Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo (SMILE)

The 2024 SMILE Show has been postponed. Mark your calendars for the 15th edition of SMILE: June 22-23, 2024

Each year, SMADC partners with area Farm Bureaus, University of Maryland Extension and the St. Mary’s County Fair Board to fund and host the Southern Maryland Invitational Livestock Expo (SMILE). SMILE provides regional youth with an educational, fun and nurturing opportunity to showcase their talents, foster camaraderie and enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Southern Maryland’s rich agricultural heritage. It also functions to increase awareness of the vibrant and diverse possibilities of farming for youth in our area.

Read more about SMILE at the organization’s website.

The annual two-day livestock show features showmanship classes for beef, hogs, sheep, goats, dairy cows and rabbits, plus educational and social activities that focus on improving skills and building relationships. The event is targeted to youth ages 8 through 21 years from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties, and others by invitation.

SMILE Program Highlights

• since the event’s inception in 2005, SMADC has been a major sponsor and funder for SMILE
• an average of 100 youths participate each year
• an average of 290 animals participate each year