Sierra Winter Classic turns 30 this weekend

Annual event begins Saturday at fairgrounds

The 30th annual Sierra Winter Classic Beef Show will be held this weekend at the Porterville Fairgrounds.

The annual show is for young beef exhibitors and attracts more than 300 head of cattle and 200 exhibitors.

This year’s show runs Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-14.

In 1989, a group of cattle breeders, 4-H leaders and parents got together to provide an opportunity for young beef exhibitors to showcase their projects before their final show of the season. From that, the Annual Sierra Winter Classic Steer and Heifer show was born.

The Sierra Winter Classic is a project of the Porterville Jr. Fair Board, a group of 16 4-H and FFA member’s age’s 14-19. The show allows the Jr. Fair Board the experience of running a Jr. Livestock show with the assistance from the adult committee members.

Exhibitors from all over the state and beyond come to the show.

Exhibitors compete for prizes and premium money. Prizes consist of buckles and jackets for the Champion Heifer and Champion Prospect and Progress Steers, jackets for Showmanship winners, framed photos for Breed Champions and multiple class prizes.

The Sierra Winter Classic partners with the California Jr. Livestock Association to give exhibitors an opportunity to accumulate points for that organization’s yearend prizes should they wish to become a CJLA member.

The event is open to the public at no charge.