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A Heartbreak for Children: When the County Fair Is Canceled A Heartbreak for Children: When the County Fair Is Canceled
(32 minutes later)
The stomach-flipping thrill of riding the Zipper on the midway. The funnel cakes with powdered sugar melting on the fried dough. The shave ice. The sweet, smelly medley of hay, dirt and manure drifting from the barn.The stomach-flipping thrill of riding the Zipper on the midway. The funnel cakes with powdered sugar melting on the fried dough. The shave ice. The sweet, smelly medley of hay, dirt and manure drifting from the barn.
Mia Achziger, 12, loved everything about the Clark County Fair in Washington State. From the minute she left the fairgrounds last year, she had been looking forward to going back. She was eager for judges this summer to view her two goats, Kurt Russell and Sam Elliott, and her 1,000-pound cow, Bell.Mia Achziger, 12, loved everything about the Clark County Fair in Washington State. From the minute she left the fairgrounds last year, she had been looking forward to going back. She was eager for judges this summer to view her two goats, Kurt Russell and Sam Elliott, and her 1,000-pound cow, Bell.
But last week officials decided to cancel the fair, adding it to the long list of annual summertime events — held so dear they practically are American traditions — that have been scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.But last week officials decided to cancel the fair, adding it to the long list of annual summertime events — held so dear they practically are American traditions — that have been scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In some areas, fairs have been pared back with the elimination of midway rides and games. Elsewhere, longtime attendees who build their summer schedules around local fairs are waiting to learn whether they will carry on.In some areas, fairs have been pared back with the elimination of midway rides and games. Elsewhere, longtime attendees who build their summer schedules around local fairs are waiting to learn whether they will carry on.
Even the presidential candidates are among those waiting for a decision about the Iowa State Fair, which with its giant butter cow, deep-fried Oreos and hordes of voters has become an integral part of the political campaign. Iowa officials said last week they would wait until June to decide whether the fair would open.Even the presidential candidates are among those waiting for a decision about the Iowa State Fair, which with its giant butter cow, deep-fried Oreos and hordes of voters has become an integral part of the political campaign. Iowa officials said last week they would wait until June to decide whether the fair would open.
For rural children in local 4-H and National FFA Organization clubs, the fair cancellations are a particularly painful blow. They have been tending their animals for months to prepare them for their turns in the ring at livestock shows.For rural children in local 4-H and National FFA Organization clubs, the fair cancellations are a particularly painful blow. They have been tending their animals for months to prepare them for their turns in the ring at livestock shows.
“It’s really frustrating that I will be missing out on all of my showing, and I won’t be able to have fun with all of my friends,” said Mia, a seventh grader who lives in La Center, Wash. “I have made some of my best memories at the fair.”“It’s really frustrating that I will be missing out on all of my showing, and I won’t be able to have fun with all of my friends,” said Mia, a seventh grader who lives in La Center, Wash. “I have made some of my best memories at the fair.”
Leaders of local farm clubs are trying to make up for the losses by hosting online livestock shows, asking children to submit photos and videos of themselves displaying their cows, sheep and goats. The children are filmed walking their animals and pointing out their features, which judges must scrutinize through a computer screen.Leaders of local farm clubs are trying to make up for the losses by hosting online livestock shows, asking children to submit photos and videos of themselves displaying their cows, sheep and goats. The children are filmed walking their animals and pointing out their features, which judges must scrutinize through a computer screen.
“I don’t think anything will ever take the place of a live livestock show — the sights, the sounds,” said Ryan Rash, a popular livestock judge who has been donating time on children’s virtual shows. “But in this time of crisis, it’s all the kids have to look forward to.”“I don’t think anything will ever take the place of a live livestock show — the sights, the sounds,” said Ryan Rash, a popular livestock judge who has been donating time on children’s virtual shows. “But in this time of crisis, it’s all the kids have to look forward to.”
Mr. Rash, an executive director for Texas Junior Livestock Association, is accustomed to running his hands down the side of cows to size up their fat content and to grasping the legs of sheep and goats to check for muscle definition.Mr. Rash, an executive director for Texas Junior Livestock Association, is accustomed to running his hands down the side of cows to size up their fat content and to grasping the legs of sheep and goats to check for muscle definition.
Now, he can only scroll back and forth through images to compare animals’ body shapes. It is laborious, he said, and presents new challenges.Now, he can only scroll back and forth through images to compare animals’ body shapes. It is laborious, he said, and presents new challenges.
