Yellow Rose Classic drew a crowd, generated interest
The first ever Yellow Rose Classic was a resounding success, says founder/organizer Karen Richey, who’s since had the chance to catch her breath before starting prep for the 2026 event.
The inaugural open and junior poultry show, held Feb. 22 at the Ellis County Expo Center, drew 106 adult and youth exhibitors from across the state and featured 867 birds in competition.
“I believe it was a success, and it can only improve from here on out,” Richey said. “Being our first Yellow Rose Classic event, we learned just how much work this type of show can be and how to make it even better for the next one.”
The variety of birds entered into competition ranged from large fowl and bantam chickens to ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and even coturnix quail.
“Some breeds of fowl that were exhibited are on the wildlife conservancy list,” Richey said, expressing her appreciation to Michele Burns of MSB Poultry for sponsoring a special Judge’s Choice Award for a breed on that list.
Scenes from the recent Yellow Rose Classic poultry show at the Ellis County Expo Center. Photos by Mike Sackett/ITKE Contributor.
Supporting the future
A primary goal for Richey in creating the Yellow Rose Classic is to help support the next generation of poultry breeders and exhibitors by offering them another opportunity to learn and grow.
“My most memorable moments I'll cherish from the first [show] was handing out the junior awards, especially the belt buckles,” she said. “I’ve witnessed some of these kids exhibiting at different shows for months and months all across Texas and have seen them blossom.
“It was such a sweet moment for me to see the excitement on their faces when their names were called and they walked up to me to collect their awards,” she said. “All of the work and struggles putting on such a huge event paid off for me in that moment. Seeing them cheer and clap for each other even though some of them were each other’s competition is just the greatest thing.”
Community reception
Richey said the show, which drew a “pretty steady” spectator crowd throughout the day, also served as a good introduction for beginners and novices.
“I met a lot of people that had never seen an event like ours, and it seemed well received,” she said. “Most of them showed interest in coming to the next one as an exhibitor instead of a spectator. I think we left an impression and inspired new participation for future events.”
And it wasn’t just those who already own birds that were inspired but also people with no experience at all.
“I met quite a few people who don’t even own any type of poultry, but, after seeing some of the beautiful breeds on display, they are considering their own backyard flock,” Richey said. “I encouraged them to come to the next Ellis County Poultry Trades Day event on May 17 (also at the expo center), where all kinds of poultry will be available for sale.”
Scenes from the recent Yellow Rose Classic poultry show at the Ellis County Expo Center. Photos by Mike Sackett/ITKE Contributor.
More than just a show
Richey noted that exhibitors and attendees alike seemed to enjoy Six O Two Tacos out of Palmer and the Red Oak FFA coffee bar. Numerous event T-shirts were sold, and the drawing went well.
“Jeff Duguay, who is a well-known author and photographer in the poultry world, was there with his professional photo booth set up to document exhibitor birds of all types,” she said. “He had many of his books available for purchase and even autographed them for people.”
American Poultry Association District 7 director, Howard Davenport, was on-site as part of the show staff and also signed the books he had co-authored with Duguay.
The Lonestar Junior Exhibition Poultry Club was on hand to engage with youth and future exhibitors, while Ark Country Store and Guzman’s Custom Coops were among the inaugural event sponsors along with:
• Williams Pets and Supplies of Emory
• Tractor Supply of Mabank
Next show on the books
The next Yellow Rose Classic is already set for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Ellis County Expo Center. The goal is to again have 800 or more entries, with Richey saying she plans an increased vendor presence as well as expanded decorated egg and ugly chicken contests among other fun activities.
“Our ugly chicken contest was interesting and seemed to be a lot of fun for those who had entries in it, though it was fairly small in numbers,” she said. “I hope for it to grow next year.”
All said, it was an easy decision for Richey to say yes to doing it all again.
“The people I met and the new interest in this industry created by something I was able to put on is just overwhelming,” she said. “It sure made all of the heavy lifting and exhaustion worth it. I look forward to next year’s event and trying to top our first one.”
For more information, visit the Texas Independent Flock Owners Association website and its Facebook page for the Yellow Rose Classic.
Visit Ellis County Poultry Trades Day for information on its upcoming vendor sales event, to be held Saturday, May 17, at the Ellis County Expo Center. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.
