The Chester County Showdown continued in its second year over the weekend, Aug. 6-8, bringing a crowd that surpassed an already impressive first year turnout.
More than 450 animals made up three days of livestock shows, with a goat show Thursday evening, cattle on Friday evening and 12 hours of sheep shows throughout the day on Saturday. A total of 170 youth exhibitors ages 18 and under competed for top billing in more than 150 classes. Some came from across the county while others trailered their animals in from hundreds of miles away for the chance to participate in one of Tennessee’s up and coming top youth livestock shows.
Judges for the event were Thomas Woelfle for goats, Clay Pierce for cattle and Vina Stewart for sheep. Top winners were Nora Lawrence – Overall Champion and Heavy Weight Champion Doe Kid; Chace Harris – Overall Market Wether; Alex Gordon – Grand Champion Heavy Weight Yearling and Overall Champion Yearling Doe; Hailey Ivey – Supreme Champion Heifer; Bryana Fisher – Grand Champion Commercial Ewe; Ann Thomas Lowery – Grand Champion Market Wether Lamb; Emmitt Bragg; Supreme Champion Ram; and Hunter Robbins – Supreme Champion Ewe.
Organizer Paul Jones said the event is successful largely due to the FFA students, volunteers and sponsors. The local FFA help with set up, tear down and concessions, as well as making sure the judges and volunteers are fed. “They played a vital role,” Jones said. “I want to thank all my volunteers – there’s no way I can do any of my livestock show without volunteers, and sponsors, that help make it happen.”
Jones said thoughts have already turned to next year’s Showdown, saying they hope to continue increasing numbers, building up the cattle and goat shows and to continue providing an event for the community and for Chester County youth to become involved in and enjoy.
Photography was provided by With Hope Photography and will be available at https://www.withhopephotography.com/ and through Facebook.
Photos courtesy of With Hope Photography
