Charlotte County Fair pushes on as cold weather approaches

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

While other events in the region have been postponed or canceled, the Charlotte County Fair in Port Charlotte is proceeding as planned despite the cold weather and potential strong winds this weekend.

"We've had cold weather before, and it doesn't seem to really stop people because they like the cold weather," John Mahshie, a Charlotte County Fair organizer, said.

The fair features food, rides, and animals, and attendees are prepared to bundle up against the chill. Although the chill won't affect the rides, winds reaching more than 40 miles per hour could shut down attractions like the Ferris wheel and drop towers.

People won't be the only ones facing the cold temperatures. Emma Adams, an eighth-grade student at Punta Gorda Middle School, is among the many teens showcasing pigs, goats, and cows at the fair.

"His name is Conway," Adams said. "I enjoy hanging out with him and spending time with him."

She is prepared for the cold temperatures.

"I'm just going to keep him dry and keep some dry shavings and clean shavings in his pen," Adams said. "I'm just going to wear a jacket."

Charlotte High School junior Alexis Trainor is also taking precautions with her hog.

"Some people will put like heat lamps, like the red heat lamps, on them to keep them from dropping body weight," Trainor said. "We want to keep them nice and full and still sticking all of their weight to them so that they look good in the show rings."

Despite possible below-freezing temperatures, organizers encouraged people to attend the fair.

"You know, come on out. It's going to be cold, but that's OK," Mahshie said.

The fair will continue daily until Feb. 8.

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