06/16/2026
I am Allison Irwin! I am the Founder and Organizer of the All In Livestock Inclusion Show! I am also the 2025 Columbiana County Junior Fair and 4-H Queen and the 2025-2026 Columbiana County Junior Fair Board President. Before I get into the information about the All In Livestock Show, I want to share a little bit about myself.
About me:
Agriculture has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. Through my involvement in 4-H, livestock projects, and leadership within the Columbiana County Fair community, I have experienced firsthand the valuable lessons agriculture provides—responsibility, confidence, communication, leadership, and perseverance. As the 2025 Columbiana County Fair Queen, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout Ohio, representing our fair and connecting with agricultural leaders, exhibitors, and fair organizations from across the state. During these experiences, I witnessed disability livestock inclusion shows taking place at county fairs and saw the incredible impact they had on participants and their families. Watching youth enter the show ring, work alongside mentors, interact with livestock, and experience the pride that comes with showing an animal was truly inspiring. It became clear that these opportunities were about much more than livestock—they were about confidence, belonging, personal growth, and creating meaningful experiences. Those experiences inspired me to bring a similar opportunity to Columbiana County. After attending educational sessions led by organizers who have successfully operated these programs for many years, speaking with fair leaders and mentors, and researching best practices for accessibility and participant success, I began developing the All In Livestock Show. My goal is simple: to provide youth with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience the agricultural industry in a hands-on, supportive environment while creating lasting memories, meaningful relationships, and a sense of accomplishment. I believe agriculture has a place for everyone, and I am excited to help create an opportunity where every participant can feel included, valued, and successful.
About the All In Livestock Show
The All In Livestock Show is an inclusive livestock experience for youth with disabilities, held in partnership with the Columbiana County Junior Fair Board, taking place on August 8th, during the Columbiana County Fair. Prior to the show, there will be a meet-and-greet night held on July 27th, @6:30 p.m. in the Coliseum. This event was created so youth with disabilities can experience showing livestock in a supportive, encouraging environment and take part in a tradition many 4-H members, including myself enjoy each year.
At its heart, this show is about inclusion and opportunity. It gives youth who may not otherwise have the chance to show livestock a safe and positive space to participate, learn, and feel successful. The goal is for every participant to leave the ring with confidence, pride, and a smile, focusing on joy, growth, and belonging rather than pressure or competition.
Participants will be youth ages 9–18 (4-H age) with disabilities who would benefit from a supported showing experience. All livestock used will be calm, previously shown 4-H animals from earlier in the fair week, including beef feeders, goats, sheep, and rabbits.
To keep the experience personal and manageable, participation will be limited to 30 youth total in the first year. Each participant will be paired with a junior fair board member or trained mentor, maintaining a 1:1 support ratio to provide guidance and encouragement throughout the show.
The event will follow standard livestock show guidelines but will be adjusted to each participant’s needs and pace. Flexibility, patience, and encouragement will guide the entire experience, ensuring every youth feels supported and included.
Support will be provided by junior fair board members, livestock exhibitors, adult volunteers, and committee members, all working together to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Families and participants will complete the short registration form that is due June 29th, linked below prior to the event so organizers can prepare and connect with each youth ahead of time.
https://forms.gle/dWGd6pmWp1UVmvQJA
If there are any questions or concerns regarding the All In Livestock Show, please do not hesitate to contact myself or a Junior Fair Board Advisor:
Allison Irwin: [email protected]
Krysta Irwin: 330-853-6073
This information is being directed to you in hopes that you can pass it along to those who qualify and would benefit from this opportunity. We are currently working on gathering participants and would greatly appreciate your help in getting this out to the right families in a timely manner.
If you are able, please forward this to families with youth eligible for this opportunity. Our goal is to give everyone the chance to be involved.
I would also love to hear and thoughts, questions, or feedback you may have as we continue panning. Your input and support mean a great deal in helping make the All In Livestock Show a success. Thank you for your help spreading the word and supporting this important opportunity in our community. We hope to see you there!
Welcome to the first-ever "All In" Livestock Inclusion Show at the Columbiana County Fair! This new and exciting program was created to provide youth of 4-H age (9-18) with disabilities the opportunity to experience livestock, agriculture, friendship, confidence, and the excitement of the fair in a....
