The week-long event in Robstown isn't only a showcase. It also helps prepare students with experience for college and to earn scholarship money. NATALIA CONTRERAS/CALLER-TIMES
Nine-year-old Athena Strother and her dog, Snowflake, did not look like newbies to the dog show arena on Saturday.
Athena, dressed as Peter Pan, stood tall with Snowflake, dressed as Tinkerbell, as judges made a decision for best matching costume.
When judges called their names for second place, Athena was thrilled.
"I've always wanted to compete in a dog show," she said, excited. "This was my first time competing and it was a lot of fun. I can't wait to do this again next year."
Athena wasn't alone to claim a prize at the free dog show.
Kids put on their craziest costumes with their favorite pups to participate in the fourth annual Nueces County 4-H Ambassadors Fun and Free Dog Show at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Athena's sisters, Eva and Amara — both eight years old — also won prizes for best matching costume and best dog costume with their dogs, Daisy and Rossi.
"I was really nervous," Amara said. "But I really liked being in the show."
The best part about the show, the girls said, was the costumes.
"My favorite part about being in the show was dressing up," Athena said. "I really liked the dogs and seeing them in all the costumes."
"Me too!" Eva said. "The dogs looked so cute."
From Batman to Rosie the Riveter, the annual dog show gave children 11 and under a chance to strut their stuff with their pups and win awards in categories like longest tail, shortest tail, cutest nose, prettiest dog, best trick, best dog costume and best matching outfit with human.
"I started the dog show four years ago as a way to expand my leadership project in 4-H," said 17-year-old Jayna Grove, District 11 4-H chairman and organizer of the free dog show.
Jayna said when she started the show, she wanted to combine two of her passions together — leadership and dogs.
"I really wanted to give the kids a chance to gain experience in the show ring and being around others," she said. "The show is a great avenue for kids to learn to work with their dogs and also increase their knowledge of the Junior Livestock Show."
More: You won't want to miss these events at the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show
In 2014, the Nueces County 4-H Ambassadors started the free show with just 15 participants.
This year, there were 44 participants, their biggest show yet.
"This year was great and I am really excited to see next year's turnout," Jayna said. "The kids had such a great time and there were so many different costumes. I really loved all the kids' effort, especially the best tricks."
IF YOU GO
What: The 83rd annual Nueces County Junior Livestock Show
When: Saturday, Jan. 13 to Sunday, Jan. 21
Cost: Varies by event
Where: Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd. Robstown, and other locations
Information: www.ncjls.org
Upcoming Livestock Show events
SUNDAY, JAN. 14
8 a.m. Horse Show Registration; 9 a.m. judging at the Equestrian Arena
12-2 p.m. Ag mechanics, large projects beyond standard forklift check-In
MONDAY, JAN. 15
8-9:30 a.m. Homemaking entries check-in at the Convention Center
10:30 a.m. Homemaking judging, foods and photography at the Convention Center
TUESDAY, JAN. 16
10:30 a.m. Homemaking judging at the Convention Center
11 a.m. to Noon Breeding sheep check-In at Exhibit Hall B
1-6 p.m. All swine move-in at Exhibit Hall A
1-4 p.m. Large shop projects check-in at Exhibit Hall A
3:30-5 p.m. Market lambs move-in, weigh and sift at Exhibit Hall B
4-6 p.m. All other shop projects check-in at Exhibit Hall A
5-6:30 p.m. All goats move-in, weigh and sift at Exhibit Hall B
7 p.m. Breeding sheep judging at the Main Arena
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17
7:30-9:30 a.m. Poultry move-in at Exhibit Hall B
8 a.m. Market swine sift at Exhibit Hall A
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Beef cattle move-in at Exhibit Hall B
8-9 a.m. Breeding rabbit – weigh and sift at Exhibit Hall B
8 a.m. Ag Mech project junior and senior judging at Exhibit Hall A
9 a.m. Breeding rabbit show at the small arena
10 a.m. Poultry judging – broilers followed by turkeys at the Main Arena
12-5 p.m. Market/fryer rabbit weigh and sift at Exhibit Hall B
12-6 p.m. Goat judging at the Main Arena
6 p.m. Market lamb judging at the Main Arena
6 p.m. Homemaking awards presentation at the Convention Center
6 p.m. Rabbit showmanship at the small Arena