Hungry exhibitors, visitors keep concession stand volunteers busy

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

The lunch rush, and breaks in the competition,keep the volunteer workers busy, including (left, back to camera) Brian Toifl, who also competed in the shows. -- Staff photos by Carolyn Rost

February 5, 2004 -- Livestock owners know adequate feed is important to their animals' energy level - and the Hays County 4-H Adult Leaders Association knows adequate food is essential for their livestock show exhibitors and viewers.

Anyone who has participated in a livestock show knows the day starts early, and often runs late, which means there is a need for on-site nourishment. And even those who attend, to cheer on their favorite exhibitor or just to watch the animals, will find tasty concessions as close as a stand's front window.

In Hays County, the concession stand is operated by the county's 4-H Adult Leaders Association as a means for raising funds that benefit the youth clubs' members.

On Jan. 21-24, at the Hays County Livestock Show, one of the "hottest" items on the concession stand menu is the sausage wrap - a small sausage link that has been flavorfully grilled then wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.

"We went through 70 pounds of sausage," reported Hays County Extension Agent Richard Parrish.

Besides the sausage wrap, favorites at the stand include barbecue beef on a bun (they went through 40 pounds of beef); hot dogs (about 60 pounds); Frito chili pies, and nachos.

Of course, the stand's operators know there's a need for sweet tooths' cravings, so they also sell candy bars and baked goods.

"The baked goods, like brownies, cookies, and Rice Krispy treats, are prepared by the 4-H'ers," Parrish added.

Youngsters stock up on concessions sold as a fund-raising effort by the Hays County 4-H Adult Leaders Association. -- Staff photos by Carolyn Rost

The agent also noted each 4-H family brings two 12-packs of a name-brand soda that is sold at the stand.

In cold weather, other big sellers are the cups of hot chocolate and coffee.

Although the stream of hungry show-goers ebbs and flows throughout the day, a flood of folks are often found at the stand during the "lunch rush," as Parrish called it. "It gets swamped; and even during the breaks in the long shows, like the goat show, and even the pig show, a lot of people go to the concession stand."

The concession stand is "ready for business" during the four-day livestock show, which can add up to a lot of man-hours. Parrish explained each of the county's eight 4-H clubs provides volunteers for at least two shifts of work time at the stand.

Volunteers within the 4-H adult leaders group also work to pick up supplies needed for the concession stands, such as condiments, napkins, etc. The expenses for the supplies are taken from the group's "seed money" account.

But the big asset from the group's efforts benefit the 4-H youth. "The money is used to send 4-H'ers to leadership camps, and to cover the costs of leadership training (which in turn benefits the kids), and it buys insurance for the 4-H'ers (in case of injury during a 4-H event)," Parrish said.

Since the funds raised from the concession stand sales prove to be beneficial for the youth, it's a great excuse to have another hot dog, barbecue sandwich, sausage wrap, and beverage while watching the show.