Monticello, Iowa

2026 Bacon Buddies^®

Join us for the Bacon Buddies^® Show at the Great Jones County Fair!

WHO:

Mentors: 4-H and FFA members (age 12+) will be partnered with a participant to teach them about exhibiting a pig.

Participants: Persons with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, ages 5th grade–12th grade (must be currently enrolled or nearing completion of 5th grade year). Each participant will be paired with a youth mentor and a pig.

WHAT:

Bacon Buddies^® participants will have the opportunity to experience showing a pig. The judge will assess how the mentors, participant, and pig work together as a cohesive unit.

Participants will receive a ribbon, Bacon Buddies^® T-shirt, and 2 admission tickets (1 participant + 1 chaperone).

Youth mentors will receive a T-shirt and complimentary meal.

WHEN:

Wednesday July 22, 2026

4:45 PM	Participant Registration, Bacon Buddies® Participants Arrive/Connect with Youth Mentors
5:00 PM	Orientation with everyone
5:15 PM	Group photo, Light meal provided.
6:30 PM	Bacon Buddies^® Swine Show

WHERE:

The Great Jones County Fair
Show arena
800 N. Maple St.
Monticello, IA 52310

ATTIRE:

Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and Bacon Buddies^® T-shirt (shirt provided at registration).

Please Note: The show takes place in the Show Arena, which has a sawdust floor. The Great Jones County Fair features a variety of activities, lights, and sounds. Please bring any calming or auditory devices that may help enhance the experience for your participant. Parents and guests are encouraged to watch from the bleachers and will not be allowed in the show ring during the show.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 6, 2026

YOUTH MENTOR EXPECTATIONS:
     • 4-H/FFA youth mentor must be age 12 or older.
     • Actively Enrolled in 4-H or FFA.
     • Arrive on time and dressed in appropriate show attire, including Bacon Buddies^® T-shirt.
     • Exhibitor will exhibit pig during the event and youth mentor will help assist and help when necessary.
     • Bacon Exhibitor and Mentor pairings will be assigned by Bacon Buddies^® committee.
     • Stay for the entire Bacon Buddies^® event and show.

QUESTIONS: Please email office@greatjonescountyfair.com