“Just like on body builders, you can see muscles pop, but not being able to put your hands on animals — it’s different,” said Mr. Rash, who also co-hosts the podcast “Beyond the Ring.”“Just like on body builders, you can see muscles pop, but not being able to put your hands on animals — it’s different,” said Mr. Rash, who also co-hosts the podcast “Beyond the Ring.”
Clubs have offered virtual contests for showmanship or on the market potential of their livestock raised to slaughter. Some have added costume and TikTok competitions and contests that require children to show off their barns in the spirit of the MTV show “Cribs.”Clubs have offered virtual contests for showmanship or on the market potential of their livestock raised to slaughter. Some have added costume and TikTok competitions and contests that require children to show off their barns in the spirit of the MTV show “Cribs.”
In one of the videos, a child introduces her barn with a cartwheel.In one of the videos, a child introduces her barn with a cartwheel.
In another, Jacob Meads, who belongs to the North Carolina 4-H livestock program, shows off Buckeye, Little Dude and Third Chance — a lamb wearing a coat who has a ball in his pen “so he don’t get bored.”In another, Jacob Meads, who belongs to the North Carolina 4-H livestock program, shows off Buckeye, Little Dude and Third Chance — a lamb wearing a coat who has a ball in his pen “so he don’t get bored.”
Virtual livestock shows are not a perfect replacement, but officials say they help reward children for their hard work.Virtual livestock shows are not a perfect replacement, but officials say they help reward children for their hard work.
“It’s not just the activity of raising an animal,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, the chief executive of the National 4-H Council. “These shows are critical to developing outcomes for youth. That sense of belonging and recognition is really important.”“It’s not just the activity of raising an animal,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, the chief executive of the National 4-H Council. “These shows are critical to developing outcomes for youth. That sense of belonging and recognition is really important.”
County and state fairs are often the crowning moment in a circuit of spring livestock shows, where children are judged on their presentation skills as they walk animals around the ring or display the girth of ones they are hoping to sell.County and state fairs are often the crowning moment in a circuit of spring livestock shows, where children are judged on their presentation skills as they walk animals around the ring or display the girth of ones they are hoping to sell.
Brylie Jackson, 9, has worked every afternoon with her crossbred steer, Reveille, to get him to stop hiding in the hay.Brylie Jackson, 9, has worked every afternoon with her crossbred steer, Reveille, to get him to stop hiding in the hay.
“He’s stubborn like me,” said Brylie, a fourth grader from Carlisle, Ohio. “I just tell him to listen and tell him if he does listen, we’ll do good.”“He’s stubborn like me,” said Brylie, a fourth grader from Carlisle, Ohio. “I just tell him to listen and tell him if he does listen, we’ll do good.”
Worried that her cow might catch the coronavirus, she kept him in a stall apart from her family’s herd and fed him away from the other animals.Worried that her cow might catch the coronavirus, she kept him in a stall apart from her family’s herd and fed him away from the other animals.
“I thought if we separated him and if we take good care of him, he’ll be fine,” she said.“I thought if we separated him and if we take good care of him, he’ll be fine,” she said.
She has participated in the Virtual Cattle Battle but is still waiting to hear if the Jackson County Fair will be canceled.She has participated in the Virtual Cattle Battle but is still waiting to hear if the Jackson County Fair will be canceled.
Emma Helsinger, 9, said she was disappointed she did not get to show off her pigs, Luke and Leia, in the ring after training them for months. Luke, in particular, was stubborn at first but she found ways to reward him.Emma Helsinger, 9, said she was disappointed she did not get to show off her pigs, Luke and Leia, in the ring after training them for months. Luke, in particular, was stubborn at first but she found ways to reward him.
“When he does a good job,” she said, “we would give him a belly rub.”“When he does a good job,” she said, “we would give him a belly rub.”
Emma has entered virtual shows in Ohio, she said, noting that the downside was waiting days for results. In the ring, judges announce awards almost instantly.Emma has entered virtual shows in Ohio, she said, noting that the downside was waiting days for results. In the ring, judges announce awards almost instantly.
Mackenzie Odom, 9, from Columbia, N.C., will not know the outcome for her goat, Mr. Eyelashes, until the end of May. Last year, she won second place for showmanship at the Tyrrell County 4-H Livestock Show.Mackenzie Odom, 9, from Columbia, N.C., will not know the outcome for her goat, Mr. Eyelashes, until the end of May. Last year, she won second place for showmanship at the Tyrrell County 4-H Livestock Show.
