The popular Bacon Buddies show is returning to the Iowa State Fair. 

On Saturday, August 9th, 16 Special Olympics Iowa athletes will take center stage in the Swine Barn for the Bacon Buddies pig show, proudly showcasing their skills alongside Iowa’s 4‑H and FFA youth.

The Bacon Buddies show is a partnership between the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Special Olympics Iowa. The event pairs Iowans with intellectual and developmental disabilities with 4‑H and FFA mentors, creating a shared experience of showing pigs on one of the state’s biggest stages.

This summer, 41 county fairs hosted their own Bacon Buddies‑style events with support from the Iowa Pork Producers Association, including the Washington County Fair.

The Bacon Buddies show begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, in the Swine Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The public is invited to come cheer on these Special Olympic athletes as many of them experience showing pigs for the first time.