LAKE COUNTY ? More than 30 protesters gathered in the name of goats at the Lake County Fairgrounds Monday afternoon during a meeting of the fair”s board of directors.
The board decided last month to find another location on the fairgrounds to pen the goats that participate in the fair”s annual open goat show, according to Lake County Fair CEO Richard Persons.
The goats have been penned in the Alexander building, which the board leases to Lakeport Hobbies the rest of the year for radio-controlled car activities.
“There is a misconception out there that the goat show has been canceled and that is not the case. It”s just a matter of where to stall the goats,” Persons said. “Lakeport Hobbies made a proposal that they want to stay in the building during the fair and provide an attraction.”
The board accepted the proposal 6-1 during its March 23 meeting, with board member Jennifer Strong dissenting and two board members absent, according to Persons.
“I know that there is still going to be a goat show, but it”s a general feeling that the animals don”t really count at our Lake County Fair,” 4-H leader Judy Bennett said.
Around her, chants of “save the goats” filled the air, punctuated by honks of support from drivers on Martin Street.
4-H members and their parents waved signs, including one that read, “49th Ag Fair ?NOT”,” held by parent Karen Hayes.
“We don”t want the crumbs, we want the whole cookie,” Hayes said.
Kathy Gonzales of the Lake County Dairy Goat Association said the cement flooring in the goats” accustomed pens was more sanitary and easier for the goats to stand on.
Sue Suenram said the relocation was another sign of animals being less and less of a priority at the fair.
Inside the administration building, where the board meeting was held, Cole Creek 4-H members Bryce Hayes and Morgen Campbell said they wanted to know where the goats would be penned this year. Campbell said she had shown goats for three years.
“We”re not 100-percent certain at this time where the goat show stalls will end up, but in all likelihood they will end up in the Mather barn. Until we get closer to the fair we don”t know how many animals will be entered,” Persons said.
Campbell and Bryce Hayes spoke during the public input portion of the meeting on the premise that public input was allowed regarding topics not on the board”s agenda.
Public input was not taken during the brief discussion of the controversy. Board President Jeanne Bogner explained the board would take no action during the discussion, and said questions were best directed to Persons.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
