Competitive Cattle and Sheep Shows Held during Different Times at the Puyallup Fair

Puyallup, WA – Sept. 2, 2009 – With health safety a top priority for our four-legged friends at the Puyallup Fair, running Sept. 11-27, competitive cattle and sheep shows will no longer be held at the same time.

In the past, Fair guests could enjoy the sheep and cattle in one visit. However, as a proactive measure against the transfer of a virus found in sheep that can be harmful to cattle (not humans), competitive cattle and sheep shows will not coincide on the schedule. The virus, known as Malignant Catarrhal Fever, is naturally shed by sheep and does not pose any threat to human health.

Beef and dairy cattle will now show Sept. 11-21 (p.m.). The beef and dairy barns will be closed for cleaning Sept. 22-23, and the sheep will make their appearance in the dairy barn Sept. 23 (noon) - 27.

For those children and kids-at-heart who have always wanted to milk a cow, but plan on attending the last five days of the Puyallup Fair, the Fair’s faux cow, Mabel, will be available for milking practice all 17 days. Mabel is a plastic cow, and a popular feature at the Fair. 

 The Puyallup Fair first started in 1900. This Pacific Northwest tradition is one of the top ten fairs in the world in attendance, and features big name entertainment, the PRCA Rodeo, rides, exhibits, food, flowers, and animals. For further information about the Sept. 11-27, 2009 Puyallup Fair, visit www.thefair.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (253) 841-5045.

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