Though the fair is in full swing with numerous vendors and activities, one exhibit is missing: the new petting zoo.

Due to health issues raised at previous events, the new exhibit was unable to attend the Mower County Fair.

“They’ve been to multiple events this season, one of which raised health concerns,” said fair board director John Mueller. “We decided to take precaution and let those issues get resolved on its own.”

According to Mower County Fair Board President Neal Anderson, one of the animals in the petting zoo was sick or of questionable health, so the fair decided to wait and re-evaluate the petting zoo next year.

Though no replacement was brought in, Mueller hopes to bring the petting zoo next year.

However, Mueller thinks fair-goers should still be excited about the animals that are at the fair.

“We still have lots of livestock and animals to see and interact with,” he said.