CELINA, Ohio (8-2-24) — Mercer DD is again partnering with the Mercer County Fairgrounds for the 2nd annual “Share the Ring Showmanship” at the Mercer County Fair next week. 

Share the Ring Showmanship is a free livestock show, where thosewith differing abilities or developmental disabilities will be paired with junior fair 4-H members to show a species – dairy, rabbit, or sheep – in the arena. Participants will get to talk to the judge during the show, as well as learn about the animal from a 4-H mentor. 

To be eligible to participate, participants must be on an IEP or 504 plan, or be receiving services through Mercer DD.

There are three shows that will take place, as follows: 

Saturday, August 10th: Rabbit Showmanship at 2:00pm at the Adrian DebrosseArena; Monday, August 12th: Dairy Showmanship at 11:00am at the Adrian Debrosse Arena; and Tuesday, August 13h: Sheep Showmanship at 7:00pm at the Coldwater Young Farmers Arena. Participants can participate in multiple shows if they’d like. All participants will be given an award.

 Shawn Thieman, Superintendent of Mercer DD

“We are very excited to bring back this show on inclusion to the Mercer County Fair. Through collaboration with the fair, we truly think this gives individuals a unique experience and opportunity to show at the fair, who normally may not be able to,” he continued. 

Those in wheelchairs are also able to participate in the show, and there is no maximum age limit to participate. There is no pre-registration. Participants are asked to show up to the arena. Junior fair animals will be used – you do not need to bring an animal – just bring yourself! 

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Mercer DD serves approximately 500 eligible children and adults in Mercer County through a wide range of programming, supports and services. For additional information, visit mercerdd.org.