Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show highlights tradition and spirit

MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo is in full swing.

From the vendors to the carnival and rodeo, it was a day full of action on Wednesday. Many people said this is one of their favorite traditions in the entire Rio Grande Valley.

Fabian Sanchez said he has been coming to the rodeo since childhood.

“Everything, everything is pretty fun out here," Sanchez said.

For the first time, he brought his wife, Daisy, to enjoy the event.

“Pretty great as there are a lot of things to do, and I am excited," Daisy Sanchez said. “The rides, the food as there is a lot of variety of foods.”

Some from even as far as Canada were joining the excitement like Pierre Gagnun.

“We're about 15 to 20 people, from our campground on a mission, and we're here for the rodeo, and then we're gonna be watching the show afterward. Yeah, just for fun, bring a couple of beers," Gagnun said.

Many also see the event as one of tradition like Harlinge teacher Amanda Sandoval.

“I just to come with my grandparents and it was kind of a family trying and just trying to keep it like a family thing and doing things together," Sandoval said.

Her daughter, Elena Rodriguez, was excited to see the livestock. Especially, the cows

“Because they are cute," she said.

The livestock competition is one of the most important with over 8,000 students competing throughout the week. Some even make strong connections with their animals as Rocky Vallejo Jr., an Edcouch-Elsa High School ninth grader, talks about his pig "Bambi".

“At first, he didn’t like to walk," Vallejo said. "These pigs are real stubborn he got the hang of it, and he knows how to walk and does it way better, so yes I got attached to him.”

Others like Hunter Garza take on the lessons to apply them next year.

“I will continue, and I am going to get better, and I’ll look at my flaws, and I’ll say look maybe I can change this like how the judge said," Garza said.

At the end of the day; however, it is all about family. As little Leyla Garza puts it, she even stops fighting with her sisters to enjoy spring break and some family time.

“This is the one time of year where we are not fighting with each other as we always bicker, but out here it doesn’t matter because we are just having fun," Garza said.

Once the stock show ends, they will award $1.7 million to students competing in scholarships, prize money, and awards.