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'Fair'-ly Good Times Start with Hand Hygiene (posted August 13, 2025).png)
By Adam Behnke, Communications Specialist for Brown County Public Health
The arrival of the Brown County Fair this week is a highlight of the summer schedule for many people. While growing up in a different part of the state, I can still remember the times our family visited the local county fair during the dog days of summer. I have memories of bright daylight, cloying humidity, fluffy baby chicks, and the dull sound of hooves on sand at the rodeo. Fairs are full of fun for families, and a few safety tips will help ensure everyone goes home happy. This edition of the Healthy Herald will help get you ready for the Brown County Fair, which starts Wednesday, August 13 and continues through Sunday, August 17.
Interacting Safely with Animals
Visiting the livestock barns is often a favorite fair activity for families. Interacting with goats, cows, and chickens is fun and educational! However, even healthy-looking animals can carry germs that might make people sick. It’s important to take precautions around the animal exhibits to prevent illness or injury. If there’s one tip to remember above all else, it’s to wash your hands before and after animal interactions. Children and adults alike need to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals or anything in the animal areas. Use warm water and lather for at least 20 seconds. If running water isn’t available near the barn, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a first line of defense against germs. Then you can wash your hands properly at the next restroom you find.
A similar tip is to avoid touching your face while you’re checking out the animal barns. And no matter how cute they are, don’t kiss the animals! It's to protect both you and them because germs can transfer between fur or snouts to human mouths and eyes very easily. Monitor younger children to prevent them from rubbing their eyes or sticking their fingers in their mouths until everyone can wash their hands.
Always stay within arm’s reach of young children so you can guide their interactions with animals. Kids under 5 years old are especially at risk because their immune systems are still developing. Health experts actually recommend that children under five avoid direct contact with higher-risk animals like poultry (chicks and ducks). If your little one does interact with farm animals, help them do so gently and safely by teaching them not to tease, chase, or startle the animals. Even a friendly goat or horse is capable of biting should they be suddenly surprised.
Make it a rule to keep eating and drinking outside of the animal barns. Keep snacks, water bottles, baby bottles, pacifiers, and sippy cups out of areas where animals are kept to stop their germs from getting on things that go into a child’s mouth. Plan to feed your family in designated picnic or food areas away from the barns (and have everyone wash up first). You should also consider leaving the stroller outside the barn to prevent the wheels or handle from getting covered in farm grime. By keeping food and personal items separate from the animal exhibits, you are reducing the risk of animal germs spreading to your family.
Farmers and fair staff work hard to ensure only healthy animals are on display but stay back if you notice an animal that looks unwell. Signs of illness in animals could be sluggishness, nasal discharge, frequent coughing, or diarrhea in the pens. If an animal doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and keep your family away from it. State health officials say fairgoers should stay away from any animals that appear sick or from areas of the barn where sick animals are isolated. These warnings come amid continued surveillance for avian flu, as this is the second year that the state is requiring exhibitors to test some of their dairy cows for H5N1 before participating.
Pig Out on Snacks Safely
One of the best parts of any fair is the food! But when you're out amongst the vendors and carnival treats, it’s important to make smart choices to avoid foodborne illness. Few things can put of damper on your fun faster than tummy troubles, so use these tips to pick safe eats at the fair:
- Choose a Food Stand That Looks Clean
- A good food stand will be reasonably clean and have food handlers following proper hygiene. Does the vendor have a sink or water station for employees to wash their hands? Are workers wearing gloves or using tongs to handle ready-to-eat items? And ideally, is there a sign posted that shows a license or recent health inspection?
- Be Wary of Perishable Foods in the Heat
- Fairs often serve up classic meats and treats, but make sure whatever you buy is cooked thoroughly and served hot. Avoid foods that have been left sitting out in the sun or warm temperatures. A good vendor will keep cold foods on ice and hot foods heated above 140°F. The general rule is not to leave perishable food in the “danger zone” (above 40°F and below 140°F) for more than 2 hours. When in doubt, choose foods that are cooked to order.
- Practice Hand Hygiene Before Eating
- Your hands will touch many surfaces dirty surfaces while at the fair. To avoid bringing any germs to your mouth, always wash your hands before you eat anything. Make the trip to the restroom and lather up with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before meal and snack times. The CDC specifically recommends washing hands after using the restroom, after playing games or going on rides, and definitely before eating at fairs. You can use hand sanitizer or wet wipes in a pinch, but proper hand-washing is best.
Keep Your Cool in the Crowd
Carnival rides are another fundamental part of the fair experience. They can provide tons of fun but can also be a little overwhelming. Here are some friendly reminders to keep your family safe while enjoying rides and navigating the fair-going crowd:
- Keep Track of Your Children
- Fairs can get crowded, so have a plan to prevent kids from getting lost. Hold young children’s hands when walking the grounds and consider using a stroller or child harness for toddlers if it’s busy. It can help to dress kids in brightly colored shirts or hats so you can spot them easily. Teach children to stay by your side and not wander off, even if something interesting catches their eye. If you have an older child or teen, agree on a meetup location where everyone will go if someone gets separated. The moment you realize a child is missing, start looking and notify an authority figure - but having a designated meeting spot can quickly reunite family members who got unintentionally split up. Also, you could take a photo of your kids at the start of the day with your phone, which you can show others in the off chance you need help searching for them.
- Have a Separation Plan
- Talk with your kids ahead of time about what to do if they can’t find you. Encourage them not to panic and to stay where they are if they realize they’re lost. This is because it’s usually easier for an adult to retrace their steps than for a small child to roam. Tell them that if they ever feel lost, they should look for a trusted adult (law enforcement, security personnel, or a fair staff member) and explain that they’ve lost their mom or dad. Make sure your child knows your cell phone number or keep it written on an ID bracelet or a card in their pocket. For older kids who are responsible enough to go off on their own or with friends, establish check-in times and a meeting place.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested
- It’s easy for kids and adults to get dehydrated or overheated if you are spending a large chunk of time at the fair. Pack refillable water bottles and drink water regularly, even before you feel very thirsty. Encourage kids to take water breaks between rides and limit sugary sodas. Try to find some shade or a cool place (indoors if possible) in the middle of the day when the sun is at its most powerful. If anyone in the family starts looking flushed, feeling dizzy, or overly tired, it’s time to take a break. And remember to pack (and apply!) sunscreen in the summer heat.
By taking these precautions – washing hands, choosing safe foods, and following a plan for the heat and the crowds – your family can enjoy a fantastic day at the Brown County Fair (or any fair) with peace of mind. Here’s to lots of fun, great memories, and a safe fair experience for everyone!
Stay Healthy, Brown County!
Resources
https://browncountyfair.com/
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/staying-healthy-at-animal-exhibits.html
https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-fairs-bird-flu-testing-requirements-cows
https://publications.extension.uconn.edu/publication/animals-fairs/
https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/safety-and-prevention/6-precautions-to-take-when-visiting-petting-zoos/
https://blog.johnsonmemorial.org/how-to-have-a-safe-time-at-the-fair
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5068
https://www.lompocvmc.com/blogs/2019/june/keep-safe-while-eating-at-fairs-and-festivals/