The Kootenai Classic was started in 2010 by Eddie Davis as a small Steer Jackpot, hosted in a 4-H leader’s barn in Northern Idaho. Before Jackpots had become big in our area, this show started with the simple idea of providing local 4-H steer members an opportunity of more experience in the ring before their county fair in August. During those first few years, the numbers gradually increased and caught the attention of the Western Aberdeen Breeders Association. The WABA had been wanting to get involved in a youth show and found an opportunity in the Kootenai Classic. In 2014, the Aberdeen Division was born. The show moved to the North Idaho State Fairgrounds that same year.
The Kootenai Classic remained a cattle show until 2018, when a team of volunteers noticed a need for more swine, sheep, and goat shows in the Northern Idaho/Eastern Washington area. The show became a non-profit, elected a board of directors, and officially became known as the Kootenai Classic Livestock Show.
As a committee, we are overwhelmed with the show’s growth and success to date! In 2023, families traveled to Coeur d’Alene from 7 States including Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Texas, and Utah. We had over 1,620 exhibited at the show by over 300 youth participants.
We say this every year, but 2024 will bring even more exciting new opportunities to the youth in this industry. You won’t want to miss it!
THE 2022 KOOTENAI CLASSIC IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY COUNTRY STORE!