Angelina County Fair showcases livestock raised by local youth

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - The Angelina County Fair is taking place in Lufkin, with livestock competitions, live music, activities and more.

On Wednesday, showcases are being held for pigs, rabbits and other livestock. Local youth have raised the animals to compete in specific categories.

“We have to get them ready for the show by posing and working on showmanship,” said Emily Awtrey, who brought three rabbits. “You’re judged on the look of the rabbits: the look of the head, the ears, the back....You have to train with it a lot. Sometimes they’re not natural posers -- I only have one that’s a natural poser. You just have to work with them for a long time.”

Students are responsible for a list of tasks to prepare the animals for the event, such as recording expenses and weight gain, then keeping them cared for during the fair.

Huntington ISD student Aubree Capps said she raised her rabbits for several months. “You work with them pretty much everyday, like getting their fur. You want to work with their fur because they’re also for fur animals too and meat.”

Superintendent of the rabbit show Melanie Murray said aside from winning, the market showcase also provides a good learning experience for the students.

“I think it’s very important for them to know where their food comes from to know how it gets there and what it takes to get food on the table. To understand the high consumer prices that there on things,” said Murray

Hudson ISD sophomore Camryn Chumbley is considering an agriculture career after high school. Chumbley is participating for her eighth year, and she brought a goat. She said raising an animal to be a possible winner takes a lot of hard work.

“It’s not for the faint of heart; it’s a very hard lifestyle,” Chumbley said. “You have to be almost every waking hour with those animals, whether it’s in the barn, at a show, at a meeting. If you want to pursue a career in agriculture, like animal science or in the meat industry, this would be a very good experience.”

Chumbley’s advice for those interested in participating next year, they should “expect a lot of dedication, that’s for sure. You can’t be lazy when you’re dealing with animals. It’s a day-to-day thing. You have to be prepared for any situation.”

Visitors can see the animals and participate in the livestock auction. Donations are also accepted to support the kids’ projects.

The 74th annual fair is being held March 20-25 at the George H. Henderson, Jr., Exposition Center on Loop 287 in Lufkin.

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