From the Field
A Christmas to Remember
By Nathan Smith, NALF regional manager
Driving back from Denver after
National Junior Limousin Show
& Congress (NJLSC), I thought
back on this year to date. To
say the least, it has been an
excitement packed year with
countless numbers of new
faces, places and experiences.
In the spirit of covering “firsts,”
“Christmas in July” marked my
first official junior nationals
with NALF and in many ways, it
mirrored Christmas in December
with my personal family. For
example, in the days leading
up to junior nationals, I began
to look forward to seeing
members and families I had met
throughout the year. One bonus
86 | SEPTEMBER 2018
of a Limousin Christmas versus a
typical Christmas is that I knew
there would be more “family
members” that I would get to
meet throughout the week.
Although brief and at times
hectic, check-in presented that
perfect opportunity to start
meeting members and families.
It was impressive to watch
juniors from across the country
work together to help everyone
get checked-in quickly and
efficiently. A special thanks to
the NALJA board for all the help
and hard work during check-in.
My experience at the NJLSC
opening ceremonies Sunday
evening was one to remember.
Not only is NAJLA a one of a kind
program, but the amount of
preparation, thought and hard
work that went in to making
2018 ceremonies is what truly
makes it one of a kind. Colorado
Limousin members and families
went above and beyond, and
many exhibitors remarked that
this year’s opening ceremonies
is arguably one of the best.
Monday brought a full line
up of events starting with
showmanship contest followed
by cow-camp and StockShow
U. All divisions of showmanship
showed an eagerness to achieve
a winning title but what I found