By: Staci Miller, Paulding FFA Advisor
On June 15th, the Paulding FFA hosted the 1st Annual Animal and Me program at the Paulding County Fair.
This program is happening at County Fairs all across Ohio, from metro areas like Warren County to rural counties like our own Paulding County. The program links individuals with developmental disabilities with FFA members to learn about animals. This program provides the individuals with an opportunity to experience showing an animal project and practice their public speaking and communication skills.
The Paulding FFA was so excited to help sponsor and run the program for 2023. The FFA members served as mentors to the participants as they showed their livestock at the fair.
The members helped their buddies show rabbits, goats and feeder calves during the show. The Paulding FFA, along with the Paulding FFA Alumni, partnered with the Paulding County Board of Developmental Disabilities to put on this show.
Each member and participant received a t-shirt they wore during the show. At the conclusion, of the show each participant received a trophy and the winner of each class received a large rossette.
The Paulding FFA is so excited to grow this program in the future and make it a yearly event at the Paulding County Fair. The Paulding FFA appreciates everyone who participated, and attended the show, it was a wonderful day for all who were involved!
A special shout out to the Paulding FFA Alumni who provided the awards and t-shirts to the participants and Howell’s Doodles for sponsoring a sausage sandwich to each participant.
