Youth Steer Futurity a Success

On Saturday, August 10th, 44 pre-registered 4-H and FFA students from across the state travelled to the Florida State Fairgrounds to select a steer they will take home to raise.  These students will show their steers competitively at the 2014 Florida State Fair in February.  Each participant selected from 51 steers ranging in weight from 500 pounds to over 900 pounds.

University of Florida animal science department staff graded each animal before student selection began.  Each student participated in a draw process to select a lettered pen in where each animal was kept.  Students then selected their top three choices, and an additional drawing took place to pair a student with an animal.

The concept for this program originated in 1989 when Charles Lykes was the chairman of the Youth Steer Committee of the Florida State Fair, a committee made up of Ag teachers, extension agents and ranchers.  He convinced the Fair Authority to take a new approach involving industry and education.  With Mr. Lykes’ direction, a new concept was designed and presented to the Florida Cattlemen's Association.  The Board of Directors, with Dan Childs as the President, approved the concept and assured Mr. Lykes that the association would support the program.

Since its inception, over 130 Florida ranchers have supported this program by donating at least one calf.

DISCOVER THE FUN AT THE 100 FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

The 100 Food Truck Festival will not only feature a wide variety of food trucks from all over the Southeast, but tons of family fun. 

The World’s Largest Food Truck Festival will occur on Saturday, August 31st, 2013 at the Florida State Fairgrounds (4800 U.S. 301 Highway Tampa, FL 33610) from 12PM-8PM. Admission is FREE and parking is $6. Other than the Florida State Fair Authority and Generation Food Truck, the Tampa Tribune is the newspaper partner and 98Rock is the radio partner.

Twelve year old DJ Jake Dela Cruz will be performing all day inside of the Waterfront Cafe mixing some electronic music.  The 501st Legion Florida Battalion, a Star Wars fan group, will be marching in a parade downtown Tampa, and appearing at the festival with over 100 in costume.  Jumpy King, a Tampa Bay area vendor, will be bringing jump houses, miniature golf, and more.

 HEROES GET INTO BIG BUCK EXPO FOR FREE THIS WEEKEND

TAMPA, FL – “Honor thy Heroes” is what Southern Trophy Hunters and The Tampa Tribune will do this week, when it provides free admission to the Big Buck Expo for all active and retired military, as well as first responders including, police, EMS and firefighters.  The free admission offer also extends to immediate family including spouses and children. A valid military or first responder ID shown at the door is all that is required.

The hunting and fishing consumer tradeshow will be held July 12-14, 2013, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with The Tampa Tribune to give our local heroes and opportunity to attend one of the largest hunting and fishing shows in the state,” said Jay Everett, president of Southern Trophy Hunters.

The Big Buck Expo in Tampa also includes the following celebrity appearances:

“Mountain Man” from A & E’s Duck Dynasty - Friday, July 12, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Troy Landry from History’s Swamp People - Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

R.J. and Jay Paul Molinere from History’s Swamp People - Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Regular admission to the Big Buck Expo in Tampa is $12 for adults, kids 7-17 are $7 and 6 and under are free. Thanks to the support of the Tampa Tribune all active and retired military, as well as first responders including EMS, fire and police get into the Big Buck Expo for free.

Presenting sponsor for the Big Buck Expo is Chevrolet. STH also produces a Big Buck Expo in Greensboro, NC set for July 26-28, 2013 at the Greensboro Coliseum.   

More information can be found at www.southerntrophyhunters.com or by calling 334.699.BUCK (2825)