BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — A cow stood panting in the heat. So did a small lamb. Both were likely grateful to be near one of several large fans blowing air throughout the three barns at the McLean County Fairgrounds.
The motors of the fans whirred as owners worked to keep livestock cool. Among the tactics: hosing them down periodically, a move that likely was well received by some.
Oppressive heat Wednesday enveloped much of the region including the McLean County Fair, which brags that it’s the biggest 4-H show in the world. And as such, events began earlier than normal, at 7 a.m., in anticipation of beating the extreme temperatures, but the heat wave prevailed.
Livestock such as sheep, cows, and horses were just a few of the animals that filled the barn’s pens.
Jack Dameron, an exhibitor at the fair and part of a family that owns some show animals, explained what he is doing to keep his animals cool.
“It’s definitely pretty hot today. We got fans running right now to try and keep them cool,” he said.
Damero shared several ways he and his family are working to keep their animals cool.
“We give them water in here periodically throughout the day. With that, just trying to rinse them, keep them cool, get some cold water on them, just something to combat the hot weather,” he said.
Sometimes the animals can get too hot, and that is when they become in need of special attention from their owners to keep them on their hooves.
“We try and give them some more special attention. We make sure they’re standing, not sitting down and just getting all hot,” he said. “Getting them to the wash rack and getting some water items. This helps them until their body cools down. It’s kind of all you can do.”
The last day of the fair is July 27, with activities concluding at 7 p.m.
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