Swine Superintendent Joel Powers says this year will be a banner one for pigs at the Chelsea Community Fair, which runs from Tuesday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 25.
He expects them to take up 3/4ths of the yellow barn with about 110-112 swine competing.
Last year, he said there were 44 kids showing and that number has risen to 58 for this year’s 81st annual fair.
When asked why he thought so many youth want to show pigs he said, “They’re fun, they’re the best, and these kids love their pigs.”
He said since he’s been swine superintendent, this year is “an all-time high.”
Powers explained that these pigs are raised at local farms in sanitary conditions and are fed proper feed. Then while at the fair, the youth are good about keeping their pens clean and dry. Plus, each pig is checked by a veterinarian when they arrive at the fairgrounds.
Powers and the exhibitors keep an eye on them in the barn as well — making sure they all seem healthy.
Even though the youth sweep the floors and keep the barns as clean as possible, as an additional precaution, refrain from taking toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.
Plus, the superintendent reminds visitors to the pig barn not to touch the pigs.
“Don’t eat or drink in the barn,” he says.
In addition, there are alcohol-based hand sanitizers available in all the barns and visitors are encouraged to use them.
In short, everything possible is done to ensure the health of all the animals and visitors at fair.
“Even with two confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the state last month, nothing in the meat is tainted,” he said, adding that swine flu is nothing new. Just like children get sick when they go to school because one of the children caught a bug, the same thing can happen with animals.
It can’t be stressed enough, wash your hands after being in any of the animal barns.
So, if you love to see pigs in all shapes, sizes and colors, this year is a banner one for fair-goers.
The pig show will kick-off the competition in the Multipurpose Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. with showmanship classes followed by market classes.
And don’t forget to support the youth by purchasing a pig at the Livestock Auction on Thursday, Aug. 23 also in the Multipurpose Arena beginning at 7 p.m. with a buyer’s meal starting at 6 p.m.
