Iowa Pork helping Special Olympians show pigs at State Fair

Special Olympians from across Iowa will receive a unique challenge at the Iowa State Fair. Under the tutelage of Iowa FFA and 4-H members, 16 Special Olympians will show a pig during the Bacon Buddies® Pig Show on Saturday, August 12 in the Swine Barn.

This is the fourth year for the Bacon Buddies® event at the Iowa State Fair. It is an annual collaboration between the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Special Olympics Iowa (SOI).

“This event brings a smile to my face and it’s one that we most look forward to every year,” said IPPA President-Elect Matt Gent, who is a pig farmer from Wellman. “One of the primary principles for Iowa pig farmers is caring for the community and this annual event is a great way to help build stronger communities. Bacon Buddies unites Iowans with intellectual or developmental disabilities with 4-H and FFA youth in a shared experience of showing pigs at the Iowa State Fair.”