CC judging contest draws 2800 registrations

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

As of Tuesday, more than 2,800 contestants were registered for the event, which is more than the previous all-time high of about 2,300 in 2019.

The biggest single event for the city, the contest more than doubles Clarendon’s population for a day each year. The contest attracts around 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 2020 US Census, Clarendon has a population of less than 2,000 people.

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.

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. Johnny 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.”