CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — With the Christmas lights tucked away and the New Year's resolutions made, 3NEWS is ready to get back in the saddle for one of our favorite times of the year: livestock show season!
And first in the ring is none other the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show (NCJLS), taking place at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown from Jan. 6-20.
NCJLS 4H student ambassadors Maliyah Loa, Emma Campbell, Hunter Fox and Jeorge Faske joined us on Domingo Live to share the details of this year's show and how it has helped them grow as young people.
"I've learned a lot about responsibility," said Faske, "it also helps to learn leadership... you can easily show (younger kids) how to be a leader."
"I think I can speak for all of us when we say we got started right from the start, when we were kids," said Loa, the 2021 NCJLS Queen. "I invite everybody to come see what the livestock show is all about and support the kids that have put in so much work this year."
There will be plenty of opportunities for the community to cheer on Nueces County's young exhibitors – and even join in on the fun! Here are just a few of the events you can look forward to over the next few weeks:
89th Annual NCJLS Parade
- When: Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Main Street, Robstown
Because how else are you supposed to get in the spirit of livestock show season?
Young exhibitors, local performers and other community members are set march, dance, ride and glide into the weeks' festivities atop their very own creative floats.
The parade is free and open for the public to watch.
22nd Annual NCJLS Alumni Barbecue Cook-Off
- When: Jan. 13, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Where: Parking Lot N of Exhibit Hall B, RMB Fairgrounds, Robstown
Perhaps the most delicious part of the livestock show's opening weekend (don't tell the livestock).
Pit masters across Nueces County will go head-to-head as they cook up their very best beans, chicken, ribs and brisket recipes. Hot tip: just follow your nose if you get lost on your way to the cook-off!
89th Annual NCJLS Kids Barbecue Cook-Off
- When: Jan. 13, 12 p.m.
- Where: Parking Lot N of Exhibit Hall B, RMB Fairgrounds, Robstown
Like a regular barbecue cook-off, but much cuter!
Kids aged 5-13 will put their cooking skills to the test in this kids-only competition where supervision is the only "help" adults are allowed to offer.
Children that are interested in competing are welcome to register at 11:30 a.m. before the cook-off for $20 cash. Kids must bring their own seasonings and pits will be provided to each child. All the money collected from entry fees will be given to the winners of the cook-off.
Fun & Free Dog Show
- When: Jan. 13, 1 p.m.
- Where: Main Arena, RMB Fairgrounds, Robstown
Everyone deserves the chance to experience the exhibitor life – especially with their best furry friend!
The Fun & Free Dog Show is open to all kids aged 2-11 and their friendly, well-behaved dogs 6 months and older. Each pair of entrants will have the chance to compete in three categories, such as best trick; best matching outfit; shortest tail; longest ears; rally through the cones; and many more.
Competitors are expected to register at the link here and check in at 12:30 p.m. before the show.
The Dog Show is free and open for the public to watch.
NCJLS Queens Contest
- When: Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Tuloso-Midway High School Performing Arts Center, Corpus Christi
Inside every girl is a princess... and inside every stock show girl is a queen.
The NCJLS Queen's Contest is where the young ladies of the stock show trade their belt buckles for ballgowns and show the county that they're more than just a pretty face in well-worn boots. The contest's interview segment will display the contestants' eloquence and quick wits, while a talent showcase will give the crowd a sampling of the skills each girl holds outside of the stock show ring.
The Queen's Contest is free and open for the public to watch.
NCJLS All Star Show
- When: Jan. 17, 4 p.m.
- Where: Main Arena, RMB Fairgrounds, Robstown
Only shooting stars make the break the mold – and that's exactly what makes the NCJLS exhibitors with special needs the all-stars they are!
Kids with special needs will experience the stock show limelight as they exhibit sheep and goats to the community in their very own livestock show. First- through 12th-grade students in and around Nueces County can register for the All Star Show at the link here.
The All Star Show is free and open for the public to watch.
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