Allison Erwin, 17, East Rochester, president of Columbiana County Jr. Fair Board and 2025 Columbiana County Jr. Fair and 4H Queen, is working to organize an All IN Livestock Inclusion Show for the 2026 Columbiana County Fair.

Allison, who during her reign as queen over the past year, has visited multiple fairs where she has seen first-hand multiple disability and inclusion shows.

She said seeing these shows and how the children smiled when they interacted with the animals was an inspiration to her and made her realize that while she learns while working with animals, it is not something these children typically get the opportunity to do. She said it made her recognize that working with the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) based on the work they do would present an opportunity to bring people into the fair through a new event and give children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn and have the same experience she does.

Allison noted that she has attended educational sessions with organizers who have the experience for an all-inclusive livestock show, has gathered input from fair leaders and mentors, studied successful all-inclusive livestock shows, and researched best practices for accessibility, safety and structure.

She attended an informational clinic led by organizers who have been holding successful all-inclusive livestock shows for multiple years.

Allison said she feels that her research and education has put her in a position where she feels confident and is able to produce an all-inclusive livestock show at the fair in a manner that would make an impact on the county.

Allison said an all-inclusive livestock show which gives children with developmental disabilities a chance to participate is important because it provides an opportunity for them to learn about agriculture, which teaches responsibility, leadership and communication skills, and instills a sense of independence and confidence. She noted in Columbiana County Agriculture, that is a big thing.

The mission of the jr. fair board is “to create an authentic, inclusive livestock show experience that empowers individuals through agriculture, mentorship, community connection and personal achievement,” Allison said. She noted that this experience may help participants develop goals and give them something new to look forward to for next year and they will be having fun and developing skills without noticing.

In a presentation she gave to the CCBDD during the board’s May 20 meeting, Allison outlined the event structure which includes early participant preregistration, species preference selection, mentor matching, family communication, and a practice clinic/preparation session. On show day, participants would register one hour prior to the show, receive a printed event program.

The species participants can choose from include rabbit, goat, sheep and beef feeder.

She provided an outline of the Mentorship Model for the event which includes a 1:1 mentor to mentee ratio, personalized guidance, confidence building, safety and support, and relationship development. She noted that every participant will have a mentor with them during the show/presentation. The mentorship allows participants to have a one-on-one connection with a mentor who shares the same passion about the animals they want to learn about.

The practice session will give the families of participants a chance to meet the animal that they will be showing, get familiar with the animal and provide the opportunity to ask any questions.

There will be accessibility and support in place including mobility accommodations, medication and scheduling considerations, plans for heat and rest, ring footing adjustments and flexible pacing. Allison noted that “adaptability creates success.”

The all-inclusive livestock is described by Allison as being an authentic show experience with small class sizes, multiple heats if needed, judges who are patient and judge with intent, traditional show placements of first, second and third place along with a grand overall and reserve overall winner. Every participant will receive a ribbon.

The jr. fair board is currently seeking sponsorship for the all-inclusive livestock show.

Sponsorship will allow the purchase of awards, banners, T-shirts for participants, accessibility resources, event materials, participant incentives, promotional outreach.

Sponsors will receive logo on event T-shirts, media recognition, public announcements, event signage, social media postings.

The board voted to provide $2,500 for sponsorship.

Allison noted that she plans to have the all-inclusive livestock show become an annual fair event which can be expanded yearly to add more species and programming.

Participation in the all-inclusive livestock show is open to anybody with the 4-H age membership requirement of 9 to 18 years.

Anyone interested in participation or sponsorship or has any questions about the show can contact Allison Irwin by calling or texting 330-853-6073 or emailing allie627@icloud.com.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com