Class Offers Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities to Show Lambs at Kentucky State Fair

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is once again offering the Sunshine Class during the Kentucky State Fair in 2025. The event allows individuals with special needs to show a lamb in the livestock ring in Broadbent Arena during the fair.

This year’s Sunshine Class will be held at 9 am on Wednesday, August 20. The date coincides with this year’s Sensory Day at the Fair. All participants will work with an experienced mentor to show a lamb through the livestock ring and will receive a commemorative banner when they finish showing.

Participants MUST register in advance to take part and registration is open now. The event is expected to be capped at 100 participants this year, so sign up early. Last year, more than 60 people took part.

Register Now

See Photos from the 2024 Sunshine Class

There will be a preview and media kickoff for the Sunshine Class on July 31 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and there are opportunities to participate there. The event begins with a clinic at 11 am followed by a show at 11:30. A meet and greet will follow the show.

Last year was the first that Special Olympics Kentucky partnered with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to promote the Sunshine Class. We are greatly appreciative of the Department and Commissioner Jonathan Shell for including us in this incredible event.

For more information about the Sunshine Class or the media kickoff, contact Kaitlin Fouts at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture at 502-234-8414 or via e-mail at kaitlin.fouts@ky.gov.