Temperatures soared to 90 degrees and a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service remained in effect until 8 p.m Friday.
Hess said fair-goers and participants are accustomed to hot days and do well drinking lots of water, wearing hats, taking refuge in the shade whenever possible and taking advantage of strong breezes that blew periodically.
People aren’t the only ones who need to beat the heat.
Dr. Dana King, official fair veterinarian, said FFA and 4-H participants in the various animal competitions have been doing their parts by hosing their animals down with cold water and making sure thirsty animals have enough to drink.
“We haven’t had any cases of heat exhaustion so far, thank goodness,” King said. “The 4-Hers and FFAers have been doing a good job.”
Heat or no heat, fair competitors showed up with their families during the opening contests, with enthusiasm especially high at Pee Wee and Adult Swine Showmanship.
Emily Hope, 5, was one of dozens of youngsters who spent several minutes coaxing her pig to move along in the right direction.
“It was fun,” Emily said. Her grandmother, Barbara Brumfield, added the fair is something “the kids live for every year.”
Heather Hope, Emily’s mother, said the family will be camping out all week and Emily’s contest was the first of several.
As for the hot days ahead — the high is 93 degrees for Saturday — Heather Hope isn’t bothered.
“We deal with the heat, the rain, every year,” she said. “It’s a part of being at the fair.”
Saturday is the official opening day of the fair, with opening ceremonies kicking off at 10 a.m.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.
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