GOSHEN — Any threats of rain blew out to sea, giving the 98th annual Goshen Fair perfectly cool, crisp and sunny weather to delight the large crowd that came out to the fairground over Labor Day weekend.
The traditional attractions were well-attended, with plenty of people stopping to pet and admire the farm animals and watch feats of strength in the tractor and draft horse pulls.
There were carnival rides, foot-tapping music and of course the traditional fair food: funnel cakes, apple fritters, clam chowder.
In the animal barns, children begged parents to let them take home the rabbits, chickens, pigs, horses, cows and sheep.
This reporter witnessed one woman explaining to her husband exactly how they’d be able to manage having a cow on their property. He didn’t seem to be buying into her presentation, despite its well-argued merits.
At the FFA Exhibition Barn, high school students in agricultural education programs from around the region worked together to provide fairgoers of all ages with the ever-popular petting zoo, as well as exhibits on their many agricultural projects.
There were sheep, swine, calves, Nigerian goats and a miniature horse overseen by students from the FFA program at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village.
Alisha Kennedy, 15, a Housatonic sophomore from North Canaan, stayed in a stall with three Jersey calves, taking care of them and keeping them calm as people petted them and admired them.
“I like being a part of FFA, and being able to take care of the animals,� she said.
Ashley Paniagua, another member of the Housatonic FFA, said she used to ride horses when she was 9 years old, and would like to start up again. The 15-year-old North Canaan sophomore was taking care of Izzy, a 21-year-old miniature horse owned by the Housatonic FFA.
“It’s awesome to get to be with the animals,� she said.
North Canaan sophomore Hannah Riva, 15, helped where ever she was needed on Sunday in the petting zoo.
“I like interacting with the animals,� she said.
When asked if she had any animals at home, she answered emphatically in the affirmative: “I have dogs, cats, two donkeys, a mule and baby chickens.�
She helped build a chicken coop to house the young chickens, none of which are laying eggs yet.
“But we will keep them for the eggs,� she said.
