Stock Show Crew: Which One Are You?

Everybody has their own talents and quirks. Our personalities can shine in what we do at a stock show. So which stock show crew member are you?

First Call Felicia

Felicia will keep the crew on task, on time, and aware of the schedule. Felicia always knows what class is next and the speed of the judge. If Felicia is in your crew you will never be late to the show ring.

Front Leg Frank

Some Franks may be talented fitters. Some Franks may just be learning. All Franks are in a crew where someone else is just a little (or a lot) more talented, has a touch (or a heap) more experience. So Frank isn’t going to get the back legs, the trailhead, or the top. That’s ok though, the front tires need air too.

Beverage Barry

Barry always has a cup (a can, a bottle) in his hand. Barry is willing to fill his buddy’s cups, even encourages it. Barry may be the best fitter, showman, salesman, or breeder around. He’s also the one who is going to make sure the cooler is full of ice and knows just how many beverages are left. He and Eddie (see Errand Eddie) have a close relationship, in case Barry needs to send Eddie for more drinks.

Errand Eddie

Eddie isn’t the most stock show savvy person in the crew. Yet, Eddie is always down to help. Eddie’s not going to fit or wash. Eddie’s not going to sit and watch the show. Eddie will run any errand the crew needs. Need to go check the classes? Eddie’s on it. Need to feed the sheep while the cattle are showing. Eddie will do it. Need someone to run off-site and get burgers, beverages, or bandages? Eddie is your guy. Every crew needs an Eddie.

Tailhead Tom

Tom is a fitter among fitters. Tailheads and tops may be all he does all day. From calf to calf, he sprays and combs, clips, and perfects. Tailhead Tom’s skill is well known and respected.

Back Leg Buddy

Much like Tom, Buddy knows what’s what when it comes to fitting. He used to be Frank but time, work, and experience have earned him the position on the back legs, show side. He comes with a box of his own clippers and combs. He lines his cans up in perfect order. He’s probably got black paint under his nose. It doesn’t matter what Buddy looks like when he’s done, you can bet the calf looks like a champion.

Tap-Out Trisha

Trisha’s a hard worker…until she’s not. When Tap-Out Trisha is done, she’s done. She’ll pull up a chair with no warning and the whole crew knows that she’s out for the day. If there are still a few animals left to hit the ring. Doesn’t matter to Trisha. Still need to wrestle the kids in to show clothes. Oh, well. When Trisha is done, somebody else has to take on her tasks.

Disappearing Danny

Related to Trisha, Danny seems to disappear when the yucky work starts. Is he there to fit? Yep. Standing ringside? You bet. But when it’s time to load the trailer, pick the stalls, or wash after the show, Danny has disappeared.

Shearing Shiela

Sheila can sheer some sheep. The wool on Sheila’s lambs will always be perfect. The perfect length, no streaks, none of those annoying wavey lines. Sheila will be clipping and shearing wool that no one else sees. She knows what she’s doing and leaves others wondering how she does it.

Foodie Frances

No one will ever be hungry as long as Frances is at the show. Coolers, cookie tins, and totes filled with every kind of snack imaginable. Sandwich makings that would rival any fast-food chain. One Frances even turned a 16-foot trailer into a mini-diner with made-to-order grilled hamburgers and french fries. She had show folks lining up for her treats. Frances is an essential member of every crew.

Showman Sheldon

Sheldon is the guy that everyone wants on the other end of the halter. He’s not afraid to show the toughest, the most stubborn, the most ornery animal to ever hit the show ring. When other kids are afraid or just can’t get their animal shown, Sheldon gets the call.

Load Up Larry

Larry is a guy who is there for the show. He’ll work, fit, wash, do it all. But when the show’s over, Larry is ready to go home. It’s not uncommon for Larry to have the whole stall torn down and partially loaded up while the rest of the crew are attending the closing ceremonies, watching the grand drive, or chatting at the picture booth.

Packer Patty

Related to Larry, Patty can pack 2 show barns in one 20 foot trailer. Among her boxes, baskets, and totes there’s just about everything one would need for a few days at the show.  The neck of Patty’s trailer is a goldmine of show sticks, neckties, chairs, and feed pans. If it’s needed, Patty will find a way to get it there.

Positive Paul

Paul’s the guy that gives the best pep talks. His motto is to keep a good attitude, work through problems, and encourage everyone. Paul’s always the one cheering for others, lending a hand, and giving advice. Paul is a great guy to have on your crew.

So, Which Stock Show Crew Member Are You

The truth is, we each probably have a little bit of all of them in us. 

We’d never trade our stock show crew for anything. Our differences, the way we’re able to work together, is part of the fun of showing livestock.

Meet more members of the crew in future Stock Show Saturday posts.