The third annual Appalachian Youth Livestock Showcase (AYLS), a four-species jackpot show, had an estimated 250 exhibitors this year — all showing off their pigs, goats, lambs and cattle.
The show is hosted by the Preston County Livestock Association and chaired by Natalie Phillips and Samantha Stone. There is an extensive committee that works all year to ensure all details are covered.
Stone said the event takes many volunteers and much manpower to pull off turning the Craig Civic Center into a top-notch indoor show arena. She said the show attracts participants from all over the East Coast.
“We are very thankful for the opportunity to bring a show of this caliber to the community and the Preston County Livestock Association youth,” Stone said. “The show would not be possible without partnering with Kingwood Parks & Recreation, the City of
Kingwood, the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and our extensive list of sponsors.”
Stone said the Crites family traveled from Maysville to help in coordinating the Mutton Bustin’ for the AYLS. She said the family does this at their local fair to raise money in memory of their late daughter, Derika Crites.
“The money that is raised goes towards a scholarship in their daughter’s memory. AYLS donated a portion of the admission money to their scholarship fund in Derika’s memory as a thank you for their help us with the Mutton Bustin’ part of our week activities. We hope the Crites family will consider coming back next year,” Stone said.
She said the organizers look forward to the program continuing to grow.
“It takes a lot of work to put on a show of this caliber,” she said. “But it provides an opportunity for our local 4-H and FFA kids to show their animals.”
