As blistering temperatures continue, the Allen County Fair is making a few changes to protect both people and animals.
The fair board is canceling the Dry Land Turtle Race and the Best Dressed Pet contest. Both had been scheduled for Saturday morning, July 30.
“This is Kansas, so the weather could be nice on that Saturday. However, the asphalt that those turtles are racing on will still be above a safe temperature for them,” a press release from the fair board read.
Those who have already secured a turtle are encouraged to release it in the same place it was found.
The heat also could result in fewer animals at the Baby Barnyard. How the animals can handle the stress of handling, hauling and confinement in the heat will determine which ones will be there.
Fair officials encourage understanding. “Know that we are doing what is best for the animals while still trying to give you a fun place to visit.”
The Baby Barnyard will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Some pre-fair activities start this weekend, with cleaning and set-up on Saturday. The 4-H Dog Show is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday at the fairgrounds.
The Friends of the 4-H Dinner and public Fashion Revue show will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Iola High School.
The 4-H Horse Show is at 7 on Wednesday night.
The fair officially begins on Thursday.
TEMPERATURES have remained mostly in the 90s since early June, with a few days dipping into the 80s. Even low temperatures have been warm, mostly in the 70s. Precipitation has been low, with sporadic thunderstorms that dropped a total of 1.32 inches at the Iola water plant this month.
The National Weather Service predicts that trend will continue, with chances for thunderstorms late next week.
