Special Olympic athletes from across Iowa will shine in the spotlight at the Iowa State Fair’s Bacon Buddies pig show on Aug. 15. Alongside Iowa FFA and 4-H mentors, these athletes will showcase pigs in the swine barn during one of the Iowa State Fair’s most inspiring events.
“Bacon Buddies is one of the most rewarding events we participate in all year,” says Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) President Dean Frazer, a pig farmer from Conrad. “Caring for people is one of the We Care ethical principles that guide Iowa pig farmers, and Bacon Buddies is one of the many ways we put that commitment into action.”
The Bacon Buddies show started seven years ago as a partnership between IPPA and Special Olympics Iowa (SOI). The program pairs individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities with 4-H and FFA youth, creating a memorable opportunity to experience the excitement of showing pigs on one of Iowa’s biggest stages, IPPA explains.
Each Special Olympics athlete is paired with two 4-H or FFA mentors who provide guidance on pig care, showmanship and how to interact with judges while creating friendships that often extend well beyond the state fair.
“Thanks to the incredible partnership and vision of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Special Olympics Iowa athletes have the opportunity to step into the show ring, build confidence, develop new skills, and create meaningful friendships with Iowa’s 4-H and FFA youth,” says John Kliegl, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa. “These moments extend far beyond the fairgrounds. They change perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities, strengthen communities, and remind all of us that everyone deserves the chance to shine.”
SOI will also be recognizing the outstanding commitment of the 4-H and FFA mentors who make the program possible, IPPA says. This year, the organization will award four $500 scholarships to participating mentors through a random drawing, celebrating their dedication to serving others and creating meaningful experiences for Bacon Buddies athletes.
What began as a single show at the Iowa State Fair has grown into a statewide movement, the organizations say. In 2026, nearly 50 county fairs hosted Bacon Buddies shows, allowing hundreds of Special Olympic athletes the opportunity to experience the joy of showing pigs with the support of dedicated youth mentors.
“It’s a celebration of inclusion, friendship and the power of agriculture to bring people together,” Dean Frazer adds. “Watching our Bacon Buddies and their 4-H and FFA mentors share the show ring reminds us that this event is about so much more than livestock—it’s about creating confidence, building connections, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to shine. You can’t help but leave with a smile.”
IPPA continues to assist county organizations by providing organizational resources, promotional materials and grant funding to help expand the program.
The Bacon Buddies show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. The event is free, with paid admission to the fair, and open to the public.
