HUNTSVILLE — The 2009-2010 Walker County Fair Scramble Heifer Program got off to a great start during the Walker County Fair rodeo in March 2009.

This year16 teens who participated in the 2009 rodeo calf scramble will compete with their heifers during the 32nd annual Walker County Fair, starting March 26.

The calf the participant caught during the scramble is not the heifer they are competing with at the fair. 

Dorothy Currier, who is co-chairing the program with her husband, Grant, said the Scramble Heifer Program relies on the generosity of local ranchers and businessmen to donate the heifers to be awarded to the successful participants. 

On Oct. 17, each participant in a random drawing discovered which calf would be theirs and which donors they would represent for the remainder of the program year. 

“Each month, the participant and heifer attend a progress show at the fairgrounds where the heifer is weighed and the participant is taught how to care for, train, groom, and show their heifer,” Currier said.

“The participant is required to keep accurate records, write an essay about what this program has taught them, and decorate their heifers’ stall at the Fair,” she said.

Awards will be presented for best conformation type, showmanship, Top Hand, Herdsman, most improved, record book, essay, and stall decoration on April 2 at the Scramble Heifer Show at the Walker County Fair. 

Prizes include 16 buckles, money, and miscellaneous other prizes.  The most important prize these participants will receive is the experience this program offers and the heifer that will belong to them once they enter the show ring.

This years participants in the Scramble Heifer Program are  Caston Bohan, Joshua Burnett, Amanda Davis, Timothy Douga, Tommy Douga, Callie Doyle, Dayle Goffney, Erroll Hodge, Jerroll Hodge, Courtney Hoke, Kevin McGilberry, Adam Olsen, Lee Williams, Audie Wyatt, Steve York, and Xavier York.

The generous donors of heifers for this year’s program are  Sandy Creek Angus — Phillip and  Tanya Burnett, Colton Christian and Kelsey Christian, Howard and Brenda Coates, True and Esther Cousins, Jake and  Gretchen Dixon and family, John Wayne Henry and Dennis Sivcoski, Mike and Lynn Hubbard, Glen and Norma Reader, Laura Rich, David and Peggy Smith, S&S Pipe — Ricky Spriggs, Gary and Saundra Syphrett, Jerald and Nita Syphrett, Robert Weeks, Ronnie and Reba White, and Jerry and Judy Woods.

 Donors for the pen of heifers to be raffled off at the fair are  Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace  James and Margaret Mature, County Judge Danny and Cindy Pierce and Jackie Yates. 

The Scramble Heifer Committee would like to extend a special thanks to each of the  donors for their support of the Walker County Fair Scramble Heifer Program.

The 2009-2010 Scramble Heifer Committee is made up of volunteers who donate much time and labor in support of the youth of Walker County. 

Members of the committee are  co-chair — Grant and Dorothy Currier, treasurer — Lisa Branch, secretary — Deneane Thompson, historian — Kathy Crapitto, Sharon Coburn, James Crapitto, Jake and  Gretchen Dixon, Butch and Christie Gibson, Eugene Kelley, Warren and Lynn Kroll, Willie and Sandra Sumner, Jerald and Nita Syphrett, Matt Thompson and Angie Grisham, and Bobby Weeks. 

“If you are interested in becoming a member of this committee, please talk to any of the committee members, stop by the Scramble Heifer area at the Walker County Fair, or call the number below,” Currier said.

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s calf scramble during the 2010 Walker County Fair Rodeo should call (936) 293-0123 or (936) 577-5671 or see your FFA or 4-H adviser.

Those wishing to participate must be a member of FFA or 4-H, have a place in Walker County to keep a heifer, be 12-18 years old, in good health, and should weight at least 100 pounds.

The 2009-2010 program participants will have their heifers at the fair March 26-April 3.

“Please come visit us in the livestock barn to see what this program is all about,” Currier said.  “You will get a chance to see the enjoyment and work experienced by the participants and committee members. 

“Also evident will be the pride of accomplishment so evident on the faces and in the actions of the Scramble Heifer Participants.”

Make plans to attend the 32nd Walker County Fair and Rodeo March 26 through April 3 at the Walker County Fairgrounds on state Highway 30 West. 

For more information, visit us online at www.walkercountyfair.com