Although the big events are slated for Saturday, the 2012 Willacy County Fair & Livestock Show starts today with the election of its queen and princesses and the arrival of show animals.

The livestock show culminates months of hard work for 4- H and FFA members who dedicate their time to feeding, grooming and taking care of domestic animals throughout the year.

As of last week, about 120 entries signed up for the annual event with the contestants coming from area schools who attend third through 12th grades.

Unlike previous years, the elections are being held on the first day of the livestock show which has been on Thursday in past years.

But event organizers moved it up to Wednesday.

The same thing was done with the arrival of the show animals.

Weight cards are due on Wednesday as well as the classification of steers and other animals.

For Thursday, the judging of the steers, market lambs and goats will be held.

A pig scramble, an old timers cattle showmanship event and a judging of market swine is set for Friday.

And on Saturday, the last day of the livestock show, there will be a number of activities including the cook off, 4-H and FFA judging contest, bake show, youth pet show and a silent auction in the educational exhibit hall, a ranch rodeo, a live premium sale and buyer’s reception.

For 13- year- old Paul Alexander Villalpando, the livestock show is another opportunity to raise money for education after high school.

He started working with pigs about four years ago and has won several awards.

“If I had the chance I would do this all year around,” he said, posing with a pig at the animal farm behind the high school stadium. “My mom bought this pig for $350 when it was about two months old.”

Villalpando said he starts getting the pig ready for the livestock show in October.

“I come here everyday after school,” he said. “I walk her, feed her and she even plays soccer with me.”

Paulo Huerta, who is Villalpando’s grandfather, said he supports his grandson’s dedication to the livestock show.

“I am 100 percent behind him,” he said. “I would rather see him doing this than doing something else he might regret later on.”