Join us for the 6th Annual! Feb. 13-15, 2026
All proceeds will benefit the Queen Creek FFA Chapter.
About Sweetheart Showdown Livestock Show
Show Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Friday, February 13, 2026
5 - 8 PM - Early Check-in/Weigh-In
Saturday, February 14, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 AM - Check-In/Weigh-In
7:30 - 9:00 AM - Quiz Bowl
9:30 AM - Swine Show
(Ring 2)
Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, feeder, prospect, market
9:30 AM - Goat Show
(Ring 4)
Senior showman
Friday, February 13, 2026
5 - 8 PM - Early Check-in/Weigh-In
Saturday, February 14, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 AM - Check-In/Weigh-In
7:30 - 9:00 AM - Quiz Bowl
9:30 AM - Swine Show
(Ring 2)
Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, feeder, prospect, market
9:30 AM - Goat Show
(Ring 4)
Senior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Junior showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding (dairy, pygmy, commercial), pygmy wethers, market dairy wethers, feeder, prospect, market
10:00 AM - Cattle Show
(Ring 1)
Intermediate showmanship, Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding (dairy, registered, crossbred, supreme), feeder, prospect, market
10:00 AM - Lamb Show
(Ring 3)
Senior showmanship, Junior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, feeder, prospect, market
Sunday, February 15, 2026
7:30 - 8:30 AM - Check-In/ Weigh In
7:30 - 9:00 AM - Quiz Bowl
9:30 AM - Swine Show
(Ring 2)
Senior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Junior showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, feeder, prospect, market
9:30 AM - Goat Show
(Ring 4)
Intermediate showmanship, Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding (dairy, pygmy, commercial), pygmy wethers, market dairy wether, feeder, prospect, market
10:00 AM - Cattle Show
(Ring 1)
Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding (dairy, registered, crossbred, supreme), feeder, prospect, market
10:00 AM - Lamb Show
(Ring 3)
Junior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Senior showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, feeder, prospect, market
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the arena covered?
- Yes. The show will be under the main covered arena for 2026.
When does registration open up?
- Registration begins Jan. 5, 2026. A late entry fee will apply beginning January 31st.
- If you submit an entry by January 30th and decide you want to add a market or breeding entry, you will not be charged a late entry fee. NOTE:
Is the arena covered?
- Yes. The show will be under the main covered arena for 2026.
When does registration open up?
- Registration begins Jan. 5, 2026. A late entry fee will apply beginning January 31st.
- If you submit an entry by January 30th and decide you want to add a market or breeding entry, you will not be charged a late entry fee. NOTE: This only applies to exhibitors entered by January 30th.
When are entries due?
- You may enter the day of the show but please note a late entry fee will apply beginning Jan. 31st. If a showmanship shirt is not entered by Jan. 29, 2026, we cannot guarantee the correct size will be available.
How do I enter for the show?
- Click the Show Registration button above. Entries are being handled through the Showman App.
How do I enter my dairy cattle since there is not a specific dairy cattle option?
- Dairy cattle exhibitors will enter under the breeding heifer show. Select AOB, enter the animal's birthdate and breed. This includes lactating cows. We will break dairy breeding classes out. If entering showmanship, enter under the exhibitor's appropriate age division.
Do all four species show each day?
- Yes. There will be four rings under the covered arena.
Do you have to show both Saturday and Sunday?
- No, you may choose to show Saturday or Sunday or both.
Can I enter at the show?
- You may enter the day of the show but please note a late entry fee will apply beginning Jan. 31st.
What is the earliest we can arrive for the show?
- Exhibitors will be allowed on grounds starting Friday, February 13th at 3pm.
What time does each show start?
- Show times for each species are staggered to help those who are showing in multiple rings. For both days the goat and swine show will start at 9:30 a.m. The lamb and cattle shows will start at 10:00 a.m.
Is showmanship required?
- No, but we highly encourage you to register for showmanship. Each exhibitor will be provided a show t-shirt to wear for showmanship classes. Exhibitors may choose to wear these t-shirts for their market/breeding classes as well. Please note If a showmanship shirt is not entered by Jan. 29, 2026, we cannot guarantee the correct size will be available.
Is there food available on site?
- John Volken Academy will have a concession stand open during show hours.
Is camping allowed on the grounds?
- Dry camping is available in the grassy area to the east of the covered arena. Spots are available on a first come basis.
Are there lodging options close to the arena?
- The closest hotels are a Four Points by Sheraton and Courtyard by Marriott, both close to the Phoenix/Mesa Gateway airport, Hampton Inn in Queen Creek, Home Suites by Hilton Gilbert, Tru by Hilton Gilbert, or Hyatt Place Phoenix Gilbert.
