MILTON-FREEWATER — The Milton-Freewater Junior Show shines a spotlight on youths, animals, contests and exhibits, while wrangling in fun at the same time.

The Junior Show features youths affiliated with 4-H, FFA or Grange, who reside in Umatilla and Walla Walla counties or within the boundaries of College Place, Touchet or Walla Walla school districts. The county fair-type event highlights their work in caring for animals and showcases their talents through static exhibits, including artwork, foods, clothing, fiber arts, photography, creative writing, horticulture, STEM and educational displays; as well as live skills contests, such as measuring skills, table setting and favorite ensemble.

The three-day event begins Friday, May 9, and will continue through Sunday, May 11, at the Junior Show Grounds, located at 84487 Highway 11, behind Bordertown Feed & Supply. It starts daily at 8 a.m.

The community is encouraged to attend the Milton-Freewater Junior Show and applaud the efforts of youth as they highlight their hard work, gain leadership abilities, practice responsibility and learn additional life skills. Admission is free for spectators.

Schedule highlights:

May 9: morning: large livestock judging/conformation, market animal judging, small animal conformation/judging, breeding classes, skills contests, petting zoo opens, noon; tractor driving contest, 2-5 p.m.; and goat obstacle course, 5 p.m.
May 10: morning: showmanship classes, dairy showmanship/breeding, 1 p.m.; goats, including obstacle course, 3-5 p.m.; small animal all-around and large animal all-around showmanship, both at 4 p.m.
May 11: church service, 8 a.m.; Animal Dress Up Parade, 8:30 a.m.; awards program, 9 a.m.; livestock sale, noon.
After two full days of competitions, participants can kick up their heels during the annual Exhibitor Dance sponsored by The Friends of Mac-Hi FFA Alumni.

For a detailed schedule and more information, visit www.mfjrshow.com or search Facebook via bit.ly/44W5CmS.

History

Legally registered as the East Umatilla Junior Fair Association, the Milton-Freewater Junior Show enjoys a rich history of community support.

The first livestock show was held in conjunction with the Milton-Freewater Pea Festival in May 1948. And the inaugural livestock sale was in 1960 at McLoughlin High School’s agriculture shop.

After two years, the show moved to Hoon Tract, which later became Mac-Hi’s Shockman Field. Later in the 1960s, land was purchased on the outskirts of town where the Junior Show Grounds have since remained.

In addition to dozens of volunteers running the show, many sponsors contribute toward awards and trophies. Businesses and individuals who purchase sale animals also contribute to the event’s success. And each year, thousands of dollars are donated by those who buy animals and then turn them back to be resold to benefit the Junior Show.

— Go! Eastern Oregon staff writer Tammy Malgesini contributed to this report.