SPOKANE — Fair goers eagerly gathered at the Spokane County Fairgrounds for the fair’s opening ceremonies despite smoky, hazy conditions caused by regional wildfires affecting air quality this weekend.
“We’re just coming to have our adventure. We’re just making memories,” said Mikayla Orion, who is enjoying the fair with family.
The fair offers experiences people don’t see any other time of year.
“How many people in this community get to walk up and pet a donkey?” said Josh Kerns, Spokane County Vice Chair.
Jack the donkey received lots of pets and praise from eager fairgoers. So did Cedar the Highland cow.
“She gets a little bit hot. So we have to provide a lot of shade and cool water for her so she stays comfortable,” said Derek Smith, Cedar’s owner.
Smith says the heat has been more of a problem for the animals than the smoke. But based on this weekend’s air quality forecast, spending all day outside may not be the best for humans with sensitive lungs.
Luckily, the fair is 10 days long.
“There’s still going to be a lot of opportunity to people that maybe have sensitivities to the smoke to come out another day,” said Erin Gurtel, Director of Spokane Fair and Expo Center.
The fair offers indoor and outdoor amenities for visitors looking to escape the smoke.
“Right now that we’re doing good and we can go in the buildings or whatnot to kind of escape it,” Orion said.
People can expect lots of food, rides, games, animal exhibits and live music performances.
“It’s really fun to see the excitement for kids because a lot of them don’t get to experience these type of animals on a daily basis,” Smith said.
Next year, there may be a new addition to the fair family. Former fair mascot Cedar is expecting.
“Next year, she will potentially be back with her calf, so that’s kind of exciting,” Smith said.
The Spokane County Fair continues through September 14. Gates open at 10 a.m. daily.
For more information on this year’s fair, click here.
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