The annual event, which showcases area 4-H youth and their animals, begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday at the County Fairbarns adjacent to the Rodeo Bowl.

More than 380 entries have been received for this year's show, easily eclipsing last year's mark of 326, officials said. 4-H and Future Farmers of America members from Big Spring, Coahoma, Forsan and Ackerly will show a total of 386 animals in five categories — sheep, goats, rabbits, steers and swine.

Lambs and goats will be the first animals exhibited at the show. Lambs will take the stage at 3 p.m., Wednesday, followed by goats 30 minutes after the end of the lamb show.

The tiniest creatures in the livestock circuit take center stage Thursday, when the rabbit show is held at 6 p.m., while the show's largest animals — steers and barrows — will be judged Friday (steers at 9 a.m., barrows at 1 p.m.)

A barbecue lunch is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday and the show will conclude with the annual awards reception and buyers sale at 1 p.m.

In Stanton, 4-H and FFA members will compete in the annual Martin County Junior Livestock Show, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the community center.

Extension Agent Gary Earhart estimated 150 entries for this year's show, which kicks off with sheep judging at 2 p.m. Friday. Steer judging will follow immediately after.

Saturday, goats will be judged at 8 a.m., with swine following soon after.

The show concludes with the annual banquet, scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in the community center.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it