The 2023 Erath County Jr. Livestock Show was the biggest in the event’s history with 1,188 entries and 430 youth participating.
Fortunately, the event organizers and participants had more room to operate thanks to the completion of the new show barn at the Erath County Livestock Association grounds in Stephenville.
The 38,000+ square foot facility was made possible by some fast and generous donations.
Erath Couny Jr. Livestock Show Chair Beverly Funderburgh reported that planning had begun after last year’s stock show but the location only had a slab in the week before Thanksgiving. In the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, a beautiful and spacious metal building with 30 foot overhangs and six large roll-up doors was erected.
The new space also offers a much larger ring and a dedicated sale platform. There is still some work to be done though including finishing the new concession area, restrooms and dressing rooms next to the indoor office.
Insulation is also planned for the building and HVAC for the sale ring side of the barn.
“Hopefully, we can get all that finished by next year,” she said.
The efforts of Funderburgh were recognized Saturday night in the new barn prior to the sale of champions.
An oversized check was also presented to the ECLA by NEXTera Energy who was the Title sponsor in the new facility.
It was remarked Saturday night that more work is still needed and donations are still being accepted for those who would like to show their support and be listed on the donor wall. Those interested in helping can email ecstockshow@gmail. com or donate to the ECLA Building Funds at TexasBank in Stephenville.
Facility sponsors announced at the stock show included: ■ NEXTera Energy
■ Prime Metal Buildings
■ ABF
■ Stephenville City Electric
■ Stephenville Services
■ Jay Mills Construction
■ Gliddon & Sons Construction
■ McCoy’s
■ Hifam Investments
■ Erath County Commissioners Court
■ Troy Brown
■ Walker Wallace
■ Gabe Volf
■ Stephenville Pipe
■ U.S. Sand & Gravel
■ Carey Eaves
■ First National Bank of Dublin “It’s been amazing,” Funderburgh said of the support so far. “There’s been so much support moving this forward for the boys and girls who show.”
She hopes the event can keep growing in years to come and the local community is doing their part to ensure that can happen.