Thurston County to hold first youth livestock exposition in April 

Aiming to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders, Thurston County will hold its inaugural youth livestock exposition next month.  

The Thurston County Youth Exposition and Jackpot is slated for Saturday, April 25, through Sunday, April 26, at Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey. The event  is free and open to the public. 

The two-day exposition will feature sheep, goat, pig and cow competitions across all experience levels. First-time exhibitors and seasoned competitors are welcome to register. 

In an announcement about the exposition on March 17, the county said the expo is intended to serve as the agricultural equivalent of spring training. Through hands-on clinics and live competitions, junior exhibitors can showcase livestock and refine showmanship skills prior to the summer fair season. 

Thurston County Fair Board Member Lance McElroy, who is the event's volunteer lead planner, said the expo will provide a training ground for youths gaining early experience in the show ring. 

“The (expo) is all about creating a pipeline for success,” said McElroy in a statement. “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.” 

The exposition is also linked to a wider economic goal of strengthening Thurston County's position within the state of Washington's farming sector. 

"Livestock drives about $4.5 billion statewide, and here in Thurston County livestock and poultry make up nearly 80 percent of all ag sales," said Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Chair Tye Menser in a statement.

Menser added that the county sees the event as a long-term investment. 

“Developing local talent and providing a year-round venue for training and market days is a strategic economic investment that doubles down on our strongest asset. We hope our community will come out to the (fairgrounds) to support these young agriculturalists,” he said. 

Key to that strategy is a new $1.25 million agriculture center at the fairgrounds. The facility, backed by state and federal grants awarded last year, is expected to break ground this year. 

New competitor

Penny Ann Wikoff, a second grader from Yelm, will enter the show ring for the first time next month in the sheep category. 

"I've been watching my older brother Alex with his sheep and practicing with him," said Wikoff in a statement. "Now I'm excited to try my best with my own sheep." 

Complementing the competition, the Thurston County Fair Foundation will run its Secondhand Safari on April 24-25, a massive community treasure hunt and garage sale supporting ongoing fairgrounds improvements. 

Saturday programming, meanwhile, will be organized by Thurston County 4-H, with food and commercial vendors also on site both days. 

Interested competitors can register at showman.app, with the deadline set at midnight on April 23. 

For a full event schedule and additional details, visit the county's official web page.