Expected heat brings changes to Warren County Fair

WARREN COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - County fairs are a time for 4-Hers to show off their animals and projects. However, with the 100 degree temperatures at this year's Warren County fair, the time to show off animals may be cut short.

With a heat wave moving in Thursday, the rules at the Warren County fair are changing, including the way animals will be shown.

"In the swine barn, we will not be allowing the use of any oils on the show animals and we are in the discussion process of an early release of all species. Just trying to let folks get the animals out as soon as we can," said Fair Extension Educator, Kelley Pearson.

Seven-year veteran and 4-H member John Humphrey shows animals like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. He said some can withstand extreme heat and others will be heading home early this year.

"Your meat bird, since they're such a heavy bird, they tend to get over heated because they aren't able to keep up with their inner cooling system," said Humphrey.

The swine in Warren County's fair will have to bear through the heat. Nine-year 4-H veteran Taylor Griswold said Thursday is show day. She said she is ready to take on the challenges of showing in the hot temperatures.

"We're going to try and keep them in the wash rack as much as possible to keep them cool and have spray bottles full of cold water to keep them cool going into the show ring, and keeping them in the pins as long as possible, and to keep the fans on them," said Griswold.

One 4-Her who can't use fans is Aaron Brushaber. He said he has a different plan to keep his rabbits cool.

"It will make them sick and stuff and you don't want that so you'll want to put frozen water bottles in there, that'll be good," said Brushaber.

Pearson said opening night attendance Tuesday was outstanding. She expects the crowds to decrease as the temperatures start to increase later on this week.

The Warren County fair will run until Saturday evening. Fortunately, it is supposed to be cooler Saturday.