From experiencing a famous landmark to enjoying local food and fellowship, the 54th Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show gave exhibitors and their families the opportunity to experience New York’s best attractions. Eighty-seven National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members from 17 states gathered in Hamburg, N.Y., for several days of competition, education and sightseeing.

In addition to time in the show ring, exhibitors enjoyed a pizza and “Buffalo” wings social, participated in friendly competition and attended an educational clinic presented by Attic Veterinary Service.

Many families make the trip an experience beyond just going to a cattle show. For Casey Jentz and his family, the trip to New York allowed them to spend time together exploring a new area.

“Getting to experience New York with our family and watch the high caliber of juniors and cattle in the ring is a highlight of our summer,” says Kayla Jentz, Casey’s wife. “Our girls have loved the food, fun and sights Buffalo has to offer — along with the friendships fortified on the show grounds.”

The draw of a cattle show is different for everyone.

“I love the smell of a barn myself, but I also love to see the kids meet new kids and the genetics that are out there,” says Todd Shuping.

Todd and his wife, Rebecca, are advisors from North Carolina. Their daughter, Ellie, exhibited cattle at the show. Rebecca says the show’s location allowed their family to experience a destination they may not have otherwise visited.

“We may have never been able to get to Niagara Falls if the cow show wouldn’t have been here,” Rebecca says. “Going to these shows and on these trips has allowed us to see things that we may not have been able to see, and to be able to experience it as a family, it’s even better.”

Families took advantage of the convenient location of the show, only miles away from Niagara Falls. During their downtime at the show, families took the time to experience the famous falls.

While Ellie enjoys showing her cattle, she says opportunities to explore beyond the barn are part of what makes traveling to shows special.

“I think it’s great to go see things and be able to go do something outside from cows,” Ellie says. “I love my cows and I’m all about showing, but it’s super fun and exciting to go do something more at a show, because we don’t really get to do that a lot.”