The Fifth Annual Pike County Invitational Steer and Heifer Show will be Friday and Saturday at Cattleman Park. The public is invited and there is no admission charge.

Prize money of $500 will be awarded to the Champion Steer and Supreme Heifer and

the Reserve Champion Steer and the Reserve Supreme Heifer will receive $250, making the Pike County Invitational a rather impressive show.

Grant Lyons, Pike County Extension coordinator, said the prize money is the icing on the cake for those who show the top steers and heifers at the annual invitational but it’s not the incentive for young people to raise show calves. “The kids just love what they do and are dedicated to it.”

“This will be the Fifth Annual Pike County Invitational Steer and Heifer Show and it’s sponsored by the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association and assisted by the Pike County Extension Office,” Lyons said. “The show is open to 4-H Club and FFA members. We have five participants from Pike County showing.”

Kate Johnson, Morgan Graham, Josh Graham, Jonathan Thomas and Trent Thomas will represent Pike County well, Lyons said.

“We are hoping for 50 participants. That will be down some from other years,” Lyons said. “The Pike County Invitational usually attracts between 60 and 80 participants but the economy has a lot to do with participation this year. With gas prices high, it’s not as easy to pick up and travel very far from home. But we do have several participants registered from Georgia. And, we still have a couple of days to register.”

The Pike County Invitational Steer and Heifer Show will get underway at 6 p.m. Friday with a hamburger supper sponsored by the Pike County Cattlemen with the Showmanship event beginning at 7 p.m.

The show will continue with the steer and heifer show at 8 a.m. beginning with the heifers.

The judge for the show is Randy Reeves.

“We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the show with us and support these young people in their efforts,” Lyons said. “They work really hard getting their calves ready for the summer show and then for the fall season.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to have a show like this in Pike County and appreciate the Pike County Cattlemen for their dedication to young people who have an interest in showing calves. And, we appreciate the all the young people who participate in the steer and heifer programs here in Pike County and other places.”