Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Pike County Memorial Day  Blowout Steer and Heifer Show at Cattlemen Park Saturday was an event that might not have been. But, the Pike County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen realized the importance of having the show and moved ahead in anticipation that outdoor events would be allowed.

“This was the first show of the 2020 season and the kids had worked hard to get ready,” said Heath Wesley, a member of the show committee. “We were ready to go when Gov. Kay Ivey gave permission for outdoor activities to be held, including following all the procedures necessary to keep the participants and those in the audience safe.”

Ninety-nine youths from four states, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida, showed 168 steers and heifers.

“The participation in the show was great,” Wesley said. “We were very pleased with the number of kids that showed and the quality of the animals. We had 15 kids from the local area and a large number of kids and their parents in attendance who are interested in showing.

Wesley said the state steer and heifer was not held this year so the Pike County Memorial Day Blowout Steer and Heifer Show was the first opportunity for most of the kids to show.

“Spirits were high,” he said. “The kids had worked hard and were excited to finally get to show their animals. It was a chance of them, their parents, all of us to get out and do what we love. It was a very good day and great to be back in the arena.”

However, being “back” was a different.

“We followed the recommendation for social distancing; we had hand sanitizer available and the building was closed,” Wesley said. “So, rather than having lunch together and indoors, we had sack lunches and recommended that families have lunch individually at their trailers. Everyone was very cooperative. We had a god show and the committee and the Cattlemen and Cattlemen did an exceptional job of planning and caring out the show.”

Wesley expressed appreciation to all the participants, their families, the volunteers and those who came in support of the kids and the sponsors who made it all possible.

“The show committee did an outstanding job of planning and carrying out the Pike County Memorial Day Blowout,” he said. “Our emcees, Galen Grace and Tammy Powell, were excellent in keeping the audience informed and interested.”

The show committee members are:Jeffery and Ashley Johnson, Mark and Vonda Graham, Heath Wesley, Claire Flowers, Morgan Dubose, Morgan Graham, Ammie Thompson, Trent Thomas and Tammy Powell. Special assistance was provided by Wesley, Heather Minton, Charity Thomas, Heather Gill and Shawn Flowers.

A special thanks was expressed to the show sponsors: First South Farm Credit, Alabama  Ag Council, Pinckard Vault and Marble/Green Hill Funeral Home, Pike County Farmers Federation, South Alabama  Stockyard, Inc., City of Troy, Flowers, Capital Trailor, Dubose Farms, South Alabama Electric Cooperative, First National Bank, Maples Show Cattle, Slawson Manufacturing, Troy Bank & Trust, Sun South, Rafter Bar A Supplies, Scott Farm Supply, ShowCoat Solutions, LLC, Orange Hill Express, Inc. Pike County Cattlemen and Pike County Cattlemen.