The huge smiles and cheers of joy couldn’t help but make you do the same if you were ringside during the crowd-favorite Bacon Buddies show at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 14.
Sixteen Special Olympics Iowa athletes became Bacon Buddies when they were paired up with 4-H and FFA mentors for a unique opportunity to show a pig.
“The quality of both the 4-H and FFA kids and the Special Olympic athletes was exceptional from top to bottom,” says judge Shari Bakker of Dike, Iowa. She admits she and her fellow judge and husband, Jarrod, went into Bacon Buddies with high expectations and were definitely not disappointed.
“To be able to watch kids interact with not only their athletes, but also fellow exhibitors, and break down the basics of livestock in a way that was relatable to other youth was something special for everyone in attendance,” Bakker says. “From a parent perspective, watching kids teach and help the athletes was an invaluable life experience that will stay with them forever.”
Keigan Burgess of Diagonal, Iowa, leads his pig into the show ring with assistance from mentors Dalton Mowbray of Kellogg, Iowa, left, and Kane Axmear of North English, Iowa. Photo by IPPA.
State Fair Tradition
The Bacon Buddies show gives individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (Buddies) the opportunity to take a pig into the show ring – a great Iowa State Fair tradition. Their mentors are 4-H and FFA youth who have volunteered to share that show ring experience with the Special Olympics participants who asked to be part of this opportunity.
Taylor Rohrig, 12, of Orient, Iowa, says she was drawn to be a Bacon Buddies mentor as the program holds a special place in her family’s heart because her 4-year-old sister, Treva, has Down Syndrome.
“Being able to combine my love for pigs and sharing that with a Special Olympic athlete was an opportunity that I had to apply for,” Rohrig says. “Also, two years ago at the first Bacon Buddies show, my brother, Tucker, was a mentor and I was lucky enough to help with the show. After being involved in the first show, I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to participate in the next one!”
This show is a great opportunity for the Special Olympics athletes, says John Kliegl, the president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa.
“They want to do what their peers are doing, and it’s great to work with the 4-H and FFA youth who see them as their equals,” Kliegl says.
Taylor and her Bacon Buddies friend getting to know her pig. Photo by Rohrig Family.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Being a mentor was also a wonderful opportunity for Rohrig to grow personally, too.
“I learned that teaching someone who is totally new to being around pigs can be challenging. You have to start with the basics and, most importantly, make sure your buddy is comfortable being around the pig,” she says. “Everyone responds differently with pigs. My buddy didn’t really want to show the pig in the ring, but I think she really enjoyed the experience of being around the pigs.”
After the show, the Bacon Buddies all received an Iowa State Fair blue ribbon and were so excited, Rohrig explains.
“It was awesome,” she says. “We all left the show ring through a tunnel of people clapping and cheering, and the excitement on their faces was priceless. It was all an amazing experience!”
The number of spectators at the event was impressive, Rohrig notes. She hopes the crowd walked away knowing what a life-changing experience it was for not only the Special Olympians, but for the mentors as well.
“Showing pigs is so much more than raising and caring for them daily. It gives opportunities to meet new friends and teach people about the swine industry and have fun,” she says.
Kenny Hollins, center, washes his pig before the Bacon Buddies swine show at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 14. Behind him are mentors Sage Voegele, Lennox, S.D., left, and Paige Strohbehn, Grundy Center. Photo by IPPA.
Focus on Community
Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) President Dennis Liljedahl says this is one way the Iowa pork industry can show how much they care about community. The program shares IPPA’s values of being a good neighbor and making a positive contribution for better lives in Iowa.
“Pig farms have always been a part of Iowa’s rural communities. Bacon Buddies shares our values of being a good neighbor and making a positive contribution for better lives in Iowa,” he says.
The first Bacon Buddies show held in 2019 provided an opportunity for exhibitors to parade their pigs around the ring. The show was not held in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bacon Buddies allowed us to celebrate people and pigs,” 2019 judge Brad Mabry said after the inaugural event. “The special needs community is always invited and always welcome to show at any pig shows or any livestock show for that matter. In today’s world, it’s hard to find common ground. This was an awesome opportunity for just that.”
The show was a great reminder of what makes pig shows so special – the people.
“Any time we can bring together two groups of talented youth and let them teach each other is a win-win for all,” Bakker adds.
2021 Bacon Buddies and Mentors at the Iowa State Fair. Photo by IPPA.
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