May 3 will mark a very important day in Iola, Kan. After more than nine months since the 2007 summer flood, Allen County will host their first livestock event at the fairgrounds with the Riverside Classic Spring Livestock Show.

Last July, summer rains caused the Neosho River to leave its banks, and flood the fairgrounds up to the rafters of the livestock buildings. Consequently, the Allen County Fair found an alternative venue at the Woodson County Fairgrounds in Yates Center, Kan., and at the National Guard Armory in Iola.

The Allen County Fair Board is working hard to prepare the fairgrounds, buildings, and show arena for the important upcoming spring livestock show. The Fair Board also assists in sponsoring the event.

The Riverside Classic Spring Livestock Show is a unique activity to the area in that all species of livestock will show on the same day. Youth exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their prospect steers, heifers, bucket calves, hogs, sheep, and market goats. With the price of gas, this is a great opportunity for families to come together at one location with all of their projects.

Awards will be given for showmanship, breed champions, and overall champions. Plus, every showmanship participant will receive an award.

Concessions will be available from the City Slickers 4-H Club. The show is sponsored by the Allen County Fair Board and the Allen County 4-H Council.

Judge for the entire activity will be Todd Blocker, Livestock Judging Team coach at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

Four-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills, and the Riverside Classic is a perfect combination of each of those important abilities. Every participant will leave as a winner, because they worked together with their family and hopefully learned something new about either their project, or maybe even a new one.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3 for the Riverside Classic in Iola. If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to contact the Extension Office at 620-365-2242, or visit the web site for detailed entry information at www.allen.ksu.edu.