Where do we park?
- Exhibitors must park in the grassy lot/areas to the east of the arena. Please do not park by the main office/feed store. Please do not block roadways/entrances. There will be signage to help direct you.
Who are the judges?
- Judges will be announced once they have been confirmed.
Will I get refunded if I am not able to make the show?
- Entry fees, donations, and sponsorships are not refundable.
Show Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Show Rules
1. Vet checks will be required and done on site at check-in, prior to crossing the scale.
2. Exhibitors will be given a show t-shirt that must be worn for showmanship classes. This shirt can also be worn for market or breeding.
3. Back number must be on before entering the ring.
4. Blow and go show
5. Exhibitors must be on time for their clas
1. Vet checks will be required and done on site at check-in, prior to crossing the scale.
2. Exhibitors will be given a show t-shirt that must be worn for showmanship classes. This shirt can also be worn for market or breeding.
3. Back number must be on before entering the ring.
4. Blow and go show
5. Exhibitors must be on time for their class.
6. Exhibitors must show their own animal for showmanship. The animal must be entered in the show.
• Showmanship will be divided into junior (8-11), intermediate (12-15) and senior (16-18). Age is based on age as of Jan. 1, 2026.
• If selected for final drive, the exhibitor will compete against all showman in that age division, including dairy exhibitors.
• If an exhibitor is showing a market/breeding or dairy animal and selected for final drive with each, they will need to pick one animal to show in the final drive.
7. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to let ring personnel know if they need a class held because they are showing another species.
8. Must be able to control animal(s). Any unruly/or uncontrollable animals will be removed from the ring for safety of all exhibitors.
9. Commercial breeding classes for pigs, meat goats, lambs and crossbred heifers will be based on weight.
10. Registered breeds for beef cattle will be based on birthdate submitted on entry. Beef cattle must be registered to be eligible for registered breed classes. Registration papers will be checked at check-in. Classes may be broken into their own breed classes if there are three or more entries for a specific breed. Otherwise, the animal will be placed in an All Other Breeds division.
11. Breeding animals that have offspring will not be shown, excluding dairy.
• Dairy breeding animals that have had offspring are eligible to show.
• If the dam is due to kid or calve within two weeks of the show, they are not eligible to show.
12. Breeding classes for dairy cattle, dairy goats and Pygmy goats will be based on birth date submitted on entry. For registered animals, registration papers will be checked at check-in. Classes may be broken into their own breed classes if there are three or more entries for a specific breed. If there are not enough entries for a specific breed division, the animal will be placed in an All-Other Dairy Breeds (goats) or All Other Registered Dairy Breeds (cattle). Ages will be broken into the following:
• Dairy goats/Pygmy
• Kid (6 months or younger)
• Yearling (7-23 months)
• Mature (24 months or older)
• Dairy heifers/cows
• Heifer calf (born March 1,
2025, or younger)
• Yearling Heifer (born Feb. 28,
2025, or prior)
• Cows (born Feb. 28, 2024,
or prior)
13. Market Dairy Calves (Calves
may be either heifers or steers.)
• Feeder 1 (234 lbs. or less)
• Feeder 2 (235-375 lbs.)
14. Dairy Market Wethers
• Wethers - Any breed or mix
under 3 years of age
• Does – Under 3 years of age
15. Pygmy Wethers
• Class breakdowns:
• Junior Wether (under
6 months)
• Intermediate Wether (6-
12 months)
• Yearling Wether (12
-24 months)
• Mature Wether (24 months
or older)
• Overall Wether (Champion
and Reserve)
General Rules
- All animals must be tied out at the trailer or shown out of trailers. Limited tie-outs will be available on a first-come first-served basis.
- No animals or personnel will be allowed in the barns.
- No Alcohol, Tobacco, other drugs, etc. are allowed.
- Lights out (quiet time) at 10pm every night.
- Manure and bedding will be dumped in a designated area.
- Exhibitors must clean up their area (this includes: hair/wool, manure, trash, etc.).
- You will need to bring your own power.
Camping Information and Rules
Dry camping is available in the grassy area located to the east of the covered arena. Spots are available on a first come basis.
- Lights out/quiet time at 10pm every night
- Clean up your areas before you leave
- Can only park in designated areas
- First come first serve basis
Important Announcement
Please note if entry is not submitted and a showmanship shirt has not been entered by Jan. 29th, we are not able to guarantee the correct size will be available at check-in.