A Fair to Remember

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By David Hunt, News Services

Watching a group of suburban youngsters try their hand at milking a cow at the State Fair on Monday, I couldn't help but feel sympathy for the cow. But judging by the kids' loud reactions – and the rush to wash their hands afterwards – I'd have to say they didn't seem to like the interaction any better than the Holsteins.

"Ick," said a boy named Matthew. "EW, EW, EW!"

An udder, it seems, just doesn't feel like a video game controller.

Thanks to the animal science club at NC State, Matthew and thousands of other North Carolina residents who attend the State Fair this month have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide variety of farm animals. Club members are staffing the State Fair Ark, where more than 60 animals representing North Carolina's diverse livestock population are on display.

Students are also helping out in the poultry tent, where children are invited to pet baby chickens, ducks and turkeys.

So if you attend this year's fair, be sure to drop by one of the animal attractions and say 'Hi,' to NC State's hardworking students. Like one inquisitive suburbanite, you just might learn the difference between a Brahman bull and a rabbit. And you never know when that kind of information will come in handy. 

Links:

• North Carolina State Fair
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Serving Up Fare at the Fair