Town of Polk, WI – There was a resurrection of a popular event at the Washington County Fair as members of Slinger FFA organized a Beyond the Banner Swine Show for people with special needs.
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Slinger High School senior and FFA member Olivia Strupp said she knew showing pigs would be a new experience for some, and hoped it would open other opportunities for participants.
“This gets them used to working with animals and maybe they could find someone they could show with and give them something fun to do during the summer,” she said.
One by one the pigs were matched with a participant and a helper. Light-weight hog-driving sticks were distributed and the show was underway.
Rachel Kania, 25, was an eager participant. “Suey, suey,” hollered Rachel as she used her stick to tap her pig Demetri around the show ring.
“I’m not a pro….. yet,” said a confident Rachel. “Since I’ve aged out of FFA this is as close as I’m going to get showing a pig.”
Former FFA member Jillian Schwake said pigs were chosen because of their calm demeanor. “We picked pigs because most are already very trained, this is a small show and it’s a very easy animal to work with,” she said.
Slinger, WI – On Friday, July 26, 2024, at 4 p.m. the Beyond the Banner Swine Show will be held at the Washington County Fair. It will be in the arena located between the livestock barns. The Beyond the Banner Swine Show is a pig show for people with special needs and intellectual or physical disabilities.
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These individuals will get to experience walking a pig in the show arena at the Washington County Fair. They will be in a controlled-and-safe setting with many helpers and supporters.
“Participants will get to walk a pig around the ring and they will be asked simple questions like what their name is,” said Strupp. “This will be a fun experience because it’s not something commonly offered.”
Strupp was inspired to lead the Beyond the Banner Swine Show and help others. “I am a very active member of the community and passionate about giving people new opportunities,” she said.
Strupp said participants will fall in love with their pigs as each has its own personality. “They are very friendly creatures that have temperaments similar to dogs,” she said.
There will be goody bags and a free t-shirt given to everyone that participates.
This show is put on all around the United States. In 2019, a girl from Kewaskum put on a similar show and it was a huge success.
With the amazing support of fellow exhibitors, sponsors, and the Washington County Fair, Strupp was able to start the show back up this year.
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About the author: Olivia Strupp, 17, is the daughter of Randy and Jody Strupp. She is going to be a senior at Slinger High School. Strupp has been showing livestock at the Washington County Fair the past 10 years. Strupp is part owner of a show pig breeding business called Homestead Show Pigs. This is her third year serving as a Slinger FFA Officer. She is also manager of Slinger High School’s wrestling team.
