Ring of Dreams: Everyone can show an animal at Wood County Fair

The Ring of Dreams Livestock Show is for any person 5 years old and up with a developmental disability, to have the experience of showing an animal. This photo is from the Henry County Fair. (supplied photo)

This photo is from the Henry County Fair. (supplied photo)

Participants will come to sign up on July 6 at the Wood County Fairgrounds and meet the animals and get a hands-on feel for what animal they would like to show. This photo is from the Henry County Fair. (supplied photo)

This photo is from the Henry County Fair. (supplied photo)

Dreams are about to come true at the Wood County Fair.

The Ring of Dreams Livestock Show is the first ever livestock show of its kind at the Wood County Fair.

The show, which is being organized by Amanda Barndt, is for any person 5 years old and up with a developmental disability to have the experience of showing an animal.

This photo is from the Henry County Fair. (supplied photo)

Participants will come to sign up on July 6 at the Wood County Fairgrounds and meet the animals and get a hands-on feel for what animal they would like to show.

They will decide between a rabbit, a lamb, a goat, a pig and a beef feeder. Then they will come out on July 20 to the same place to have a practice round with their projects so they feel better prepared to show at the fair Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.

Both the signup and practice days are mandatory for participation.

Barndt is working with the local agencies, including Wood Lane Residential Services/Positive Community Connections, Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Ready Program, as well as the local fair board.

"Everyone is so excited for this opportunity," Barndt said. "I got this idea from a similar show hosted at Henry County Fair, and my love for agriculture and bringing people into agriculture had me hooked the second I saw it.

"I saw the pictures from it and loved all the aspects of it," she said. "It's taken off and the excitement behind it has been incredible."

Barndt brings agricultural experience to this. She served a three-year team on fair board and is president of the Wood County Farm Bureau.

She said she didn't get into ag until high school.

"It was because someone gave me the opportunity," Barndt said. "I think everybody should have a chance to show an animal … in all walks of life."

The July 20 practice will give participants a chance to "try out" their animal, Barndt said.

"A rabbit sounds really good until you feel how squirmy it is. A pig sounds good until you realize how noisy it is," she said. "I don't want anybody to come to that day and be really uncomfortable."

At the Aug. 3 show, which will be in the Pratt Pavilion, every participant will go in with a junior fair member and there will be adult volunteers, Barndt said.

Participants will receive a photo, picture frame, medal and T-shirt on show day.