Fair too focused on profits

The Stanislaus County Fair has become increasingly commercialized and profit seeking. Our family has been involved in 4-H and FFA for generations.

This year the dairy industry was pushed aside to bring in more market animals, which provide a profit at sale. Entry fees included charging an exhibitor for a wristband to get into a fair that was not open yet to the public.

Parent passes also went up. Then we had to crowd our animals into insufficient pens and barns without proper cooling. Staff was dismissive to concerns and rude to kids.

Dairy goats weren't asked to be a part of champion row and may as well have not existed. After being in the heat for days, they were stressed when show day came. Our kids had to be on grounds where nothing was open — so much for fun!

In addition we were subject to purse searching, even when it was obvious we had items related to livestock, such as a milk bucket or bottle.

KIMBERLEY HARDWICK Oakdale