KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Benton Franklin Fair will be offering an alternative poultry show this year based on recommendations by the Washington State Veterinarian. No birds will be shown at the Fair, but alternatives will be provided to allow youth exhibitors to fulfill their projects.
Due to the prevalence of Avian Flu in Washington, the State Veterinarian has recommended the suspension of exhibitions, fairs and poultry sales until 30 days after the last detection to prevent infection and spread.
Many other upcoming fairs have made the decision to suspend live poultry shows including the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, the Grant County Fair and the Central Washington State Fair.
The Fair will provide plush chickens for youth to use during the showmanship competition. 4-H and FFA exhibitors who participate in that competition will be eligible to sell their birds in the feather auction on Friday, Aug. 26. This will be a great way to support the exhibitors in a year when they weren’t able to have the full Fair experience.
Youth exhibitors will be in the barn during Fair week and will be eager to share information about their projects with the public.
More information will be made available to exhibitors in the days ahead.