Bacon Buddies are Needed, Cedar Rapids, It’ll Be Sooo-eet!

Every summer, a beloved tradition comes alive with vibrant sights and sounds and that is the Linn County Fair. Thrilling rides, amazing entertainment, mouthwatering treats, and lots of people, animals, and other things to see, it's a kaleidoscope of fun.  The Linn County Fair kicks off June 26th.

The grandstand is just a small part but with big names

The 2024 Linn County Fair brings big names in country music like Sara Evans and Joe Nichols to the grandstand.   These events have it handled and volunteers are not usually needed.  One event happening this year at the Linn County Fair does need volunteers and YOU could help.  You'd be hanging with some of the biggest names on the bacon circuit.  No, not Hormel or Jimmy Dean.

What is a bacon buddy?

Bacon Buddies gives individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (Buddies) the opportunity to take a pig into the show ring.  The mentors include 4-H and FFA youth who have volunteered to share that show ring experience right along with them.  Deb Zumbach with the Linn County Fair says "The program was originally started by the Iowa Pork Producers and the first-ever Bacon Buddies show was held at the 2019 Iowa State Fair. The Bacon Buddies program has spread across the state to many county fairs.  We started the program 3 years ago at the Linn County Fair".

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You can be a Bacon Buddy

The Linn County Fair is still looking for Bacon Buddies.  The event, June 27th, 11:30 AM to 2 PM. If you think you could be a buddy, here are some things they're looking for in a Bacon Buddy volunteer.

• Kind & Patient
• Passionate about kids and pigs
• Flexibility and willingness to help wherever the need arises during the event
• Must be available throughout the entire event

If you can volunteer your time and be a Bacon Buddy contact Deb at BaconBuddies@TheLinnCountyFair.com.