Large crowd expected for CC judging contest April 10

The Clarendon College Invitational Judging Contest will attract a huge crowd and likely double the population of the town this Saturday.

As of Tuesday, 2,396 contestants were registered for the event, which is almost the same as in 2019 when the contest drew its biggest crowd ever. However, Johnny Treichel, Clarendon College livestock and meats judging coach, says he expects there may be ten to 15 percent of registrants who might not show up this year.

The 2020 contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The biggest single event doubles Clarendon’s population for a day each year. The contest attracts around 2,000 high school FFA students and 4-H students from around Texas and nearby states.

The number of registrations doesn’t include the hundreds of parents and coaches who accompany the students to the contest. According to the 2010 US Census, Clarendon has a population of 2,026.

Past contests have had huge impacts on the local economy. Restaurants are typically packed for the event, and this year will hopefully be equally successful. Best Western Red River Inn reported they are booked solid for Friday night.

In addition to helping local merchants, the event also presents a great opportunity for CC to showcase its campus, faculty, and programs for prospective students. Treichel Clarendon College livestock and meats judging coach, said the event is a big recruiting tool for the college.

“This is the only time each year the college has this many potential students on campus,” he said. “And we are pleased to have such positive support from the community year after year.”