Inclusive Showmanship Experience
Rockstars in the Ring is a non-competitive livestock and animal showmanship experience designed to give youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in the Dane County Fair alongside experienced youth exhibitors.
Participants are paired with trained youth mentors and an approved Dane County Fair exhibit animal. Together, they will enter the show ring and demonstrate basic animal handling skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The program focuses on teamwork, confidence, and positive interactions with animals, rather than competition.
Event Details
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 New Holland Pavilion #2 – Showring B
📌 Alliant Energy Center – Madison, WI
Join us for the 5th Annual Rockstars in the Ring, where youth will have the opportunity to experience showing animals such as pigs, rabbits, sheep, and other fair animals with the help of two youth exhibitor mentors.
Who Can Participate?
Participants must:
• Be 8–21 years old
• Have an intellectual or developmental disability
• Register prior to the event
Participants do not need to be enrolled in 4-H or FFA.
Participation is limited to the first 10 registered participants.
Youth Mentors
Mentors play an important role in helping participants have a successful experience.
Mentors must:
• Be current 2026 Dane County Fair youth exhibitors
• Have experience handling the animal they present
• Provide guidance and encouragement throughout the event
Each participant will be paired with two youth mentors whenever possible.
Animals
Animals must:
• Be registered Dane County Fair exhibit projects
• Be calm, safe, and manageable in a public setting
Animals may include:
🐑 Sheep
🐐 Goats
🐖 Swine
🐇 Rabbits
🐄 Cattle
🐔 Poultry
…and other approved fair exhibit animals.
Event staff reserve the right to remove any animal deemed unsafe.
What to Expect
Participants will:
⭐ Meet their youth mentors
⭐ Interact with fair animals
⭐ Enter the show ring with mentor support
⭐ Demonstrate basic showmanship skills
⭐ Receive recognition and awards
This is a non-competitive event, and all participants will receive a ribbon and recognition.
Event Schedule
11:45 AM – Participant Check-In
New Holland Pavilion #1 – Mezzanine (2nd Floor)
12:00 PM – Meet & Greet and Pizza Lunch
Participants and Mentors
12:45 PM – Tour of Animal Exhibits
New Holland Pavilion #1 & #2
1:15 PM – Mentor Session with Animals and Participants
Swine Show Ring – New Holland Pavilion #2
2:00 PM – Rockstars in the Ring Show
Showring B – New Holland Pavilion #2
Group photo with participants and mentors following the show.
Registration
📅 Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026
Participation is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
To apply as a Participant or Mentor, complete the online registration form at the top of the page.