“I talked to my goat,” she said, explaining her training methods. “I told him to believe in himself.”“I talked to my goat,” she said, explaining her training methods. “I told him to believe in himself.”
Mia, the seventh grader, had entered shows in Washington and Oregon to ensure that by the time the county fair arrived her animals would be accustomed to crowds.Mia, the seventh grader, had entered shows in Washington and Oregon to ensure that by the time the county fair arrived her animals would be accustomed to crowds.
Updated June 1, 2020 Updated June 2, 2020
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
She has known Kurt Russell since he was born. For the past four months, she has watched him zip around the yard until he pants like a dog. She has been careful to exercise him and Sam Elliott daily to develop the wide chest and big rump the judges like to see on Boer goats, a South African breed known for its brown head and white body.She has known Kurt Russell since he was born. For the past four months, she has watched him zip around the yard until he pants like a dog. She has been careful to exercise him and Sam Elliott daily to develop the wide chest and big rump the judges like to see on Boer goats, a South African breed known for its brown head and white body.
“Some people have old treadmills, and they put their goats on them,” Mia said. “I have not done that. I just tend to walk them around and run with them.”“Some people have old treadmills, and they put their goats on them,” Mia said. “I have not done that. I just tend to walk them around and run with them.”
She believes that her goats would have fetched a good price at the fair but was most looking forward to profiting on her investment in Bell, a hefty Angus cross. She spends hours with the cow every day, washing him, tending his coat with a giant hair dryer and brushing him, careful to comb his hair the opposite direction from which it grows to make him look fluffier. She feeds him apple-flavored horse treats and tolerates him licking her jeans.She believes that her goats would have fetched a good price at the fair but was most looking forward to profiting on her investment in Bell, a hefty Angus cross. She spends hours with the cow every day, washing him, tending his coat with a giant hair dryer and brushing him, careful to comb his hair the opposite direction from which it grows to make him look fluffier. She feeds him apple-flavored horse treats and tolerates him licking her jeans.
“I don’t know why — he just does it,” she said.“I don’t know why — he just does it,” she said.
Mia was intimidated by Bell’s size at first — he was already 700 pounds when she bought him — but the two have reached an understanding.Mia was intimidated by Bell’s size at first — he was already 700 pounds when she bought him — but the two have reached an understanding.
“He always seems excited to come up to the gate and play with me,” she said.“He always seems excited to come up to the gate and play with me,” she said.
Mia first heard about the coronavirus in February, but back then it seemed so far away. No cases had been reported near her hometown. Later that month, her school volleyball tournament was canceled because of the virus, and then so was her first livestock show of the season. The rest were canceled, too.Mia first heard about the coronavirus in February, but back then it seemed so far away. No cases had been reported near her hometown. Later that month, her school volleyball tournament was canceled because of the virus, and then so was her first livestock show of the season. The rest were canceled, too.
“I was so sad,” she said.“I was so sad,” she said.
Mia has found an upside to participating in virtual shows: She can film herself with her animals any time instead of having to rise early in the morning to prepare them. But getting the animals to calm down can be difficult when they are distracted by herdmates mooing or baaing in the distance.Mia has found an upside to participating in virtual shows: She can film herself with her animals any time instead of having to rise early in the morning to prepare them. But getting the animals to calm down can be difficult when they are distracted by herdmates mooing or baaing in the distance.
And she has noticed that some of her rivals have found new ways to fudge their entries, adding extra fluff to their cows’ coats to make their bodies appear meatier. Some entrants use cooling rooms to stimulate hair growth — a tactic that judges could easily sniff out in person by touching the cow’s body.And she has noticed that some of her rivals have found new ways to fudge their entries, adding extra fluff to their cows’ coats to make their bodies appear meatier. Some entrants use cooling rooms to stimulate hair growth — a tactic that judges could easily sniff out in person by touching the cow’s body.
Mia knows she is not likely to profit from the sale of her animals this year, a lesson her mother, Jamie Achziger, said was important.Mia knows she is not likely to profit from the sale of her animals this year, a lesson her mother, Jamie Achziger, said was important.
“This year has taught her the downside of farming,” Ms. Achziger said. “There are bad years where nothing seems to go right.”“This year has taught her the downside of farming,” Ms. Achziger said. “There are bad years where nothing seems to go right.”