Bacon Buddies is a program through the Iowa Pork Producers Association which provides an opportunity for youth with disabilities, ages 4 to 18 years old to show a pig in a show ring setting. Each child is given a mentor who helps them to get the hog ready for the show, answers any questions that they have before or during the show, and helps them in the show ring.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn and have fun in the show arena,” said Emilia Bloomquist, co-chair for the Bacon Buddies program and Webster County Pork Queen. “Not only will they learn about hogs, but they’ll have fun doing it.”

There is still time to register youth with special needs for the Bacon Buddies event. According to Bloomquist, mentors are also needed to help at the event and in the show ring. Mentors must be ages 8 to 18 years old, and while they don’t need to have a hog, Bloomquist said it would be helpful to have some knowledge about hogs.

“I’m really excited to be part of this event again,” said Bloomquist. “This is the third year that I’ve helped with this and it is always so much fun.”

To register for Bacon Buddies as a youth with disabilities or as a mentor, contact Emilia Bloomquist at emilia.bloomquist@gmail.com or Gregg Hora at 515-570-2119.