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, feeder, prospect, market
10:00 AM - Beef Show
(Ring 1)
Intermediate showmanship, Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, 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, feeder, prospect, market
10:00 AM - Beef Show
(Ring 1)
Junior showmanship, Senior showmanship, Intermediate showmanship, Pee Wee showmanship, breeding, 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
When are entries due?
- Entries are due by Feb. 13, 2026. You may enter the day of the show.
How do I enter for the show?
- Click the Show Registration button above. Entries are being handled through the
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
When are entries due?
- Entries are due by Feb. 13, 2026. You may enter the day of the show.
How do I enter for the show?
- Click the Show Registration button above. Entries are being handled through the Showman App.
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?
- Yes, you can enter the day of the show. Late fees will apply.
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 shows will start at 9:30 a.m. The lamb and beef 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.
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
- 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. If show shirts are not requested by Feb. 2, 2026, specific size requests may not be honored.
- Back number must be on before entering the ring.
- Blow and go show
- Must be on time for their class.
- Exhibitor must
- 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. If show shirts are not requested by Feb. 2, 2026, specific size requests may not be honored.
- Back number must be on before entering the ring.
- Blow and go show
- Must be on time for their class.
- Exhibitor must show their own animal for showmanship.
- 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.
- Vet checks will be required and done on site at check-in, prior to crossing the scale.
- It is the exhibitor's responsibility to let ring personnel know if they need a class held because they are showing another species.
- Must be able to control animal(s). Any unruly/or uncontrollable animals will be removed from the ring for safety of all exhibitors.
- Breeding animals that have offspring will not be shown.
- Commercial breeding classes will be based on weight.
- Registered breeds for cattle will be based on birthdate. Breeds will be separate from crossbred. Classes may be broken into their own breed classes if there are three or more entries for a specific breed. As of now, the breeds will include Miniature Herefords, Shorthorn and AOB.
- Registration papers will be checked at check-in.
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