An Albert Lea woman showed pigs for the fifth time at a local pig show Friday, an opportunity she said has given her camaraderie and a chance to learn.

Malory Mattson, 20, showed six pigs at the Minnesota State Spring Barrow Show at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

“I like being out in the ring with my friends and learning how to take care of pigs with them,” said Mattson, whose family raises pigs south of Albert Lea.

She said this is her last year competing at the show; her two sisters, Madison, 10, and Macy, 8, plan on continuing to show.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids to come out and learn about pigs and showcase what they’ve done with their pigs,” Mattson said.

The show included 47 exhibitors from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota in three divisions.

There was a junior division that included 4-H and FFA members. All junior division exhibitors were selected from either a bonafide 4-H or FFA project and certified by extension personnel or an FFA instructor.

The open individual division, open to barrows and gilts, was open to anyone older than the second grade, and the truck lot division could be entered by exhibitors who didn’t show either in the junior or open divisions. Exhibitors could enter the junior or open divisions as well as the truck lot division.

Judging took place all day Friday.

Eleven-year old Dalton Konz was showing a pig and helping out with the show. This was Konz’ second year showing.

He said he enjoyed being there.

“Plus, I get to skip school,” he said.

Thirteen-year-old Mikenna Erickson was a show judge. Erickson said the event will help her when she shows pigs, and will allow her to be more confident when she applies for jobs.

Show President Daryl Mattson said the event was important because FFA and 4-H chapters can compete against each other. He also cited the learning experience participants can gain from the event as a positive of the show.

Mattson said he enjoys overseeing the program.

“I like to work with the young kids and see the progress through the years they make,” Mattson said.

A donor rib banquet was held at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club Friday night following the show.