Time to Shine
4 • The Beacon September 19 , 2024
Ag for All Abilities show will be held Sept . 27 at the fair
By Jen Jones For The Beacon
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 said at first the show was just for children with disabilities age 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 also will be limited before and during the show . Slater said participants and mentors will present their animals together .
“ The judge will ask some questions about what they have learned from this experience .
Submitted Braidee Slaughter , right , is sharing her poultry knowledge with others .
We have modified questions for participants with communication needs . Mentors and participants will all get awards and professional photos ,” Slater said .
The 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 .
“
4-H is a big commitment . This will be a way for people to try it out and get a feel for showing animals .
Marybeth
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Slater
Time to Shine
Volunteers and participants gathered to practice for the Ag for All Abilities Show .
Submitted
Team-building exercises helped participants and volunteers get to know each other .