The Sunshine Goat Show at the Rockingham County Fair in Virginia provides a supportive show setting for those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise, as 4-H and FFA showmen help a partner with special needs succeed in the show ring and bond with the livestock.
Grayson Martin and his 6-year-old partner, Beau Bardhoshi, are no strangers to the goat show. This past summer was the pair’s second year. Still, this year was a bit different. Martin, from the Wilbur S. Pence FFA Chapter in Rockingham County, Va., realized that Bardhoshi, who is blind, would not be able to see his awards. So Martin and his family reached out to Bardhoshi’s school teacher to help make his ribbons in braille, an act of service that was impactful on his show partner.
When Bardhoshi was asked about the show, he said his favorite part was “of course the goats, all that comes along with them,” and that he loved to show goats. He also loves the Sunshine show because of the cool outfit he got to wear, decked out in Western attire from his hat to his boots. He said that “it felt good” to be included not only in the show but also in his prizes. “It was all good,” he said excitedly about the fair. Bardhoshi is excited to show next summer and get French fries, his favorite fair food, afterward.
When asked about his act of inclusion, Martin said, “[An act] doesn’t have to be big to be kind.” His kindness truly models what it means to live to serve, as his act wasn’t impactful because it was large, but because it was meaningful.
Martin says that being an FFA member has taught him about “doing your life to help others.” Outside of the show ring, he loves the contests and community opportunities that his FFA chapter offers. When he graduates, he wants to be a game warden and a fishing and hunting guide for people with disabilities. “I’ve always liked to help people,” Martin said.
Both Martin and Bardhoshi plan on participating in the goat show for many years to come. The show is a staple of the fair, proving that agriculture is consistently about serving others, not only through the production of food but also in the show ring.
