Poultry Shows Make Return to Benton County Fair

SAUK RAPIDS -- Chickens, turkeys and other prized birds will be back on display this week at the Benton County Fair.

After last year's bird flu outbreak many fairs across the state cancelled all poultry shows. However this year officials have decided to bring it back.

Abby Janorske has been showing birds for about eight years. She says it was exciting news to learn the fair was bringing back poultry shows.

"My brother and sister were very excited. My sister loves the poultry project, and after not being able to show anything last year, it was exciting news for all of us," says Janorske

Minnesota lost over 9-million turkey's and chicken's from the disease.

To keep the exhibit from being empty last year, Benton County Fair officials made educational displays filled with pictures of the kids and their projects.

Janorske says while last year was disappointing, she didn't let it stop her from enjoying the fair.

"I was disappointed but I still wanted to show livestock, so a friend let me lease some cattle from her so I could still be at the fair. That's one think I look forward to is being at the fair all week," says Janorske.

The Poultry Barn is located next to the FFA Barnyard exhibit. The Benton County Fair runs today (Tuesday) through Sunday.