The Willacy County Fair & Livestock Auction will again be held on the last weekend in January, this year.

Show president Eddie Rodriguez says there will be several new twists to this year's event. A trail ride featuring about 30 mounted riders will spend the night at the fairgrounds on Friday and on Saturday morning they will help to whip up enthusiasm for the annual event by riding west on FM 490, north on Spence Road and east through downtown Raymondville all the way to Expressway 77. Then south they will go to the rodeo and fairgrounds south of town.

The Fair & Auction is for the entire family, Rodriguez said and there will be two popular bands playing at no cost other than the $10 admission fee to the grounds (good for all three days, Thurs, Fri. & Sat) or $5 if you plan to come only on Saturday.

On Friday night at 8 p.m. Linda V. and the Boys will perform on stage. Its been a while since this popular band performed locally and they have a following.

On Saturday night at 8 p.m. Leo Perez and Invazzion will be on stage, again at no extra cost to the listeners.

In next week's Chronicle/ News the full schedule of events will be published but two of the events you won't want to miss involve the greased pig scramble which will take place Friday, at 7:30 p.m. and the Ranch Rodeo on Saturday at noon.

The greased pig event will involve high school and middle school kids chasing 5 greased pigs around the rodeo ring. The winners will be the kids who drag a greased pig over the finish line and they will get a $100 certificate good toward the purchase of an animal to raise for next year's show.

The participants will be divided into two gender groups and the boys will go first. After the five pigs are caught, the same animals will be used again for the second group which will be the girls. "Hopefully, the pigs will be tired out a little by that time," said Rodriguez.

There will be a riding and roping event Friday evening at 8 p., with two saddles to be given away to the champion "header" and "heeler".

The other event Rodriguez wants to recommend this year is the popular "Mutton Bustin" contest which will feature kids as young as 4 or 5, riding lambs. Any kid who weighs less than 50 lbs. can participate, Rodriguez said and the winners will each receive a trophy and a pair of boots.

As usual there will be a carnival on the scene with rides and plenty of good food furnished by vendors. Corn on the cob, funnel cakes, fajitas, and brisket. There will be a Beer Tent for those who want to indulge in an adult beverage.

The Queen's contest and the Princess contest will be held on Thurs. night at 7 p.m. as well as a Little Cowboy and Little Cowgirl contest.

Judging of market lambs, goats, steers and swine will take place all day on Friday. There will be a Pet Show (dogs) on Saturday at 10 a.m. and a Bake Show for pies, cakes, cookies, etc. on Saturday at 10 a.m.

The buyers reception will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday and the Live Auction of Animals will be at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The Fair & Auction is all about raising money for kids 4- H and FFA projects and more than 100 animals are expected to be shown this year and every pig, lamb, steer and goat, and every kid come from this county. Local residents and Winter Texans are invited to come out and help make this event a success.

And don't miss the annual Ranch Rodeo on Saturday at 12 noon when cowboys from area ranches compete for buckles and glory. (See next week's paper for final details).