Peggy Wallace was all smiles as the live auction began to heat up. “We’re certainly exceeding expectations tonight,” said Wallace, Sale Committee Co-Chairman. Folks from all over Blanco County and well beyond gathered at the fairgrounds Saturday evening, October 1, to celebrate the 12th Annual Wild Game Dinner.

The organization holds fast to a single mission: supporting our young people and their various projects at the Stock Show in January along with assisting in needed barn improvements. In just the past eleven years, patrons of this family event have raised over $335,000 for our kids, members of the FFA and 4-H chapters in Blanco County. Fund-raising includes dinner ticket sales, raffles, Bauble in a Bubble, silent auction and the live auction that closes the event. All items, including the incredible array of wild game cuisine, are donated by area businesses, ranches and individuals dedicated to helping our youth develop their ag skills and an appreciation for the volunteer spirit that makes this such a wonderful place to live.

Students from both Johnson City and Blanco ISD were on hand to serve up the tasty fare, sell raffle tickets, shuttle patrons to and from the parking lot and clean up after it was all over. A special moment came when Randy and Clay Sultemeier announced the winner of the “Pick of the Barn” pig raffle to raise funds for the Slater Sultemeier Memorial Scholarship.

BCYC president, Doug Smith, spoke out during a break in the action. “We’re pleased to announce expansion plans for the Show Barn itself, including new steer ties, upgraded restrooms and a covered wing expansion to the north,” said Smith. He continued, “we pay as we go, and these improvements will benefit the county year-round as we attract more and better events.”

Peggy reports that “we broke all previous records, thanks to the very generous support of the live auction, and bids on the 125 silent auction items.” She spoke on behalf of the entire Sale Committee in expressing gratitude for “all of the volunteers, donors and patrons who make this annual event both successful and so much fun!”