A family of volunteers
By Jennifer Browning
Photo by Jennifer Browning Charla Farrell and Danny Davis standing behind the scenes and keeping the Livestock Show going strong .
Courtesy photo Terry Douglas , Gary Douglas and Ken McGee have been constant volunteers for the Livestock Show over the years .
Family looks different for everyone , but there is no doubt that the Henderson County Livestock Show is one big family that enjoys both the competition and camaraderie that exists within all tight-knit communities .
Some participating in this year ’ s livestock show were there for the first time , but for many this is an annual show they participate in and look forward to . The participants are the reason the show exists , but behind each exhibitor are many who play crucial roles in the program .
The Henderson County Livestock Show , which has been considered by many to be one of the best livestock shows for students in Texas , is the result of thousands of people over the years who have volunteered their time , money , and efforts to make the show what it is today .
There are many people spending hundreds of hours behind the scenes making sure the week ’ s events go on as planned . There are even more people working directly with students , coaching , mentoring , clipping , cooking , loaning money , taxiing to contests , providing encouragement in victory and defeat , and buying during the show sales .
There are also many corporate gate sponsors who help to make the event free to the public and many lunch and dinner sponsors who have fed thousands for free over the years .
With more than 250 years of combined HCLS volunteer time between seven individuals and 30 plus years independently , there is a group that often goes unrecognized , but is the backbone of the HCLS .
Each year , Jerry Rogers , Charla Farrell , Judy Pool , Chuck McHam , Terry Douglas , Danny Davis , and Ken McGee return enthusiastically to volunteer their time to this program .
6 | Greater Athens Magazine | May 2022