The organizers, promoters and participants in the Maries County Livestock Expo are ready for the events on Thursday and Friday that will showcase youth livestock in the Vienna area.

The rabbit and chicken show kicks off the Livestock Expo on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the arena for the rabbits and the chickens will be judged near their pens. Thursday night also will be busy with FFA and 4-H members preparing for Friday’s activities.

On Friday the shows begin at 8 a.m. Hogs first, followed by sheep and goats, bucket calves and finally cattle. Following the shows, the fun over-the-hill showmanship event will be held and interested persons are encouraged to participate.

The awards show is Friday at 6 p.m. at the arena, followed by the Livestock Expo Auction, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Event organizer Brenda Johnson said all of the preparations have been going very well and the barn was set up last weekend and is ready to go. Johnson said the organizers have received outstanding community support and they appreciate it. Those who helped and gave donations will be recognized at the event. Several volunteer auctioneers will be at the auction where 62 participants will show and sell their animals. At this point, Johnson said the youth need buyers. “Come out and support the kids. It’s a small community but we all stand behind each other,” she commented. “The important thing is the kids have fun and they learn something, too.”

The Vienna High School Junior Class will host a concession stand on Friday. Biscuits and gravy and other breakfast fare will be served in the morning, and hamburgers and other food will be available in the evening. The junior class needs the community’s support also.