Animal owners ages 8 – 21 are invited to participate in the fourth annual southern Maryland Livestock Expo (SMILE) June 27 - 29, 2008.   SMILE is a three day competition which includes the traditional livestock breeds of sheep, beef, swine and goats, along with a dog show and horse show.

SMILE is the result of the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers and is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC).  The event provides an opportunity for youth in the Southern Maryland region to participate in a local competition and to increase awareness of the region’s agricultural heritage.  As stated by Jay Farrell, SMILE, Chairman, “SMILE is an educational livestock show in a jack-pot format, and most shows like this are usually out of our area and expensive to attend.  The SMILE show gives our local kids an opportunity to get the feel of another type of show close to home other than the county fair”.

In addition, there’s even more to “SMILE” about, the show organizers are including a dairy cow class this year. There will also be fun, hands-on activities during the two-day expo that are designed to encourage teamwork and mentoring skills.  Animal jeopardy, features questions that test animal science knowledge for kids of all ages and a slippery tug o’ war contest will challenge teams to work together for success.

Registration required by June 6 for all livestock classes.  Breed registration and veterinary certificates are required.  Pre-registration for Horse Show by June 18. For registration forms and information on show days and times, rules, and breed class requirements visit www.somarylandsogood.com/events or call Susan McQuilkin at SMADC on 301-274-1922.

The fairgrounds are open to the public and admission is free.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission was established to promote diverse, market-driven agricultural enterprises, which coupled with agricultural land preservation, will preserve Southern Maryland’s environmental resources and rural character while keeping the region’s farmland productive and the agricultural economy vibrant.