Klamath County, Oregon – The Klamath County Fair will once again feature the Alternative Stock Show Classic, a beloved tradition that Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services is joining together with 4-H to bring back. The event will take place on Saturday, August 2 at 3:30 p.m. at the local fairgrounds. It will be an amazing display of teamwork, learning, and inclusion.
The Alternative Stock Show Classic started in 2016 and was meant to give individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to show off their agricultural skills. This was a place that had been allocated for 4-H and FFA members in the past. Each participant is matched with a local young mentor from 4-H or FFA. Together, they get pigs, goats, and sheep ready for the show ring.
Participants and their mentors do all that goes into handling cattle, from grooming and washing them to guiding them in front of judges. But this contest is about a lot more than just ribbons and rankings. It’s a chance for people with disabilities to work with their hands in farming, gain confidence, and enjoy the thrill of success. At the same time, their 4-H and FFA mentors learn important skills about patience, empathy, and leadership, which makes it a rewarding experience for everyone.
The show sends a strong message: farming is for everyone. The fair creates welcoming spaces for everyone, which helps bring the community together and teaches individuals of all abilities how they may support and benefit from agricultural traditions.
Anyone can take part in the Alternative Stock Show Classic for free, and all participants will get a free T-shirt and other prizes from the event’s sponsors. At the end of the event, the winners will be given the titles of Champion and Reserve Champion. Each will also get a personalized belt buckle as a thank-you for their hard work.
People who want to participate can turn in their completed forms to the Klamath County Extension Office at 6923 Washburn Way in Klamath Falls or the Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services office at 565 Century Court. You have until Thursday, July 31, 2025, to apply. You can call the Extension Office at 541-314-3300 for further information or to ask questions.
As the fair approaches, the Alternative Stock Show Classic reminds us of what community really means: a place where everyone can shine.
