SMILE, INC.
Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo, Inc.
|
MISSION STATEMENT
The Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo, Inc. (SMILE Inc.) was established in 2007 as a tax exempt public body operating to provide an educational, fun and nurturing environment for area youth to showcase their skills and talents, foster camaraderie and enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Southern Maryland's rich agricultural heritage, and provide outreach to the community in order to inform and increase awareness of the vibrant and diverse possibilities of farming and agricultural enterprises in Southern Maryland. SMILE operates primarily within the area consisting of Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s counties, and other counties by invitation. The Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo's policy is that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status or disability.
|
 |
Animal owners ages 8 – 21 years are invited to participate in the seventh annual Southern Maryland Livestock Expo (SMILE) at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds on June 22 -24, 2012. The three-day livestock competition for regional youth includes classes for the traditional livestock breeds of sheep, beef, dairy cow, swine, goats. The annual SMILE Expo celebrates the showmanship talents of young people with an interest in raising livestock and provides a forum for Southern Maryland youth to improve their showmanship knowledge and skills and empowers them for success in competitive shows around the state and beyond. “The best thing about SMILE is the relaxed and friendly atmosphere”, said Jay Farrell Chairman of SMILE; “Yes, it’s a competition and the kids work hard, but after the day’s work is done we all get together for an informal dinner, team games and other fun educational activities that focus on shared interests and building new friendships”.
Admission is free to the general public to watch the livestock competitions and visit the animal barns, various agricultural themed displays and vendors. A total of 118 youth from 12 Maryland counties participated in last year’s SMILE Expo bringing with them 379 animals including 63 head of cattle, 129 meat goats, 16 dairy goats, 59 swine, 77 sheep, 15 dairy cows and 20 horses.
SMILE is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), the St. Mary’s County Fair Board, Maryland Soybean Board, farm bureaus and local businesses, and is organized by SMILE committee members and the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers.
For registration forms, rules, breed class requirements and daily time-table visit: www.SMILE-Inc.org or call Susan McQuilkin at SMADC on 301-274-1922. Registration for all livestock classes is due by June 4. Breed registration and veterinary certificates are required.
|
2012 RAFFLE
Planned to be raffled off Saturday, June 23th
2012 TS 4X2 JOHN DEERE GATOR
Only 200 Tickets being Sold!
a limited number of tickets will be available at SMILE
Ticket: $50 each
Upgrade available at winner's expense.
All transactions must be performed at Carroll's Equipment located in Dameron, MD.
|
 |
Congratulations to 2010 Winner, Melissa Braun of Waldorf, MD!
|
