SOULS Livestock Show celebrates inclusion, agriculture

SMITHFIELD - The Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show (SOULS) highlights the true sense of community with its third annual inclusive event Aug. 15.

Activities are set for 5 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Smithfield with support from Special Olympics Unified Ohio, Jeffco Services, the Jefferson County Fair Board, Edison Local Schools and Jefferson County 4-H. SOULS pairs individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities with mentors representing FFA and 4-H organizations to showcase animals for judging while banners and ribbons will be awarded.

Organizer Amelia "Mimi" Ault, a junior at Edison High School, said a total of 36 exhibitors and mentors will participate, in addition to numerous volunteers representing Edison, Indian Creek, Buckeye Local, Steubenville, Weir, Brooke, homeschooled and adult participants.

A clinic will be held in the new show barn, where the special exhibitors will learn to care for and connect with animals such as horses, dogs, lambs, poultry, pigs, goats, rabbits and cows. The livestock show will get underway at 5 p.m., with participants exhibiting their chosen animals alongside similarly aged mentors. The event is free and open to the public.

"New elements this year include a flag presentation by Boy Scout Troop 20 from Richmond; the national anthem sung by local artist Glory Dami with ASL interpreter Haley Cherepko; informational tables in the arena from local businesses, organizations, and community groups; the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Mobile Service unit will be onsite providing support to families and participants; and a USA-themed photo balloon backdrop," she added.

Meanwhile, the junior fair board will sell concessions and baked goods, and the 2026 SOULS King and Queen will also be crowned.

Judges include Emily Moore for goat, Kyle Koehnlein for hog and Suzanne McConnell for rabbit, with Carl Glenn returning as emcee.

Ault said participation has more than doubled since the show began in 2024. The daughter of Tom and Anna Ault of East Springfield, she was inspired by her sister, Olivia, who has cognitive and developmental disabilities. They share a love of animals, and Ault wanted to offer more inclusion in 4-H activities.

"It gives youth and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the chance to experience a livestock show, learn about animal care, and build connections. It promotes confidence, agricultural education, inclusion, and meaningful participation," she said, noting that it has also impacted the mentors as a result.

"The mentors, who are 4-H and FFA members, have told me they are excited for the opportunity to get to know the participants and share their knowledge about their animals. They appreciate the joy that comes from inclusion and always say it is a positive experience. My favorite part is seeing the community come together to support this show, with everyone in the stands cheering on the participants as they shine in the show ring."

She was also thankful for the tremendous amount of support SOULS has received from the organizations and school district, saying it has been consistent since the very beginning.

"We want to thank all the generous supporters and sponsors who made this day possible: Jeffco Services Inc., Special Olympics Unified Ohio, One Niner Sports Photography, and Shimmer and Shine Party Designs. Thank you to our vendor tables--United Way, Ohio Valley Down Syndrome Support Group, Alliance Health, Hancock County Special Olympics, Pathways for Inclusion, Poppy Hill Book Nook, and Hidden Acres Drones. Most of all, we thank our mentors, judges, speakers, volunteers, and especially our special exhibitors and their families for spending the day with us."

More information is available at the Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show--SOULS Facebook page and TikTok.