Fair attracts county youth

Tuesday night was a big day for many of Sweetwater County’s youth.

The Sweetwater County Fair’s first concert, featuring Martina McBride, took place that night, as well as the opening of the fair’s carnival.

For some, the fair represents a chance to eat foods only available at the fair. Jay Erickson, a Green River resident started off with a footlong corn dog at the carnival.

Erickson said the fair gives him an opportunity to eat all the food he can find. With funnel cakes, deep-fried food and a number of other unique treats, a lot is offered at the fair.

The carnival makes a great date night for older teens as well. Jesus Beltran and Leslie Vasquez enjoyed the Sizzler, a ride that spins people in enclosed benches while connected to a larger unit that also spins. The two were at the fair for the Martina McBride concert, but decided to have some fun at the carnival before her show.

Beltran said he enjoys the rides, looking forward to them each year, as well as having the chance to enjoy them with his girlfriend Vasquez. Vasquez, on the other hand, looks forward to visiting the lemonade stand while she’s at the fair.

“It’s so good,” she said.

The carnival isn’t the only thing attracting kids to the fair. The fair’s petting zoo, featuring animals from across the planet, also is a huge draw.

While kids can feed and pet the animals, they also have a chance to milk a live cow. Connie Boger, from Arkansas, travels to various fairs and events with the animals 10 months each year. She said the milking experience is a valuable one for many children because a lot of them don’t have a chance to see how a cow is milked or even what many common farm animals look like due to them living in urban areas. Boger said she seeks to educate children and adults about farm animals.

The Sweetwater County fair continues throughout the week, ending Saturday evening.