Animals will once again fill McPherson Barn at this year’s Southeast Alaska State Fair, July 29 through Aug. 1.
Milking and wool spinning demonstrations, informational signs, and discussions of the role raising animals plays in sustainable living are among activities planned to make the barn interactive for fairgoers.
Horse rides are slated for Raven Arena Saturday, with proceeds to benefit Haines Animal Rescue Kennel.
This week, about10 residents had committed to bring alpacas, adult and juvenile goats, horses, a pony, sheep, turkeys, bunnies, laying chickens, and ducks, among others.
The presence of animals has dwindled at the fair in recent years, due primarily to the dissolution of the local 4-H club.
Fair director Kelly Hostetler said she’d pushed this year to return animals to McPherson Barn.
“I heard a lot of feedback that people wanted to see animals in the barn,” she said. “Animals and animal husbandry are an important element of state fairs, and we’re excited that residents with animals are willing to share them with the community.”
Volunteers are needed to work shifts monitoring the barn during regular fair hours.
Anyone interested in volunteering in the barn, bringing animals to share, or participating in informational talks about food sustainability or animal husbandry should contact Jessica Edwards at the fair, 766-2476.