DOSWELL—At this year’s State Fair of Virginia, some of the most endearing participants are inundated with adoring visitors.
Whether milking a cow in the SouthLand Dairy Farmer Center, watching impressive livestock and equine competitions, or cheering on their favorite racing pig, fairgoers can enjoy unique encounters with some of the most familiar—and unfamiliar—farm animals.
In the Young MacDonald’s Farm exhibit, visitors can experience up-close encounters with an array of unique animals, like wild mustangs, American brahman cows, baby quail and chukar birds.
The exhibit’s sliding ducklings, hatching chicks and newborn lambs and kids draw crowds of adoring fans each year—inspiring curiosity in all ages, according to Young MacDonald’s superintendent Alan McCall.
“Everybody likes to come through to see the babies, so we try to make it a comfortable environment for the animals and our visitors the best we can,” he said.
Most visitors flock to the tent’s birthing center, which this year houses goats and sheep. The mothers are given extra care and attention throughout their transport and visit.
The comfort of all animals at the fair remains a top priority, McCall said. In addition to keeping them in shade with access to clean water, he keeps them happy with hay.
“Most of them are good-natured,” he said, adding that animals at the fair are accustomed to visitors. To ensure the safety of all animals and visitors, staff carefully watch for prohibited touching of the animals and any signs of their discomfort.
While animal care at the fair requires extra attention, McCall enjoys many joyous encounters with curious fairgoers each year.
In the nearby Pigeon & Dove Pavilion, the flock of over 100 pigeons displayed this year are kept comfortable and hydrated as visitors filter through—something they’re accustomed to, according to Henry Glazebrook, a Virginia Pigeon and Dove Association member who brought his own pigeons to the fair.
For some animals, like Rosaire’s Royal Racers, traveling to the fair is another typical day. The racing pigs spend about eight months of the year on the road, receiving frequent health inspections and being kept comfortable with misting, air conditioning and heating systems, according to Pamela Rosaire.
“It’s not an unusual thing for them because this is what they always do,” said Rosaire, whose family has been dazzling audiences with their racing pigs for over 30 years. They treat their pigs as family, knowing their personalities, tendencies and body languages, and addressing any discomfort.
“Traveling is enriching for animals because they’re going to different places and doing different things to work their brain and mind,” she said. “And just like any other animal, that’s important for them.”
See these animals and more at the State Fair of Virginia, running through Oct. 1 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Visit StateFairVa.org for more information.
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