Ag for All Abilities show will be held Sept. 27th at the fair
The Coshocton County Fair will have a new show this year that features children with disabilities showing a variety of animals. The Ag for All Abilities Show will be held Friday, Sept. 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the Junior Fair Arena. Around 36 kids are participating, either as a mentor, a volunteer or a participant in the show.
The mission of Ag for All Abilities is “Empowering youth of all abilities in the show ring and beyond, fostering a culture of inclusivity, confidence and agricultural passion that grows leaders and champions for life.”
Marybeth Slater and Gail Gallwitz are the team who brought the idea to Coshocton County. “We learned that many other county fairs have started a special show for youth in the community with disabilities. Gail and I went to other counties’ shows to get a feel for how they were and ask questions,” Slater said.
Slater said they wanted to offer this opportunity to families in Coshocton. “We wanted to offer the opportunity for families to have their child get in the show ring and experience what it’s like to raise livestock for the county fair. 4-H is a big commitment. This will be a way for people to try it out and get a feel for showing animals.”
Slater also shared that, at first, the show was just for children with disabilities, aged 8-18. “But we broadened it to include anyone who may be scared or nervous to show. It’s also a great way to open up for any families who may have questions about Winning at 4-H, which is a program to assist/modify to meet the needs of 4-H participants with disabilities. There are visible and invisible disabilities. Whether you are in a wheelchair or just fearful to show, let us help you out.”
During the show, participants will be paired with mentors who already have animals to show in other classes at the fair. The Ag for All Abilities Show will include poultry, rabbits, goats, horses and cows. The show will be run similar to 4-H shows, with a few exceptions.
There will be a sensory area adjacent to the ring for those who may need a quiet space. Visitors through the barn will also be limited before and during the show. Slater said that participants and mentors will present their animals together. “The judge will ask some questions about what they have learned from this experience. We have modified questions for participants with communication needs. Mentors and participants will all get awards and professional photos.” Judge for the event is “Buckeye Man” Larry Lokai. “He is very excited to be part of this very special show,” Slater said.
Sponsors for Ag for All Abilities include Kiwanis of Coshocton, Coshocton County Farm Bureau, Coshocton County Board of DD, Slater Family Farm Outreach, AgrAbility, OSU Extension – Coshocton County, Coshocton County Agricultural Society, Ohio AgrAbility and the Coshocton County Youth Financial Support Committee.
Category: People & Places
