- — On the walls of The Valdosta Daily Times offices hangs a photograph of a laughing youngster, possibly tickled by the hat-wearing cow behind his shoulder.
The youngster is also holding a program for the annual Valdosta beef show. The program is for the 22nd annual show. It is dated 1963.
That’s the same beef show that returns today to the Lowndes County Civic Center.
This is the show’s 69th year, but its connection to our region’s history runs even deeper.
Lowndes County and South Georgia were agricultural hubs for decades. Agriculture was the driving force behind the region’s economy for generations. What has become shopping plazas and subdivisions in Lowndes County were once farmlands.
The Valdosta Area Beef Show and Sale should serve as a reminder that Lowndes County still has a stake in agriculture. The show features cattle raised by area students. Ten of the students are from Lowndes, five from Brooks County, and two are from Echols County.
Not only do these young cattle-raisers show their stuff locally. They travel the state sharing what they can do.
It is a tradition that we hope will continue for many years to come. A tradition we hope will not come to an end because of proposed budget cuts to agricultural programs like 4-H statewide.
In coming years, we would hope that people will see that photograph on The Times wall and not wonder what ever happened to the cattle show? We would hope they would notice the smiling youngster, the cow in a hat, and notice the date on the program: the show was held in mid-March in 1963, just like it is now and hopefully for years to come.
What We Think
What We Think: A tradition worth keeping
- What We Think
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Books: A part of summer adventures
