Imperial Valley Celebrates Youth and Agriculture at the 96th Annual Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta
IMPERIAL VALLEY – The 96th annual California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta culminated in a vibrant Junior Small and Large Animal Auction on Saturday, March 14, 2026, showcasing the dedication of Imperial Valley youth and the community’s strong support for agricultural education. The event, held in the fair’s Beef Arena, drew family members and bidders eager to recognize the hard work of local students.
A Tradition of Support
Darrel Bostic, a director on the 45th District Agricultural Association (fair board) and livestock committee chair, emphasized the auction’s significance. “This is one of the best events that we have throughout the fair. It’s a way for everybody to support the youth of this county,” said Bostic, who has served on the Board for 20 years. He highlighted the financial responsibility and community involvement the auction fosters in young participants, noting how the process of animal care can be transformative.
Bostic added, “An enormous amount of things come out — projects that most people won’t witness. That’s what is teaching those kids … You got people supporting them that they maybe don’t even understand. This valley has always stepped up and taken care of these kids through these auctions. It’s amazing to me how that continues every year.”
Auction Highlights and Categories
This year’s auction featured nine categories: market hog, rabbit meat pen, rabbit single fryer, market turkey, market poultry meat pen, market goats, market lambs, market beef, and production beef. Bidders could choose from three purchasing options: resale (returning the animal to market), custom (sending the animal to a slaughterhouse), or live pickup (taking the animal home).
Record-Breaking Bids and Student Success
A 271-pound pig named “Uno Mas,” owned by Dash Eugenio from El Centro FFA, garnered significant attention and a $200-per-pound bid, receiving the most cheers of the day. Eugenio’s pig had earned Reserve status in FFA and was named Overall Reserve Grand Champion in market. Eugenio, a junior in high school, has been involved in FFA since his freshman year and aspires to a career in agriculture law.
“I feel great, it’s been a lot of work, and I’m just happy that I’m being supported in that way. A lot of other people don’t get those prices … and I think it’s just an honor that I’ve been fortunate enough to be given that chance,” Eugenio said.
Emma Greenwood’s rabbit, “Boston Junior,” also received a notable $1,000 bid, delighting Greenwood and her family. “I feel really fine. I practiced with him and worked with him — I had him at my school, but it was a really nice experience working with him,” Greenwood shared.
Cameron Wells’ turkey, “Lovey,” also achieved a $1,000 bid, prompting applause and pride from Wells, a first-year participant. “I feel really good given that this is my first year, and I’m happy with how I did. To prepare for the auction, I just made sure that my turkey was doing well and looked pretty,” Wells said.
Community Spirit Prevails
Despite the day’s peak heat, the community demonstrated unwavering support. Kasey, the older sister of a participant, remarked, “The heat doesn’t faze me, my family is from here so we’re used to it. I’m here to watch my brother’s first time in the auction and support his hard work. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Looking Ahead
The California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta continues to be a cornerstone event for Imperial County, celebrating the dedication of its youth and the importance of agriculture. The Junior Livestock Auction serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.