Parents love making the sale.

Students love winning the swag. That’s how Mandy McDonald of Kingfisher succinctly summed up exhibiting livestock.

“To the parents, making the sale is a big deal because that is where you can recoup some of your money,” said McDonald.

“To the kids, the swag is important.” Swag are the prizes that can come along with winning at big shows, such as banners, belt buckles and other items.

So McDonald was especially happy earlier this month when her daughter Cameron competed at the Choctaw Nation Livestock Show in Durant.

The show is open to all Native Americans. Cameron, a 19-year-old senior at Kingfisher High School, is Choctaw.

She’s been showing pigs since she was about 5 years old.

And she’s had her share of success. “She’s made the county premium sale each year and won ribbons,” said Mandy. “Last year she had a good year and made the district sale, but still nothing to take home and keep.”

She had plenty to bring home from Durant. Her pig was named third overall market swine in a show that featured nearly 170 pigs.

On top of winning a banner, Cameron won two belt buckles.

She got the swag. Teegan and Braylee Wittrock of Kingfisher also won three combined belt buckles and earned a spot in the grand drive.