On day one of the East Pottawattamie County Fair competitors brought in their livestock and focused on protecting the animals from heat stroke - a big job ahead of this weekend's competition. "They could start sweating or they'll start panting and breathing really hard," Sorensen said. In addition to giving the animals a bath, electric fans work nonstop to keep the temperature in the barn cool. 

 

Wes Young sprays his pigs at least three times a day. If he doesn't he worries they'll slim down and could hurt his chances of winning the 4-H competition. "They don't have sweat glands like we do so they can't sweat. They can lose a lot of weight and get sick if you cool them down improperly," Wes Young said.

 

Today most people beat the heat spending time inside or under a tent with a cool drink in hand. Ken Moore, president of the fair board, says although the heat made for a slow setup today he's confident it won't turn people away this weekend.

 

"Last year was a lot worse, with the breeze  you get out of the heat the grandstands are well ventilated," Ken Moore said.