By Laura Allen

Rowan County 4-H Agent

It’s almost time for the Rowan County Fair. The fair, which is Sept. 14-22, offers lots of rides and activities for families of Rowan County. However, my favorite part of the fair has always been the agricultural exhibits and livestock shows.

This year, Rowan County Cooperative Extension is 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. 20. The show will be offered on the same day that the fair is open for Special Needs Day.

At 10 a.m. on Sept. 20, all participants will meet in the livestock barn arena at the fairgrounds. 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.

By 11 a.m., we will start the official Special 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 West Rowan FFA Alumni and Dr. Corrie Connolly of Ranchside Veterinary Clinic for sponsoring this show.

In order to participate in the Special Show, youth/adults with special needs must be pre-registered by Sept. 7. We are limiting the show to the first 20 registered participants. There are still slots open, but they are starting to fill up, so please register soon.

To register for this unique opportunity, please contact Laura Allen, Rowan County 4-H Agent, at 704-216-8970 or laura_allen@ncsu.edu. Please provide the participant name, age, parent/guardian contact information and any accommodations that may be needed.

Also, don’t forget that all fair entry blanks have to be turned in by Friday, Sept. 7. 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: http://www.rowancountyfair.net/ or stop by Rowan County Cooperative Extension at 2727-A Old Concord Road Salisbury, NC 28146.