The annual Bacon Buddies event is a program through the Iowa Pork Producers Association that provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to show a pig in a show ring setting. Each child is given a mentor who helps them to get the pig ready for the show, answers any questions they have, and helps them inside of the show ring.

“Bacon Buddies is always a lot of fun,” said Emilia Bloomquist, who chaired the event and is also the Webster County pork queen. “The kids had so much fun, and I know the mentors did too. Everyone was all smiles.”

This is the third year that the Bacon Buddies event has been held at the Webster County Fair. Former Webster County Pork Queen Hanna Hicks started the event in 2022. Hicks was on hand for Sunday’s event and even had one of her own hogs in the ring.

All participants in the ring received a trophy for their hog showing abilities, and their families received pork coupons as well.

-Photo by Julie Vinsand
Webster County Pork Queen Emilia Bloomquist and past Queen Hanna Hicks led the charge for the 2025 Bacon Buddies event at the Webster County Fair. Six exhibitors, all of varying special needs, were able to learn about pigs and later show them in the fair’s main arena.

“I really love Bacon Buddies,” said Bloomquist. “It gives everyone a chance to learn about pigs and seeing those smiles makes it all worth it.”