FFA and 4-H members who don't have a goat, pig or sheep will still be able to show an animal at the 2011 Merced County Fair, as the fair is presenting an exhibition showmanship dog show.
"We're trying to bring the dog show back to the fair," said Amber Baker, a small animal 4-H leader, who is organizing the event. Participants must be a member of a 4-H or FFA dog care group to show a dog at the fair, she said.
The event will feature mostly showmanship classes, so kids can exhibit their canine friends in a regular showmanship arena. Dogs don't have to be purebred — they can be mixed breeds, said Baker.
"This is a way for kids who live in town and don't have farm animal projects to be able to show an animal at the fair by exhibiting their pet dogs," she said. "This is going to be a really fun experience and we're looking for more kids to share the joys of showing their dogs."
The dog showmanship events will be held at 6 p.m. on June 17 at the fairgrounds. Kids interested in participating in the dog show should contact Baker at 722-3679 or e-mail at Travsmom26@comcast.net. Participants must provide their name, grade in school and contact information. The deadline is May 12.
The 35th District Agricultural Association’s 120th annual fair — themed “Saddle Up For Fun" — will be held June 15-19. For more information, visit www.MercedCountyFair.com.
