Staying cool is the name of the game at the Allen County Fair and keeping the heat away has some benefits, whether you are in the show ring or out on the midway.
If you are dreading the sweat that comes from the heat, you have it better off than the hogs. Not having any sweat glands to help keep their temperature down, make days like this hard on them so presenters need to finds ways to keep them in a cool state of mind.
“If you don’t keep them cool, they tend to get a little cranky. Pigs have a lot of personality. They will show better for you if they are cool, happy, and a good mood,” said Cole Austin, Allen County Pork King.
Lots of water and good breeze through the barns can go a long way to having a happy hog.
“We try and take as good of care of the pigs as possible, I mean we have raised them since they were little. Everyone in there cares about the hogs and we try and take care of them best possible,” added Austin.
And fans are, well just fantastic for keeping these potential prizes winning steers happy at the fair, and if they are not happy, well it’s could make the difference between a blue ribbon and second place.
‘We walk them every day and every night, and then out to the wash rack to wash them every day, it helps cool them down and keep them happy,” said Caden Wright, showing steers at the Allen County Fair.
And one group that could be happy about the heat is Boy Scout Troop 82. The rising mercury means a steady stream of customers looking for something cool to quench their thirst.
“We get pretty busy sometimes, especially when some of the events at the track are letting out,” said Kris Shields, Boy Scout Troop 82.
And what are they selling the most of?
“A lot of waters,” Kris answered.
And business doesn’t look like it’s slowing down. So if you're heading out to the fair, remember to bring your water, make sure to take plenty of breaks!
