Thursday, May 11th, 2023
Livestock show to be added to county fair
From staff reports
CELINA - A new inclusive livestock show will make its debut at this year's Mercer County Fair.
Share the Ring Showmanship is a free livestock show where individuals with differing or developmental disabilities will be paired with junior fair 4-H members to show rabbits, sheep or dairy animals in an arena.
"We are very excited to bring this show on inclusion to the Mercer County Fair this year," said Shawn Thieman, superintendent of Mercer County DD, in a news release. "Through collaboration with the fair, we truly think this will give individuals a unique experience and opportunity to show at the fair, who normally may not be able to."
Individuals must be from Mercer County and at least 9 years old by the fair to participate in the event. They also must be on an IEP or 504 plan or receiving services through Mercer DD, according to the release.
Share the Ring Showmanship is open to adults who meet the requirements and people in wheelchairs.
Participants will have the chance to talk to a judge during the show and learn about animals from their 4-H mentor. There will also be a half-hour workshop before each show where participants can find out more about their animals.
The rabbit show will be held at 3 p.m. Aug. 12 and the dairy show at 12 p.m. Aug. 14, both in the Adrian Debrosse Arena. The sheep show will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Coldwater Young Farmers Arena.
Workshops will take place a half an hour before each show.
Participants can take part in multiple shows and will be given an award and T-shirt.
To register fill out an online form at https://forms.gle/Bi99BWoWaed6iQvd7. Registration forms and more information can also be found on Mercer DD's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MercerCountyBDD/.
MD provides for about 500 eligible children and adults in the county through a wide range of programs, supports and services.
