CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The animals have left the barn at the County Fairgrounds in Sinton, but the memories will last forever as the community closed the 70th annual San Patricio County Junior Livestock Show.
The annual show drew more than 300 participants and 40 vendors from San Patricio and Aransas County, and during this 4 day event, more than $900,000 was earned by the boys and girls who raised rabbits, turkeys, lambs, goats, pigs, steers and heifers that were auctioned off.
“It is huge for us, we are a small county and Aransas County is small as well. So we are real excited and very fortunate and blessed to have that many investors come purchase these kids' projects,” said San Patricio and Aransas County Livestock Show President John Steelhammer.
Visitors to the 2020 livestock show spent money not only at the fairgrounds, but also in town, providing an economic boost.
“They come from Aransas and all parts of San Pat County so the gas stations, the hotels, the restaurants all benefit. The economy of Sinton really shines this time of year,” said Steelhammer.
“That helps us with our streets, it builds our infrastructure, and it brings new businesses into our town. And that is what we are looking forward to, to expand, to have Sinton be back on the map. We got a very strong community so we are always excited when events like this happen for our businesses,” said Sinton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesly Mora.
This year the San Patricio County Junior Livestock Show is looking to produce nearly a million dollars, if not more, in economic activity.
“Anytime you have the ability to gather upwards to seven figures, it has an impact throughout the community, whether it is the kids and their funds that they use for next year's project, or furthering their education, or going back to the community, that money is moved around in numerous ways throughout the year,” said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent Bobby McCool.
The goal for these livestock shows is to help kids earn money and earn scholarships, while teaching them life lessons.
The San Patricio County Junior Livestock Show committee said that this is an event that demonstrates the best of their community because it would not be possible without the tireless work of those who volunteer their efforts to do the work behind the scenes. It’s an incredible effort and a true hit for their community.
