Three men who combined have 160 years of service were awarded Lifetime Supporter belt buckles commemorating over 40 years each of dedicated service to the Brown County Youth Fair.
Putter Jarvis, Delton Sweatman and Bill Stewart were awarded custom made belt buckles Tuesday evening by the Brown County Youth Fair Association.
Jarvis, with 62 years of service, began showing livestock as a 12-year-old with his first calf when the events were held on Austin Avenue. His family raised sheep and goats according to Jarvis who also stated they had registered Brahman cattle that they also took on the show circuit. He recalled a Duroc sow that he also showed which won Grand Champion four times.
“You don’t understand the impact that this (youth fair) has on the kids. You think they are just showing, but you guys are the role model,” said Jarvis to the BCYFA board members present. “They had an impact on us in a very desperate time. They made a great contribution to my life. This is one project that won’t go by the wayside, they’ll be doing your job in about 20 years.”
Bill Stewart showed sheep and chickens when he was in high school. He recalled the years the show was at Memorial Hall. “I’ve been involved in it ever since, only missed one year when I was in San Angelo,” said Stewart who began his BCYFA involvement in 1956. Of the buckles and the honor, he stated, “ This is nice, really nice.”
Since showing, Stewart was also a key member of the BCYFA Finance Committee in the mid 1970s and the always helps with premium sale at the Brown County Youth Fair.
Sweatman grew up showing animals in Kerrville, in fact showed their Grand Champion steer one year. He moved to Brownwood in 1970 and became involved with the youth fair here. According to board members, Sweatman played an important role in establishing the premium sale at the Brown County Youth Fair.
Sweatman spoke of livestock showing and how it becomes a family tradition for some. His granddaughter, Hannah Sweatman, showed this year’s Grand Champion Steer, setting a record amount at the premium sale and placing 4th at the Fort Worth Stock Show in a class from which the Grand Champion was entered.
Board Members Gaylon Miller, Terry Edgar, Mark Baugh and president David Goodwin spoke of the importance of youth fairs in developing future leaders and how the experience instills responsibility and develops character in the young people involved.
“We’ve got a lot of second and third generation leaders in this organization,” said Goodwin.
Miller and Baugh spoke of the dedication of Jarvis, Sweatman and Stewart.
“You can’t put into words what they’ve done, it goes beyond service,” said Miller. “Their service and commitment is a direct reflection of the impact it had on them as youth and the youth now.”
“It’s the reason these guys serve that long in that capacity,” stated Baugh. “My dad and Putter were on the committee that built the arena along with Delton and many others.”
Miller also commented on the success of this year’s premium sale.
“I think Brown County is becoming more of an icon as we send 75% of our exhibitors through the sale and because of the premiums we have gotten,” said Miller.
Baugh stated that the community is very supportive of the premium sale.
“When we are collecting money for premiums, few turn us down. It’s not a matter of whether they will contribute or not, it’s how much they can contribute,” explained Baugh.
Miller recounted how many who serve consider the opportunity to be a blessing, not a burden.
“Putter once told me, ‘Gaylon, I’ll tell you, I’m still paying back’,” said Miller. “Volunteering for the BCYFA is food for the soul. Many start off with an agenda, but then it starts feeding you.”
The Brown County Youth Fair is held in January each year; however preparation is ongoing throughout the year. For those interested in becoming a part of this event or to find out how to become a sponsor or contribute to the premium sale, please email info@browncountyyouthfairandrodeo.com or call 325-646-6365.
Pictured above are Putter Jarvis, Delton Sweatman and Bill Stewart. Pictured below is the buckle presented to Mr. Jarvis.
