SATURDAY'S 'ANIMAL FAIR' HELD TO EDUCATE CHILDREN

"I went to the animal fair. The birds and the beasts

(And, the 'fainting' goats) were there..."

-- Anonymous, Version III.

KELSO, MO. -- Yes, Virginia, there is a "fainting goat!"

The fainting goat may be a bit misleading.

They don't exactly faint, but they do have a genetic problem with relaxing muscles.

When the goats are startled or surprised, their muscles "lock up" and the goat sometimes falls over, hence the name "fainting" goat.

This particular breed of goat is also known as "Nervous' goats in some parts of the United States. And, in Texas, they're called just what they are, "stiff-legged" goats.

Another common name for the goats is "Myotonic" goat, a normal goat in every way except they have the muscle conditions.

Youngsters will have an opportunity to see a fainting goat this weekend, during the first annual Animal Fair for children to be held at Kelso Feed Saturday.

Fainting goats, "Hank" the Turkey, miniature donkeys and horses, pigeons and a bottle-fed calf will join ducks, chickens and geese for the one-day event to be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Kelso Feed, Route PP in Kelso. The event is sponsored by Kelso Feed and Purina Mills.

Children can bring their own favorite animal to the fair, said Carolyn Cauble, owner of Kelso Feed. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories -- "best dressed pet, smallest pet, largest pet, funniest, cutest and most unusual pet." Judging will be at 5 p.m.

"I believe that taking care of animals helps teach youngsters responsibility and caring of another being," said Cauble. Free pony rides, free balloons, and free hot dogs and lemonade will be provided, said Cauble. Some prizes be given, via raffle, including a saddle and the bottle-fed calf.

The fainting goat will headline the lineup for the fair, and is being provided by a customer of Kelso Feed.

A lot of people have never seen a "fainting goat."

The goat averages about two feet high and weighs from 50 to 160 pounds. They have horns, their coats may be long or short, but not curly, and they come in a variety of colors, including black, tan, red, brown and white.

The goats have bulging eyes, which distinguish them from other goat breeds. They also have long ears that stand out the side of their heads. They are calm animals and make good pets.

The goats have their own special organization the American Tennessee Fainting Goat Association.

At one time in history, the fainting goats were used by farmers to protect sheep. If a predator threatened the sheep, the sheep would run away while the fainting goat fell over, and often became the prey of the predator. Needless to say, these goats came close to extinction. But, today, the fainting goats are no longer on the endangered list.