LONGVIEW, Texas – The annual Harvest Festival and Livestock Show began Tuesday morning at the Longview Fairgrounds exhibit building, opening with a rabbit‑judging competition that drew 199 registered pens. Each pen entered three rabbits plus an alternate, and weigh‑ins started at 8 a.m. The show was set to begin about an hour later.
Event Highlights and Schedule
Organizers said the number of entries this year is roughly on par with prior years, with a slight uptick in rabbit participation. The five‑county show serves Gregg County and the surrounding counties that border it, providing a showcase for local youth and agricultural families.
The weekend agenda includes poultry and speech contests on Wednesday, followed by swine, home economics, and ag mechanics demonstrations on Thursday beginning at noon. Friday will feature lamb, goat, and steer competitions. The festival will close with a Sale of Champions on Saturday, October 24, at the convention center, followed by a barbecue buyers’ dinner at 5 p.m. (tickets are $10) and a live auction at 6 p.m.
Supporting Students and Community Projects
Proceeds from the festival help fund future student projects and college expenses, as well as year‑long ag‑mechanics initiatives such as building trailers and workshop furniture. “These events give our kids real‑world experience and the financial support they need to pursue higher education,” said an organizer.
Judging and Admission
Judge Tony Bell, 71, a longtime rabbit breeder who has raised rabbits since high school, evaluated entries on appearance, tail condition, and uniformity. Admission to view the projects at the fairgrounds, exhibit center, and harvest pavilion is free, inviting families and community members to celebrate local agriculture.
Community Impact
The Harvest Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Longview’s agricultural heritage, fostering pride in farming traditions and providing a venue for young people to develop skills that will benefit the region’s economy for years to come.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
