San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.) has grown to one of the largest, most prestigious single events in the city of San Antonio, with over one million visitors entering the grounds each year. With community, donor and volunteer support, the organization has donated more than $160.1 million to the youth of Texas through scholarships, grants, endowments, auctions, programs and show premiums.
Consumer Judging is one of the many contests offered at this event. This contest is based on the skills of consumer observation, comparison, and the ability to make a fact-based purchases. Each participant is expected to defend their purchases to a panel of judges. There are five classes that the contestants are familiar with and one mystery class. This year the classes were: Outdoor Backpacks, Activewear, Camp Stoves, Nutritional Snacks, Digital Cameras and Emergency Radios (mystery). The San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. rewards the top three Senior winners with a $10,000 scholarship.
The Fannin County 4H Texas Star youth participated in the Consumer Judging Contest in San Antonio, February 20, 2016. The Junior Team consisted of Caleb Arris, Carson Arris and Gavin Collier. As a team they placed 3rd out of 25 teams. Gavin Collier placed 14th with a score of 272, Carson Arris placed 21st with a score of 270 and Caleb Arris placed 31st with a score of 261. There were 70 contestants in the junior competition. The Intermediate Team consisted of Preston Berg, Brendan McMurray and Jack Porter. As a team they placed 31st out of 38 teams. Jack Porter placed 15th with a score of 316, Brendan McMurray placed 101st with a score of 289, and Preston Berg placed 111st with a score of 282. There were 130 contestants in the intermediate competition. The Senior Team consisted of Randy Arris, Jr, Dannielle Berg, Dacie Bradly and Dreyvan Strickland. As a team they placed 8th out of 47 teams. Randy Arris, Jr placed 5th with a score of 371, Dreyvan Strickland placed 44th with a score of 355, Dacie Bradly placed 72nd with a score of 347 and Danielle Berg placed 100th with a score of 337. There were 149 contestants in the senior competition.
The Fannin County 4H Texas Star Consumer Judging teams did an outstanding job. They will be competing April 15, 2016, representing Fannin County, for the District Contest at Texas A&M Commerce. Good luck to them all.
