Amidst all of the fair food, grandstand events, carnival rides and livestock shows, it’s important to stay safe as temperatures will be in the mid to low 90s throughout the week. 

Fair offers a lot of fun during the day but being outside in high temperatures for long periods of time means people run the risk of a heat-related illness if they aren’t careful.

According to the CDC, heat-related illnesses can include heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke can occur as the result of the body being unable to properly cool itself. 

“In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down,” reads the CDC page ‘About Extreme Heat.’ “This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”

Young children, older adults, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are most at risk, the CDC said.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing a heat-related illness are heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, dehydration, fever, prescription drug use, obesity, high levels of humidity, sunburn and alcohol use. 

Events coordinator Billy Wood could not recall the number of heat-related illnesses at Park County Fair last year but said that there was one incident he remembered, although it was unclear if the incident was a result of heat or alcohol. Wood also encouraged fairgoers to stay safe and avoid drinking and driving. 

How do I know if it’s heat related?

Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, skin that is damp or dry, red and hot, a fast pulse, headache, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness and more. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, clammy skin, a weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Heat cramp symptoms may include heavy sweating during intense exercise and muscle spasms. Heat rashes are red clusters of small blisters typically on the chest, neck, groin and elbow crease.

If you recognize symptoms of heatstroke in someone, call 911, move the person to a cool area, help cool the individual off with cloths or by putting them in a cool bath. 

In the event of heat exhaustion calling 911 is not necessary in most cases unless the individual is throwing up and symptoms worsen or last more than one hour. In nonemergency cases sip water, move the individual to a cool place, loosen their clothes and cool them down with wet rags or a bath.

What to do if I get too hot at the fair?

Wood said that resources will be available during the fair for those who need to cool down. The two fair halls are air conditioned and EMS will also be present and available near the fair office. Wood said that those looking to get a drink and cool off can visit the many vendors who offer Pepsi products and water. Pepsi is the official pop and water sponsor of the fair. 

Park County Public Health will be posted on Sixth Street with a “Rock and Rest Trailer,” which will be available as a “safe, clean and cool spot for families with young babies to clean and change.”

Next to Park County Public Health will be Safe Kids, which will provide informational displays about the dangers of leaving children and pets in a hot car as well as injury information.