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Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show
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Educating Youth - Promoting Agriculture
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The History of Our Livestock Show
Event Center • Family Entertainment • Arena • Great Family
Fun
In 1939, the
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Agricultural
Exposition, the forerunner of today's show, was organized as a
project of the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce. The first Show was
held in 1940 on the grounds of a local livestock sales yard with
makeshift pens and lean-to sheds. The show continued to be held on
this same property until 1949, when it moved to its present
location at 1000 North Texas in Mercedes. |
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In 1947, the Show was incorporated and chartered as a nonprofit, educational organization with a Board of Diretors representing all of the four southern-most counties in Texas. Up until 1955, all livestock was shown primarily in tents. By 1979 all exhibits, which were once housed in some 12 tents, were in permanent buildings located on slightly more than 100 acres. |
Volunteers from
all walks of life (bankers, lawyers, accountants, farmers, and
ranchers) and a dedicated Board of Directors, give endless hours of
their time to make the show a success. Without them, it would be
impossible to produce the show, as the costs would be excessive. It
is estimated that more than $25 million has been paid to FFA and
4-H exhibitors during the years the show has been in existence. The
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show has continued to
grow each year, and now ranks as one of the top 10 in the state.
People from all over Texas eagerly anticipate the event and come to
enjoy the many activities, which include a parade, rodeo,
competitive livestock events, and the many, many attractions that
are scheduled daily. |
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Contact us
in Mercedes, Texas,
for more information on our livestock shows
and family entertainment, as well as event center or arena
rentals. |
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