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Humans and animals have braved the heat wave this week while enjoying a Hamilton County tradition.
Afternoon temperatures exceeded 90 degrees on Opening Day of the Hamilton County 4-H Fair but appeared to have little impact on turnout or livestock.
Volunteers and handlers worked tirelessly to keep cattle, pigs, goats, llamas and other animals at the fairgrounds comfortable in the oppressive heat. Dairy and beef cows in the cattle barn enjoyed personal fans, Gatorade-spiked water and cold baths.
Timothy
Visitors, however, were drenched in sweat by Thursday afternoon.
“I feel like I’m on lava right now,” said 12-year-old fairgoer Timothy. “I don’t really like it. I wish winter could come one more time.”
He and other visitors attempted to stay cool by ducking into animal enclosures and air conditioned tents.
“You’ll feel the dramatic difference in temperature in here,” fair volunteer Jason Reynolds said, stepping into the cattle barn. “It’s about 15 degrees cooler in here than outside. You can see the cows are very happy.”
Reynolds also said that livestock handlers will be mixing sports drinks with water, providing the mixture to the animals. The weather is “much harder on people” than fair animals, he added.
Hamilton County 4-H Fair volunteer Jason Reynolds said fairgoers can cool off inside the O.V. Winks and Annex buildings. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management also have tents available. (Photo provided)
The O.V. Winks and Annex buildings at the fairgrounds are air conditioned, Reynolds said, in addition to the main building and the sheriff’s tent.
Fair staff urged visitors to stay hydrated in the heat.
Noblesville paramedics responded to at least one heat-related call Thursday at the fairgrounds, a fire department spokesperson said.
“None of the fair animals exhibited signs of heat-related injury or distress,” said Reynolds.