Charles Craig Classic returns to WHS

The Wasco FFA chapter and Wasco AG Boosters will host its 4th annual Charles Craig Classic for Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Taft and McFarland students. The competition will be held at the WHS farm laboratory on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10.

The event honors the late Dr. Charles Craig, who served as an ag instructor for many years in the Wasco Union High School District. While serving the district, he overcame many obstacles that would have otherwise prevented students from experiencing hands-on learning.

At the Classic, students will have a chance to showcase their animals, and over the two-day event, six categories will compete: swine, goats, sheep, pygmy goats, rabbits and chickens.

Marissa Juarez is the AG Boosters president.

She said the club's mission is to support WHS FFA students by feeding them at the Kern County Fair, helping them attend local, state and national conferences, and providing scholarships for them.

Juarez first became involved six years ago when her daughter was in FFA.

"I'm a teacher at Teresa Burke. I enjoy seeing former students going through FFA and seeing how it's benefited them. My son is also currently a senior in the FFA program."

"It's a small fair before the Kern County Fair, so they can know what to expect there, especially the new students coming in," Juarez said.

The Classic started in 2020 at the height of the covid pandemic.

"Since the Kern County Fair was canceled, we wanted something for the kids to showcase and sell their animals."

With the Classic, she said students learn from it and prepares them for the Kern County Fair.

"They not only gain teamwork skills, but it takes dedication to have an animal, especially throughout the summer. It teaches them responsibility."

She enjoys seeing students and what they need to work on ahead of the Kern County Fair.

"Between the Kern County Fair and the Classic, it will be a busy two weeks for them."

In the past, the event has been well attended. "Last year, we sold out of our trip sandwiches. That is how busy we were."

She expects to have another good turnout again.

"Many parents and supporters come to see their students. It coincides with the Rose Festival, so people can go back and forth."

Juarez encourages the community to join in on the festivities.

"Come out for not only students from Wasco but surrounding communities to see what it takes to show an animal at the Kern County Fair and Charles Craig Classic," she said.

For more information, email wascoagboosters@gmail.com.