Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Washington County Fair Show Buddies
It was the perfect way to start a Friday at the Washington County Fair. Over 40 students had the opportunity to come together and learn about livestock projects through the Show Buddies program.
Over the summer, this idea was created at the Arkansas Leadership Conference. At the conference, we were challenged to find a local project that would make an impact in our school or community. Knowing that a lot of our students show animals at the county fair this seemed like a great place to make our impact. After some brainstorming and guidance from our teachers, the Washington County Show Buddies program was born. Washington County Show Buddies is a mock stock show for students with special needs.
Students in Farmington schools were invited to the fair where they are able to learn about animals and practice their showing skills with other students. Students had the opportunity to show hogs, sheep, dairy goats, and see a dairy heifer. When we created this idea, it was already midsummer and we knew we had to act quickly. Knowing that, we set up meetings with our school and the fair board. Once both of these institutions approved we began looking for sponsors. Our sponsors included Morrow Heat & Air, Violets, PigPen, Spears Cattle Company, and H4 Designs. We are eternally grateful for our first year sponsors because with them we were able to come up with the money for shirts for all the participants and helpers, string backpacks, and provide everyone with snacks.
At the event, we were happy to have 21 students from Farmington High
School and Junior High to show and another 20 students help conduct the show. We want to thank all of our supporters, Washington County Fair Board, Farmington schools, and all the participants. This first year was even bigger and more exciting than we could have ever imagined and we look forward to expanding Show Buddies further for next year.