Each year 8 state fairs or livestock shows around the country are invited by the ASA to be Invitational Point Accumulation Event (PACE) Shows. These 8 shows are designated in 8 different regions of the US and rotate yearly within that region. Additionally, there are 6 Major PACE Shows held at national-level which are non-rotational shows. Shorthorn exhibitors accumulated points throughout the year based on their winnings and the show and number of animals exhibited. The points accumulated give animals the opportunity for an All-American distinction.

How does a show become a PACE show?
The Invitational PACE Show process begins about two years in advance of the current show season. Each year at the National Show, the ASA Senior Show Committee discusses the show roster for the next show season. Their recommendations will be given to the ASA Board of Directors, who will discuss it at their next meeting in the Spring. Letters are usually sent out in the fall of the year prior to the desired show date.

What does this mean for you?
It is never too early to start working with your state/regional fair in bringing a PACE show to your state. Call the show staff of the fair you would like to be a designated PACE show, and explain some reasons for wanting the PACE Show designation including:

• Attracting high quality cattle from across the country to the fair
• Bringing in more exhibitors who would not ordinarily come
• Gaining more premium money for the exhibitors – ASA provides premium support
• Gaining exposure for the show since it will be listed in the Shorthorn Country and on the ASA website
• Makes it convenient for local breeders to compete for All-American titles

Make sure the fair staff understands that they could become a PACE show for the following season, and that this would be a one-time designation. They can be nominated as another PACE Show for a later show season, but it’s important for them to understand this is a one-time distinction, not permanent PACE status.

Direct the show staff here, to the ASA website, to look over the Guidelines and Classification, as these are two resources that all PACE Shows must use. Then the show staff should write a brief letter to the ASA requesting PACE status for their show. The ASA would prefer the PACE requests come from the show staff rather than the state association or local breeder, because it is the show staff who are going to have to adhere to the PACE Guidelines and work with the ASA to carry-out the event. Ideally, letters from the state fairs should be received in the ASA office in September/October to be able to be presented to the Show Committee in a timely manner.