Fairgoers in Columbiana County were treated to an all-inclusive livestock show on Saturday, August 8.
The All-Inclusive Livestock Show put on its first-ever show during the Columbiana County Fair, structured in a way that gives those with developmental disabilities a safe and fun way to participate in livestock showing.
Allison Irwin, the Founder and Organizer of the All-In Livestock Show, says that this is her way to spread the opportunity to others who want to participate and make sure that everyone is included.
“So, the goal of this is opportunity and inclusion, making sure that everybody is noticed and everybody gets in and has a good time,” said Irwin.
She said she came up with the idea after seeing other fairs doing similar events, traveling while serving as the 2025 Columbiana County Junior Fair and 4H Queen. She said she knew she wanted to bring that idea back to the Columbiana County Fair.
“It’s just something that brings joy to me, so I think it’s something that I feel is really important to spread awareness about and be able to show them that they’re able to do anything they put their mind to, because there [are] opportunities out there as long as they take advantage of those,” said Irwin.
Overall, Irwin said that the feedback she received from proposing the idea was very positive.
“I went to our Senior Fair Board, who was all in; they were all ready to support me and the ideas that I had,” said Irwin.
She goes on to say that, in addition to the support of the Board, Irwin reached out to the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities, who helped her start off the fundraising process for the event with a $2,500 grant.
Irwin says that she looks forward to future years of helping those with developmental disabilities enjoy the fair just like she does. She hopes to make next year’s All-In Livestock Show even better during the 2027 Columbiana County Fair.
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