 at the Zan Matthies Show Barn in Eagle Pass, Texas with over 200 Maverick County 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) students participating in the show, highlighted by the grand MCJLS Sale scheduled on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., announced Roberto Martinez, President of the Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Association.
“We like to invite all local and surrounding businesses, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and organizations to come out to the 2024 MCJLS Sale on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. to register and become one of our buyers at the Sale, benefitting over 200 local students from the Eagle Pass Independent School District participating in this year’s show,” said Martinez.
“Our Maverick County 4-H and FFA members work very diligently throughout the year planning, purchasing, raising, and training their show animals for the MCJLS and genuinely appreciate the buyers of their show animals, providing them with a gift basket at the MCJLS Sale,” added Martinez. “We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2024 MCJLS, particularly at the Sale on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at or before 10:30 a.m.,” Martinez added.
To register in becoming a buyer at the 2024 MCJLS Sale on Saturday, January 20th, please contact one or more members of the MCJLS Board of Directors, including, but not limited to, Roberto Martinez at (830) 352-7845, Luis B. Rodriguez at (830) 2893, Rosie Willars at (830) 469-2854, Armando de la Cruz at (830) 325-2604, Dr. Claudia Rodriguez-Wright at (830) 513-1535, and Olga M. Ramos at (830) 968-8710.
Among the 2024 MCJLS events already held include the MCJLS Pageant on January 15, the Jesus “Chuy” Sanchez Cowboy Breakfast on January 12, the Second Annual MCJLS BBQ Cook-Off on January 12-13, the MCJLS Cook-Off Dance on January 12, the Second Annual MCJLS Centennial Trailride on January 13, 2024, the MCJLS Photography Contest, the MCJLS Food Show, the MCJLS Art Contest, and the joint MCJLS and Eagle Pass Independent School District Piggy Gram Contest on January 18.
On Thursday, January 18, the grand champion market lambs and goats were selected after a full day of competition among 4-H and FFA members. Selected as the Grand Champion Market Lamb was Jesus Tovar while Jimena Molina garnered Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Selected as the Grand Champion Goat was Anahi Molina and Kael Ruiz earned the Reserve Champion Goat title. Their prized champion lambs and goats will be sold at the MCJLS Sale on Saturday, January 20, at 10:30 a.m. to the highest bidder, as well as all other grand champion and reserve champion animals and projects.
Scheduled on Friday, January 19, are the judging of the market swine and steers, including the selection of the grand champion and reserve champion swine and steer, the selection of the Overall Senior Showmanship Champion and the Adult Showmanship Champion, and the opening of many vendors selling beautiful gifts, jewelry, hats, clothing, and delicious food and refreshment items.
On Saturday, January 20, the MCJLS kicks-off at 10 a.m. with the Dedication Ceremony of the 2024 MCJLS, followed by the Recognition of the Top 10 Buyers of the 2023 MCJLS Sale, and the Sale starts at 10:30 a.m. with all grand champion, reserve champion, and every animal shown at this year’s MCJLS is sold. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.
The 2024 MCJLS caps-off this year’s show with a great Country and Western Dance at 8 p.m. until the Cows come home at the Eagle Pass International Center for Trade, 3295 Bob Rogers Drive, Eagle Pass, Texas, featuring the Art Tijerina and the Jukebox Preachers Band. Admission to the Dance is only $25 pre-sale and $35 at the door. Bring your swinging boots and partner for a grand time at the Country Dance.
