SMITHFIELD — Special exhibitors will receive their opportunity to shine Saturday, as they prepare to participate in the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show taking place at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

The free activity will be held in Smithfield’s Friendship Park, featuring eight county youths with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The young adults will be paired with 4-H and FFA members, showcasing livestock.

A clinic is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by the show at 4:30 p.m. The event is open to the public at the Gary W. Cain Livestock Arena.

Edison freshman Amelia Ault helped to organize the show, along with administrators and representatives from Edison Local Schools, Special Olympics Unified Sports, Jefferson County 4-H Extension Office, the county fair board and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Those with JCBDD’s Jeffco Services Inc. are a sponsor for the event.

Ault said she was inspired by her sister, Olivia, as the two share a love of animals. She said she wants to offer more inclusion in 4-H activities.

“I have a sister who has cognitive and developmental disabilities, so I know there are areas that can be more inclusive for her. This winter, I approached the fair board about adding a dedicated horse class for kids with a 4-H Winning Plan and they overwhelmingly agreed,” she said.

Amelia is the 14-year-old daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield.

“The exhibitors chose an animal they wanted to show, and were matched with a mentor who had that animal,” she commented. “I tried to make sure they were similar in age. I think they will work great together. There is a clinic for the exhibitors to learn how to show and care for their chosen animal. They will meet their animal, work with them during the afternoon, then showcase what they learned at the show.”

Exhibitors will be judged on showmanship, which is how well they and the animal work together. They will be placed in each class — much like an actual livestock show. Grand champion banners will be given for first-place winners in each category, while ribbons will be given to all participants.

Ault said the show gives the special exhibitors a chance to experience what it is like to be in a 4-H organization.

“The purpose is to increase inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities into 4-H,” she said.

“There is a whole world of opportunities out there in 4-H,” she added.

Ault was grateful for the support she received from organizations, volunteers and people who have given their time and talents to make the event possible.

She gained funding through a Unified Dream Grant and Jeffco Services, hoping to make this a regular event, with more participation in the future.

“I would love to be able to do this every year,” she concluded. “My hope is that word will get around and there will be more interest from specaial-needs youth that want to participate. I hope our community can come and support the kids and watch them show what they have learned.”