Summer means showing at fairs for 4-H and FFA members, who work hard all year to prep for these big events. But one thing has always been missing for many – a way to practice showing in a new environment before their first county fair. Lance McElroy, a Thurston County Fair board member, spearheaded an idea to address this problem by launching a new Youth Livestock Competition on April 25-26, 2026.
“The goal was to create a ‘spring training’ environment that gives children the opportunity to practice their skills and get their animals comfortable in a show environment well before the actual summer fair begins,” shares Thomasina Cooper, Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center manager.
Any Youth Can Participate in New Thurston County Livestock Competition
This two-day youth livestock event will include education, showing experience, clinics and more for youth under 18 years old – whether they are in 4-H, FFA or currently not in either. “A unique feature of this show is that it is open to all kids, regardless of affiliation with 4-H or FFA,” shares Thomasina. “This is unusual for such competitions, which typically have strict organization or age requirements. The broad need for such an event is evidenced by the wide geographic range of current registrants, coming from as far as Warrenton, Oregon, as well as Sequim, Silver Lake, Poulsbo, Cheney and Selah.”
Younger exhibitors can enter the special Peewee category. Children ages 4 to 7 can join these classes to help them get started in showing.
The event is currently for youth showing sheep, goats, pigs and cows.
Thurston County Youth Livestock Showing Sets Kids Up for Success
“The Expo is all about creating a pipeline for success,” said Thurston County Fair Board member and the event’s volunteer lead planner Lance McElroy. “It presents a unique opportunity for kids to learn the ropes, get their animals comfortable in a show environment, and really get ready for the Thurston County Fair. We want them to walk into the ring this summer feeling prepared, capable, and excited.”
The Thurston County Youth Exposition and Jackpot will be held at the Thurston County Fairgrounds and will provide young people throughout the region with educational clinics, and a competitive platform to showcase livestock and refine showmanship skills ahead of the summer fair season.
Thomasina says the event will:
- Provide essential training and showring experience before the high-stakes summer season.
- Help kids feel prepared, capable, and excited when they finally walk into the ring this summer.
- Increase the visibility of the Fair experience and the Market Committee
- Act as a strategic economic investment to support the state’s $14 billion agriculture industry.
Because of this, this unique event is set up differently than a regular show, with a blend of education and competition. There will be clinics where kids can practice, learn tricks and get help. National title winner and animal experts will serve as clinicians. For example, the showmanship clinic will cover the basics of feeding, training, clipping and fitting. “It is designed to be a ‘day to learn’ where kids can apply new techniques immediately,” shares Thomasina. “Participants can (and are encouraged to) attend both the clinic on Saturday and the Jackpot show on Sunday.”
The Jackpot portion of the weekend will function as a formal competition, shares Thomasina, but with a focus on growth. “Judges were specifically selected for their ability to provide feedback on identified areas for improvement, helping kids perform at a higher level for the upcoming Fair,” she adds. Winners will receive cash prizes and banners.
The feedback has already been positive, with 47 youth already registered for the clinics as of March 27, and 56 youth signed up for the jackpot portion.
For one Yelm second grader Penny Ann Wikoff, the event marks a major milestone. “This is my first time showing my sheep,” said Wikoff. “I’ve been watching my older brother Alex with his sheep and practicing with him. Now I’m excited to try my best with my own sheep!”
While the committee decided to start the event with a focus on market livestock with plans for the future. “By focusing on the species where participation is highest, the event supports the strongest sector of the local ag economy,” shares Thomasina. “However, there are hopes to expand to breeding and other species in future years.”
Community-Wide Youth Livestock Event Invites All to Come
Not a youth exhibitor? Come support the kids and enjoy a day of animals and fun! There will be a Weaver Trailer with show supplies and a Purina representative offering information on animal nutrition.
There will also be 4-H-hosted family activities and food and commercial vendors! Participate in an Easter egg hunt, complete with a hidden golden egg. You can also check out the Secondhand Safari, a massive community garage sale and treasure hunt that will also be happening on the fairgrounds that weekend.
Thurston County Youth Exposition and Jackpot Entry and Schedule
- Register to compete here. Registration closes at midnight Pacific Time on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
- Competition Categories: Sheep, Goats, Pigs and Cows
- Competition open to all experience levels, first-timers to seasoned competitors
- Saturday programming hosted by Thurston County 4-H
- On Friday & Saturday, the Fair Foundation’s signature treasure hunt, Secondhand Safari
- Find the event schedule and details on the Thurston County website.
