CONTACT: Thomasina Cooper, Fairgrounds and Event Center Manager, 
  360-786-5453, or Thomasina.cooper@co.thurston.wa.us

County to Host First Annual Youth Livestock Competition April 25-26
Officials hope to cultivate next generation of agricultural leaders and secure Thurston County’s place in the state’s multi-billion-dollar ag industry.

OLYMPIA – Thurston County today announced its first-ever Thurston County Youth Exposition and Jackpot (Expo) on Saturday, April 25 through Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey, Washington. Entrance to the Fairgrounds is free and open to the public both days.

The two-day Expo will serve as the agricultural equivalent of spring training to provide young people throughout the region with educational clinics, and a competitive platform to showcase livestock and refine showmanship skills ahead of the summer fair season. Beyond the show ring, the Thurston County Fair Foundation will host its Secondhand Safari, a massive community garage sale and treasure hunt which supports ongoing fairgrounds improvement. 

"The Expo is all about creating a pipeline for success," said Thurston County Fair Board member and the event’s volunteer lead planner Lance McElroy. "It presents a unique opportunity for kids to learn the ropes, get their animals comfortable in a show environment, and really get ready for the Thurston County Fair. We want them to walk into the ring this summer feeling prepared, capable, and excited."

County officials say creating a path from youth training to the ag marketplace is the cornerstone of a larger economic development play. By leveraging the new $1.25 agriculture center at the County’s fairgrounds - funded by state and federal grants last year and slated for construction this year - the County hopes to position the community to compete for a larger share of the state’s $14 billion ag industry.

“Livestock drives about $4.5 billion statewide, and here in Thurston County livestock and poultry make up nearly 80 percent of all ag sales,” said Chair of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Tye Menser. “Developing local talent and providing a year-round venue for training and market days is a strategic economic investment that doubles down on our strongest asset. We hope our community will come out to the Fairgrounds to support these young agriculturalists.”

While seasoned competitors vie for prizes and feedback from experienced judges, the Expo also welcomes a new generation of producers. For one Yelm second grader Penny Ann Wikoff, the event marks a major milestone. “This is my first time showing my sheep,” said Wikoff. “I’ve been watching my older brother Alex with his sheep and practicing with him. Now I’m excited to try my best with my own sheep!”

Registration Information & Event Highlights

The Thurston County Youth Exposition and Jackpot runs Saturday, April 25 – Sunday, April 26 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey, Wa., and is open to the public. Food and commercial vendors will be on hand both days, while the community garage sale, Secondhand Safari runs all day Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.

• Register to compete at https://showman.app/shows#/thurston-county-youth-exposition-89c3  (Registration closes at midnight Pacific Time on Thursday, April 23, 2026)
  • Competition Categories: Sheep, Goats, Pigs and Cows
  • Competition open to all experience levels, first-timers to seasoned competitors
  • Saturday programming hosted by Thurston County 4-H
• On Friday & Saturday, the Fair Foundation’s signature treasure hunt, Secondhand Safari
• Find the event schedule and details on the County’s website at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/community-planning-and-economic-development/fairgrounds-events-center/thurston-youth-exposition-jackpot-april-25-26-2026

Photo courtesy: Two youth exhibitors lead their cattle through the show ring at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. Photo by CW Images LLC courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond.