The 2012 South Texas Farm and Ranch Show will be here before you know it! KIXS 108 has been a part of the Farm and Ranch Show for many years, and we're looking forward to another fun, entertaining, and informative show this year.

The 2012 South Texas Farm and Ranch Show might not gets its start until late October, but initial deadlines are just around the corner. Sept. 1 is the cut-off date to pay regular price for exhibitor booths, said Joe Janak, the show's booth sales chairman. Although organizers will accept applications until booths run out, prices increase by 10 percent after the initial date. New exhibitors - some from several states away - joined on this year, Janak added, but space is still available for Crossroads companies. Already, Janak said, about three-fourths of the slots are spoken for. "We're getting a lot of calls," he said to the Victoria Advocate. "The early bird gets the worm. The one who calls soonest will get the booth they'd like."

Planning for the 2012 show began months ago and is already well under way, said Gary Loest, the event's chairman. Lunchtime speakers are scheduled for both days, he said, much of the programming is locked in and invitations are out for the Pasture to Plate series geared toward elementary school children. The group will also introduce something new to the mix this year, with afternoon seminars on horse training. "There are a lot of people in Victoria County with small acreage and pleasure horses for riding," Loest said, explaining it's always good to expand the show to meet with the area's interests. "We're trying to touch base with them on that. We want to have something out there for everybody."

That isn't the only difference the show introduces, however. After 27 years as event chairman, Janak, who retired from his position as Victoria County extension agent in February, passed along the torch. Although it might mean change, he said he was glad to stay on as part of the annual event. "This is my first time doing something different, so I'm learning," he said. "I'm really looking forward to it."

For more information on booth availability, or to sign up, visit SouthTexasFarmAndRanchShow.com or call Janak at 361-649-2243.

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