Bees and Animals Attract Many at the Barnstable County Fair

The bees exhibit at the Barnstable County Fair

EAST FALMOUTH – It’s just past the mid-way point of the 173^rd edition of the Barnstable County Fair, and the crowds have been strong since Monday.

A number of events have already taken place, including the World’s Largest Demolition Derby and there are new attractions like the Clydesdales and Waterbark, which is a dogs and humans diving trick show.

But some of the most popular attractions are the exhibits and displays that come to the fair every year.

The Barnstable Beekeepers Association owns the booth located near the East Gate entrance, which draws crowds that look at the bee display.

The group has been around for over 40 years and has more than 300 bee enthusiasts from Cape Cod who meet monthly to discuss topics relevant to beekeeping.

The members also sell their own honey and products made from their bees.

“We like to have the general public be more informed and more aware of the bees and taking care of them with planting gardens that are bee-friendly,” said Marthe Ayers, who is on the board of directors for the association.

The livestock tents and exhibits get a lot of attention because of the variety of animals that attendees get to interact with.

The Barnstable Agricultural Society operates the livestock section of the fair, which includes a petting zoo, sheep barn and horse arena.

Fairgoers can interact with pigs, cows, chickens, goats and horses, as they have been since the fair began in 1844.

Society Director Karen Schwalbe said that county fairs were originally a way for farmers to learn and to show off what they’ve learned to other farms.

“Even as the demographics have changed and not as many people see livestock, it’s actually even more exciting because people are seeing a goat for the first time or if you’re going to the chick farm, you can actually hold a chick and its pokey little feet can actually tickle a child,” said Schwalbe.

Admission to the fair is $12 and includes all shows.

The gates are open noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information and a complete schedule, go to barnstablecountyfair.org.

By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter