Calling All Pigs, Goats, Cows, Sheep and Horses too!

Animal owners ages 8 – 21 are invited to participate in the fifth annual Southern Maryland Livestock Expo  at the St. Mary’s Count Fairgrounds on June 27 – 28. The SMILE show is a competition for regional youth which includes classes for the traditional livestock breeds of sheep, beef, swine and goats, and a Horse Show.

SMILE offers a venue for young people from across the region to share their common interest in raising and showing animals at an event that offers an educational component as well as the opportunity to compete in a fun and friendly environment. “The SMILE show is very different from other regional livestock shows and local fairs”, explained Jay Farrell SMILE chairman, “As the show format is relaxed, our judges are able to work with the kids to help them improve their skills and knowledge”, said Farrell. “We also want the kids to have a great time so we include a tug o war contest and other games that encourage team spirit and camaraderie”.

This year the SMILE Horse Show will have an exciting new format with a video review of the riders and their mounts. Riders will be video taped as they compete from a point of view directly behind the judge.  After the riding portion of the show the judge will review all the classes and comment on each rider’s performances.

SMILE is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), the St. Mary’s County Fair Board, county farm bureaus and local businesses, and is organized by SMILE committee members and the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers. Admission is free to the general public to view the competitions.

For registration forms and information on show days and times, rules, and breed class requirements visit www.somarylandsogood.com/events<blocked::http://www.somarylandsogood.com/events> or call Susan McQuilkin at SMADC on (301) 274-1922.Registration for all livestock classes is due by June 6. Breed registration and veterinary certificates are required.  Pre-registration for Horse Show by June 24.

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.