There’s one event at the Iowa State Fair where everyone gets a blue ribbon, and it involves pigs and teamwork.
Bacon Buddies is an annual tradition that gives individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities the chance to show pigs on one of Iowa’s biggest stages. The program started in 2019 as a collaboration between the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Special Olympics Iowa.
Paige Grave, 30, of Des Moines, has been a Special Olympics athlete for seven years but had never shown a pig until Saturday, Aug. 15. She was nervous, but after she was paired with mentors and her animal, “seeing the pig made it exciting.”
Rylee Dillinger, 15, of Boone and Adalynn Dirks, 13, of Fronda joined 4-H because they like showing animals. They’ve both participated in Bacon Buddies in county fairs and were happy to do it at the state fair, too.
Dillinger showed the “Buddies” how to wash the pigs and how to feed them marshmallows. Dirks taught Special Olympians how the pigs feed and how they grow muscle.
“(I like) helping a person that doesn’t do it all the time like I do and getting to enjoy it and learn,” Dirks said.
Bacon Buddies continue to expand in sixth year
Bacon Buddies is in its sixth year and has expanded to events across the state. Nearly 50 county fairs hosted Bacon Buddies shows in 2026, allowing hundreds of Special Olympic athletes to experience the joy of showing pigs with the support of dedicated youth mentors.
Bacon Buddies is “one of the most rewarding events IPPA participates in all year,” IPPA President Dean Frazer said.
“Caring for people in our community is one of the ‘We Care’ ethical principles that we follow every day that guide Iowa pig farmers,” Frazer said.
‘Buddies’ and 4-H, FFA mentors work together
The 2026 Iowa State Fair Bacon Buddies program had 16 participants.
Each “Buddie” or Special Olympics athlete is paired with two 4-H or FFA mentors. The mentors teach athletes pig care, showmanship and judge interaction, Iowa Pork Producers Association Joyce Hoppes said.
Hoppes said the program is a “win-win for everyone,” giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience something that they might not otherwise get to do. She said it’s a great experience for the mentors to work with the athletes as well.
The spotlight is on the “Buddies.” The participants show a pig, talk about their experience, while their parents or guardians watch them have fun. Each “Buddy” gets a blue ribbon and walks through a tunnel with everyone cheering.
“It’s one of those events that people have tears and smiles,” Hoppes said. “It’s just a feel-good event for everyone involved. It makes you feel good that you’re doing something special for someone else that may not ever have that experience.”
Special Olympics recognizes 4-H, FFA mentors with scholarships
The 2026 Special Olympics awarded four $500 scholarships to participating mentors through a random drawing.
The award celebrates their dedication to serving others and creating meaningful experiences and friendships for Bacon Buddies athletes, President and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa John Kliegl said in a news release.
“These moments extend far beyond the fairgrounds,” Kliegl said in the release. “They change perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities, strengthen communities, and remind all of us that everyone deserves the chance to shine.”
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Special Olympic athletes show pigs as Iowa State Fair ‘Bacon Buddies’
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Celia Brocker, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
