For 51 years, the Walter Gerlach Livestock Show and Sale has been a Northside ISD tradition that has quietly raised nearly $23 million in college scholarships for students. This year’s event will again draw hundreds of students and livestock bidders with 850 entries.
The Livestock Show and Sale is scheduled January 22 through January 27 at Steve Chumbley Park, located at 18945 Babcock Road (about three miles outside of Loop 1604). The event is open to the public, and there is no admission charge.
After months of preparation, hundreds of NISD Agriculture Science & Technology Academy (ASTA) and 4H students hope their hard work with their animals will pay off, literally. Animals sold in the Gerlach Show’s auction earn money for their owners to help pay for college. In fact, last year’s record-setting sales raised more than $1.5 million for students and scholarships.
In addition to the judging in the main area, there’s always a flurry of activity in the pens as students prepare their animals for their turn in the show arena. Hundreds of parents, family members, and fellow competitors are also on hand to watch the judging and support the event.
Students, whose animals “place” in the show, can sell them in the auction on Saturday morning.
Highlights of the Show and Sale:
- Saturday, Jan. 20 – 9 a.m. Ag Mechanics (at O’Connor HS Multipurpose Center)
- Monday, Jan. 22 – 8 a.m. Goat Show; 12 p.m. Lamb Show
- Tuesday, Jan. 23 – 8 a.m. Swine Show
- Wednesday, Jan. 24 – 5 p.m. Steer Show
- Thursday, Jan. 25 – 10 a.m. Poultry Show (turkeys followed by chickens)
- Saturday, Jan. 27 – 10 a.m. – Auction and Sale (Opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.)