By Laura Allen

Rowan County 4-H Agent

In about a month, it will be time for the Rowan County Fair. The fair, which is Sept. 20-28, offers lots of rides and activities for families of Rowan County. But my favorite part of the fair has always been the agricultural exhibits and livestock shows. 

This year, Rowan County Cooperative Extension is once again hosting a unique sheep show for those in our community. The Special Show, which is created especially for youth or adults with special needs, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26. The show will be offered on the same day that the fair is open for Special Needs Day.

Because of the overwhelming response to this show already, we will now have two rounds of the Special Show. The first round of participants will begin at 10 a.m., while the second round of participants should arrive at 10:30 a.m.

All participants will meet in the livestock barn arena at the fairgrounds at their appropriate time. Each participant will then be paired with local youth who are experienced in sheep showmanship. This partnership will enable each participant to gain sheep knowledge and to become comfortable with handling the sheep.

Once all participants feel comfortable, we will start the official show, where each participant will have the opportunity to show their sheep in the show ring. There will be prizes for all participants and lots of fun is sure to be had by all. Special thanks to Premier Animal Logistics for sponsoring this show.

In order to participate in the Special Show, youth/adults with special needs must be pre-registered by Sept. 13. Each show is limited in the number of participants and spaces are filling quickly, so please register soon.

To register for this unique opportunity, please contact me at 704-216-8970 or laura_allen@ncsu.edu. Please provide the participant’s name, age, parent/guardian contact information and any accommodations that may be needed.

Also, don’t forget that fair entry blanks have to be turned in by Friday, Sept. 6, and livestock entry forms are due by Sept. 13. There are many categories that Rowan County residents can compete in at the fair and the top three winners in each category will win prize money. For more information, please visit: www.rowancountyfair.net or stop by Rowan County Cooperative Extension at 2727-A Old Concord Road Salisbury, NC 28146.