As the crisp autumn air descends over Longview, Texas, it signals the arrival of the annual Harvest Festival and Livestock Show. This much-awaited event will be held at the Longview Convention Complex Ag Pavilions and Maude Cobb Convention Center from October 24th to October 28th, 2023. It promises to be a week filled with community spirit, showcasing the best of agriculture and paying homage to the rich heritage of East Texas.

Schedule:

Monday, October 23, 2023

At 4:00 p.m., volunteers will start setting up pens, cattle panels, and rabbit show equipment at the Longview Fairgrounds for upcoming festivities.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

9:00 a.m. - Speech Contest at Maude Cobb: This event will feature talented speakers showcasing their finest oratory skills.

12:30 p.m. - Roaster/Broiler Sift & Check-in: The feathered stars of the show, including roasters and broilers, will be checked in and prepared for their time in the spotlight.

1:00 p.m. - Poultry Show: The Broiler show will commence, where the best poultry will be displayed after the Roaster show.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - Rabbit Scales Open – Exhibitors’ rabbits will undergo weighing and measuring procedures to ensure fair competition.

8:00 a.m. - Rabbit Weigh-In/Check-In/Show – A one-day show for rabbits with no cages available, offering a glimpse into the world of rabbit enthusiasts.

4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Market Swine Weighing & Sifting – Exhibitors prepare for competition as market swine arrives. Showmanship opportunities are encouraged.

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Home Economics Entries Check-In – A showcase of practical skills, creativity, and talents.

4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Ag Mechanic Entries Check-In – The Maude Cobb Activity Center comes alive with the sounds of machinery and innovation.

4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Livestock Entries Check-In – All livestock entries, except Prospect Steers and heifers, make their way to the fairgrounds.

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Market Steers Check-In – It’s time for the bovines to enter.

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Lamb and Goat Weigh-In – Preparations are underway to judge these small livestock.

8:00 p.m. - All Entries in Place – The stage is set for the days ahead.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

9:00 a.m. - Market Swine Judging: The judges will evaluate the qualities of the swine in the spotlight.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Home Economics Judging: A close examination of creative and practical skills will be conducted.

12:00 p.m. - Ag Mechanics Judging: Innovative projects will undergo scrutiny.

2:00 p.m. - Public Viewing of Home Economics Divisions: The public can admire the entries.

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Home Economics Entries Checkout: Participants can retrieve their entries, with non-edible items retained.

8:00 p.m. - Gates Closed: Preparations for the cattle show are underway.

Friday, October 27, 2023

8:00 a.m. - Lamb Judging, followed by Meat Goat Judging - The small livestock categories will be in focus.

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - Steer Weighing and Sifting - The Beef Superintendents will supervise the weighing and sifting of steers.

2:00 p.m. - Market Steer Judging - The grand moment for the steer competition at the Cattle Show Arena.

After the steer show, non-sale animals should be removed from the fairgrounds.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Attention everyone! The grand finale is almost here. Here’s the itinerary for the day:

From 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., the Prospect Steer and Heifer Check-In will take place. All young animals will be checked in and made ready for the shows during this time.

Please note that any remaining animals, except those sold, will only be released after the Cattle Show concludes.

At 8:30 a.m., the Heifer Jackpot Show will begin, followed immediately by the Steer Jackpot Show.

Here are the prizes for each show:

Heifer Show:

First to Eighth-place winners get ribbons

Breed grands/reserves are yet to be decided

Division grands/reserves get Trophy Buckles

Supreme grand champion gets a Leather Director’s Chair

Supreme reserve champion gets a Buckle Harness

Prospect Steer Show:

First to Eighth-place winners get ribbons

Division grands/reserves are yet to be decided

Grand Prospect Steer gets a Trophy Buckle

Reserve Prospect Steer gets a Trophy Buckle

The Harvest Festival Buyers Dinner and Sale will occur at the Maude Cobb Activity Center on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. The Buyers Dinner will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Sale at 6:00 p.m.

The Harvest Festival & Livestock Show is a unique event that celebrates the agricultural success of the region and fosters a strong sense of community. It is a time for neighbors, friends, and fellow Texans to come together, share stories, and celebrate the shared values of hard work, family, and community. This festival is about agriculture and building long-lasting relationships that extend beyond the festival grounds.

Remember to mark your calendars for the week of October 24 to 28, 2023. You will want to attend the Harvest Festival and Livestock Show at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, located at 100 Grand Boulevard in Longview, TX 75604. This event celebrates the agricultural industry, the backbone of our great nation. It’s a week-long tribute to the past, present, and future, all under the vast Texas sky. Come and be a part of this remarkable event to experience the joy and beauty of agriculture firsthand.