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Bacon Buddies

Bacon Buddies® program

Introducing individuals with disabilities to animal agriculture
The Carroll County Fairboard is working with Iowa Pork Producers and Special Olympics Iowa to give local individuals with disabilities the opportunity to show a pig at the Carroll County Fair. The Bacon Buddies® program, developed by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), helps those Special Olympians experience acceptance by working with 4-H and FFA mentors. Participants also gain the opportunity to talk to a livestock judge in a public setting, and earn a blue ribbon for their efforts.
  • Wednesday, July 9th
  • 5:00 pm: Mentors, Pig and Participant Meet and Greet
  • 5:45 pm: Group Picture (All participants and mentors)
  • 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Bacon Buddies® Swine Show
“Bacon Buddies is a great opportunity for our Special Olympics athletes to be exposed to something new and socialize with friends. Our athletes want to do what their peers are doing, and it’s a great opportunity to work with the 4-H and FFA youth who see them as their equals. It’s all about equality and a great partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association.”
John KlieglPresident and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa
“What happens in the show ring isn’t the main event. It’s the connections, friendships and memories built as participants prepare for the show. Those of us in the pork industry know that when you work pigs together, you develop relationships. Our effort here is to honor our We Care principles of caring for people and for our communities.”
Matt GentIPPA President
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Iowa Pork Producers Association

Bacon Buddies was launched by IPPA during the Iowa State Fair in 2019. The program has since expanded to dozens of county fairs.

To encourage local Bacon Buddies shows, IPPA established Bucks for Bacon Buddies, providing up to $500 for groups that plan and host these events. The money can be used for event signage, T-shirts, awards, and advertising.

Additional details are available at iowapork.org/baconbuddies.

Join us for the Bacon Buddies® Show

  • Wednesday, July 9th
Participants:

Persons with an intellectual and/or developmental disability age of 10 years and older. Each participant will be paired with two youth mentors and a pig. 

What is Bacon Buddies®?

Bacon Buddies® participants will have the opportunity to experience showing a pig. The judge will assess how the mentors, participant and pig work together as a cohesive unit. All participants will receive a ribbon, t-shirt, 2 admission tickets for entrance into the County Fair and 1 parking pass.

Show Attire

Closed toe shoes, long pants, and Bacon Buddies® T-shirt

Please Note

There are a variety of activities, lights and sounds at Carroll County Fair and in the Swine Barn. Please bring any calming or auditory devices necessary to enhance this opportunity for your participant. Parents and/or guests are encouraged to watch the show from the bleachers but will not be allowed in the show ring during the Show.

Questions

Please email: Dan Behrens, Fair Board Member carrollcofair7@gmail.com or call (712) 830-5516.

*When registering please also text Dan Behrens with name and shirt size. (712) 830-5516.

Register