Heading into its sixth year, the Eastern Kansas Swine Show Series is still aimed directly at the goal for which it was created—providing a fun family atmosphere for folks who enjoy showing pigs.

“There are a lot of friendships made—it's like a big family,” says Nancy McDougal who serves as a board member from Leavenworth County. “(The shows) teach kids how to win and lose gracefully. Those are lessons that can’t be preached.”

In addition to life lessons, McDougal is excited about the increasing quality not only of the animals but of the kids who show them. Last year the shows drew from 130 to 280 pigs at each event, culminating in a finale at Tonganoxie.

This year’s schedule includes:

•May 2, Shawnee County, Topeka

•May 10, Coffey County, Burlington

•May 11, Lyon County, Emporia

•May 24, Franklin County, Ottawa

•May 31, Linn County, Mound City

•June 7, Anderson County, Garnett

•June 8, Miami County, Paola

•June 14, Leavenworth County, Tonganoxie

Showmen earn points throughout the series which go toward season-end awards and honors.

For McDougal and the rest of the folks who put on the events, it’s important that everyone is a winner.

“The last couple of years, we have strived to see that every kid at that last show wins something. We have a huge drawing so everybody has a chance to win.