A ‘Classic’ Begins: Teen brings Jackpot livestock tradition to Hood River County

Jackpot shows happen every weekend all summer long, giving local youngsters (and some adults) experience and the chance to win money, as the name suggests.

But this was the first of its kind in Hood River County, according to organizer Ellie Smith, completing her junior year at Hood River Valley High School.

“I just felt like we needed some new showing in Hood River because we’ve been stuck in one way for a long time,” Smith said

Jackpot is similar to what goes on at the fair, but it’s a separate schedule and tradition; the contestants keep their animals after the event, and take home what they have learned.

In hog showmanship, Judge Chris Kizer praised the overall high quality of the presenters. He gave some advice on how to work the ring and direct the animal.

“I like a quiet stick,” he said of the device animal exhibitors use to guide their livestock around the show area. “I only want to see that stick from the shoulder forward,” Kizer said, and advised minimal leg or hand contact in guiding the animal, emphasizing body position and outstretched hands anticipating the animal’s movement. And, Kizer stressed, “When you leave the pen, always shut the gate.”

“Other than fair, the shows are in other towns, so I thought we might as well bring things to Hood River, which is kind of in the middle of the state and a lot of people from all around the area have more opportunity to show,” Smith said. Recent Jackpots that Smith and friends have attended were in Tygh Valley, Astoria, Canby, and Madras.

“The showmanship ability is tremendous, the animals perform better as they go along, and there is the potential to make money because they’re all jackpot shows,” said Don Schmidt, FFA advisor at HRVHS, watching the action.

Smith was pleased with the turnout. To get the word out about her Jackpot, Smith contacted other county fairs and FFA organizations, and used Facebook.

A previous report erroneously said Smith did the event as a school project. Instead, it was a labor of love.

“It’s what we do for fun,” said Smith, an experienced contestant at Jackpot events as well as at County Fair. “It’s stressful, but it’s worth it,” Smith said

Smith will graduate in 2017, and expects to be around for the 2017 classic. She credited her mother, Barb, and grandmother, Jean Stone, for helping with the event.