It’s amazing the amount of organization it takes to run a stock show. Goats, sheep, cattle, hogs, llamas and rabbits paraded around in search of a blue ribbon and a trip to the premium sale. 4,500 exhibitors showed an estimated 7,700 head of animal projects. The numbers include two new shows this year: red Angus and pygmy goats. And then there was the Ag mechanics show. Over 100 projects including bar-b-que pits, restored tractors, working pens, trailers and furniture were on display in the 1st Community Spur Arena. It’s impressive the amount of work and craftsmanship created by FFA students from throughout Texas. Some of the unsung heroes of the stock show are the numerous county agents, ag teachers and volunteers. I found out how important as my son, Sam, showed goats this year. It would have been difficult without Extension agent, Ross Benson, and, of course, his mother. Showing livestock teaches responsibility and setting of goals. That was the main accomplishment.
My mouth dropped when walking out of the Community Medical Center livestock pavilion Friday. There stood ‘Radar’. He has to be the biggest horse in the world. Radar is a Belgian breed and stands 19.3 hands tall. Or bring a ladder and climb up almost six and a half feet. He consumes 18 pounds of grain, 40 pounds of hay and 20 gallons of water. That’s his daily diet! Radar travels the state courtesy of Priefert manufacturing and brought to San Angelo by McCoy’s Farm and Ranch supplies.
Tonight we’ll crown our 2007 rodeo champions. The top competitors in seven events will square off for the lion’s share of the rodeo purse. Tickets for tonight’s performance have been sold out for almost two weeks. Preliminary reports indicate rodeo attendance is slightly up. Last year, 87 percent of the performances were sold out. Midway and stock show attendance are also up. Good weather, minus the wind, is one of the many factors for the good turnout.
SASSRA honored Kermit Wendland Friday night at the rodeo with the annual Spur award. Kermit has led the SASSRA for many years. You would be hard pressed to find a man more respected in the stock show world as Kermit. I’ve known Kermit working as a reporter, committee person, and director and as a colleague. I gained more respect for him in every position. His patience and unflappable attitude are traits not always found when juggling fairground’s business from sun up to sun down. In the state of Texas, Kermit is known as Mr. San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. And now he’s known as a Spur award winner. But more important, he’s a friend to me and thousands of others. Congratulations Kermit!
-Perry Curnutt, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Marketing Director
