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October 6, 2016 - The 40th East Texas Poultry Festival has kicked off as members of the community flocked to the big tent on the Center square for the opening ceremonies October 6, 2016.
Jim Sawyer, Festival Committee Co-Chairman, welcomed everyone and thanked sponsors of the event. Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge participated in the opening event and she said, "This is a time for the whole county to come together, cross county rivals in football are friends here."
Incoming Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President Meg Camp also made a statement welcoming everyone, "Welcome, on behalf of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce we welcome you to the 40th East Texas Poultry Festival."
"It is a time to celebrate our chicken industry, the poultry industry here in Shelby County, what a vital industry it is for all the growers and all the children who have been actively raising those chicks, I can't wait until this Saturday with the broiler show," said Camp.
Camp thanked all of the volunteers who commit their time to the poultry festival and make the event possible. She stated Jim Sawyer and Josh Payne are co-chairmen of the festival and they are supported by a steering committee of around 30 people. She stated the Chamber Ambassadors, Junior Chamber members and Ambassador children who will be helping in the coke booth.
Madelynn Hutchins, East Texas Poultry Festival Queen and court were on stage and they were all introduced by Sawyer. Following their introduction, the Queen performed the ceremonial cutting of the feathers.
During the event, Timpson Kindergarten students recited the Pladge of Allegiance and the Center High School Band performed the Star Spangled Banner.
