How to Be Smart & Safe Around Fair Animals

The interaction with animals at the Fair allows you to learn more about them and helps to build an important human and animal bond but remember: Animals carry germs that can make people sick.

• Never eat, drink, or put things in your mouth while visiting the Livestock exhibits. No food or non-sealed beverages will be allowed into the Livestock Exhibit area where the animals are at.
• If you choose to touch an animal, an animal's bedding, or pen, you need to wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face, eating, etc.
• Wash your hands with soap and water right after you visit the Livestock exhibits, and do this even if you didn't touch an animal. Hand-washing trailers will be located at the entrance/exits of the Livestock Exhibit Area, and you will also have the opportunity to wash and sanitize your shoes and the wheels of strollers or wagons at that same time.
• Even though an animal is resting, that doesn't mean it is then okay to place an infant or child on the back of the animal in order to take a photo. This can result in a serious accident.
• If you drop something into a cage, stall, or pen, always ask the exhibitor of the animal to retrieve that item for you, and after it is retrieved, make sure you thoroughly wash it.
• Keep your distance when walking behind animals, because they need personal space too! Avoid getting behind the back legs of a horse, cows, or other livestock. A sudden kick or swat of a tail can happen very quickly.
• You know how you get startled by a loud noise? Well, animals can too. Mute your phone, keep that noisemaker you might have bought or just won in a bag, and walk quietly past the animals. Use your "Inside Voice" and soft steps when in the Livestock Exhibit Area.
• ADULTS: Take some time as you're on your way to the Fair to talk about how to behave around animals so everybody is safe and has a great time!