The Last Day of Cattlemen's Convention 2014

A recap of the last day of the Cattlemen's convention.

Mommy and Me ready for the day of fun!!

Thursday was our last full day at the convention.  I had to be up early, which was no problem for me, to attend the Best of Beef Breakfast.   I ran into Scott George, the NCBA President in the elevator.  I had previously met him at the Beef Ambassador Contest in Arkansas.  When we parted ways in the ballroom he went to the front of the room and I went to find a chair where ever I could.  The Breakfast opened with our hometown Vet, Dr. Hugh McCampbell playing the piano.  It was so great to see him perform!  Many awards were given out during the breakfast.   The University of Tennessee's own Clyde Lane was honored as the Beef Educator of the Year for all the work he does with the BQA classes.
    After the breakfast, I went to get mom and we headed to the tradeshow! We decided to work our way through the show in a different direction so we could hit the booths we had missed before.  On our way through the tradeshow we ran into the Peterson Brothers at the Drover's Booth.  At the insistence of the lady in the booth, we had our picture made together for the second time.  This time, we also chatted about K State (one of the schools I am interested in attending). I think a campus tour will be on the agenda in the future!!

Nathan and Greg Peterson

 After the trade show I was excited to attend the collegiate activities sponsored by the ANCW.  Although, I am only a dual enrollment student in college the ANCW ladies welcomed me with open arms.   The room was a little bit challenging to find as are most things in the Opryland Hotel, so when arrived there weren't many people there.  That quickly changed and the room was packed in a matter of minutes.  This was a Collegiate Round table, and featured some of the stars of the Beef Community.    We all soaked  in the wisdom!   Following the round table,  was the college fair. To be honest, it was a little intimidating to me.  Everyone had resumes and they were all dressed so professional.  The Beef Community will continue to be in good hands as these young adults move into their careers.   I kept thinking to myself, "IF I were just a little older I could be player in this room".   I suppose that time will come soon enough and I will wish I were younger again.  It was great to find out about the different Career possibilities and the demand in different sectors.  I know it is important to put my face out there as many times as possible so that I become memorable when the time does come to begin a career.
   When the career fair wrapped up, I headed quickly back to the trade show to watch the National Finals of the Collegiate Quiz bowl!   As most of you know I am having a tough time deciding where I should attend college.   I told mom, in jest, that I would go to the school that wins the contest.   The Schools represented  were Montana State, Oklahoma State, Pennsylvania State, and Kansas State.  It was tough competition, but K State prevailed as the National Champions!!   

American National Cattlewomen - Sarah Bohnenkamp,  Melanie Fowle, Me,  Desta Crawford, Tammi Didlot

That night over 3000 cattlemen and women loaded up on buses to attend a private Grand Ole Opry show.  It was called Cowboy Night at the Opry and Red Solo Cup After Party. I have never been to the Opry.  My mom has danced (clogged) on the stage, but it was a new experience for me.  I loved it. We got to listen to John Conley, Diamond Rio, Little Big Town, Riders in the Sky, Sarah Darby, T Bubba Bechtel, and Deacon (from the TV series "Nashville" ). The after party was just as fun with dancing, food, games, and drinks.

Diamond Rio

Red Solo Cup Party-- You can't tell from this picture but there were thousands of people partying to great music!  Rooms on all sides were filled with food, games and dancing.