Keokuk County Expo Fair hosts inaugural Bacon Buddies Event

SIGOURNEY — The Keokuk County Expo Fair made history on Friday, July 18, by hosting its first annual Bacon Buddies event at the fairgrounds following the 4-H/FFA swine show. The heartwarming showcase brought together youth, individuals with disabilities, and the community in a celebration of agriculture and inclusivity.

Modeled after the Bacon Buddies event at the Iowa State Fair that now is in its sixth year, the Keokuk County event provided individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of the show ring. With the help of 4-H and FFA youth mentors, these “Buddies” guided pigs through the ring, cheered on by a packed crowd. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Bacon Buddies program “gives individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (Buddies) the opportunity to take a pig into the show ring. Their mentors include 4-H and FFA youth who have volunteered to share that show ring experience right along with them.”

Keokuk County’s event included:

10 participants, eight youth mentors, 27 dedicated volunteers, six special guests, 13 local and regional sponsors, and an overwhelming wave of community cheerleaders.

“Bacon Buddies would not have been a success without our amazing community,” said event coordinator Kylee Reed, whose tireless efforts and organization helped make the event possible. More than two dozen volunteers gave their time and energy to ensure every detail was in place. Families and local residents packed the stands, creating an atmosphere full of energy, love, and encouragement. “This was more than just a show — it was a memory that will last forever,” said Reed, reflecting on the outpouring of support and joy.

A special thanks goes to the sponsors who made the event possible: Reed Family Farms; Fritchen Cattle Company; Iowa Pork Producers Association; Grimm Company Real Estate; Keota Veterinary Clinic; HS Design; The Bucking Barn; Keoco Auction Company; Tractor Supply Co; Brothers Market; Harvest Shine; Vittetoe Inc.; US Whip

Participants included Brooklyn Lucas, Luke Balster, Toby Doane, Shawn Stout, Ian Jones, Chester Hines, Breanna Wolff, Donnie Bowers, Jim Williams, and Carrie McNurlen.

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Mentors for the event were Teagan Swearingen, Madison Fry, Levi Voyles, Lucas Menke, Brayden Wood, Colt Reed, Dillon Menke, and Owen Menke.

Special Guests were Calla Langel, Iowa Pork Ambassador; Jackson Sterle, 2025 Keokuk County Expo Bacon Buddy Judge; Carley Clarahan, 2025 Keokuk County Expo Queen; Sharon Fritchen, event photographer; Isabella Buesing, event speaker; and Justin Abell, announcer.

Some reactions heard from the community were:

“Crowd looks like a cattle show.” (If you are not from Keokuk County Expo we pack the stands for the cattle show! It is what we do, and we always have so this was a huge compliment)

“This is awesome, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“Are you going to be back to do this next year, I would like to help.”

“Great event.”

“Thank you for bringing this to the Expo.”

“Great job.”

“It was so cool to see all of the smiles of your participants, it was truly inspiring”

“Your speaker touched my heart and tears started to flow.”

“I loved the show. It was very touching. Our 4-H kids that interacted with the Special Needs children/adults was very gratifying to watch them.”

“After we left the fairgrounds (participant name) couldn’t stop talking about how much fun showing a pig was!”

The inaugural Bacon Buddies event in Keokuk County was a glowing example of what’s possible when agriculture, youth leadership, and community spirit come together. As one community member put it, “The pork industry is a powerful thing.”