BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Samantha Kerr, 2, of Colerain Township takes her turn holding a kitten at the Junior Fair petting farm.
(Dick Swaim photo)
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Dr. Michael Fredrick paces through the dirt and hay in a powder-blue jumpsuit.
This veterinarian of 22 years says he'd rather do his work than talk. Although he plays one of the most important roles at the Hamilton County Fair, he is most often overlooked.
"The fair is important for the kids, and I want to help make sure it stays that way," said Dr. Fredrick, who also owns and operates an animal clinic in Miamitown. "We all want to make sure everything goes as it's planned."
Not only must Dr. Fredrick pay attention to the health problems, such as a limping steer or a rooster with a cold, he ensures the credibility of the fair.
He handles the paperwork that arrives daily, and he is the right-hand man to Joe Shields, the fair's director.
"I don't know what we'd do without him," said Mr. Shields, who is in his second year as director. "He goes out and takes care of business, and we've never had a problem.
"He's vitally important to everything we do here. Credibility is the foundation to everything we do out here."
Not all fairs are as lucky.
In past years, there have been instances of entries at the Ohio State Fair in which drugs were used to bolster the weight and firmness of animals. Small offenses included injecting vegetable oil into animals to make their coats shinier.
The fair business is big money for some participants, Mr. Shields said. With more than 750 animals at the fair, it also can be a competitive business. "People don't realize that there is a lot of money to be gotten at these events," he said.
"Without the doctor, maybe someone would try to get an unfair advantage of some of their counterparts. So far, he's made sure it hasn't happened."
Ohio law requires that all fairs have a veterinarian. The Department of Agriculture governs the regulations regarding the job description. It's a difficult job that requires many hours on the fairgrounds, looking at animals and answering questions.
But lending a helping hand is what he enjoys the most -- and the 4-H children always are ready to listen.
"If I've ever had any problems or questions, though, he's always there for me," said 13-year-old Troy Kordenbrock of Colerain Township.
Samantha Kerr, 2, of Colerain Township takes her turn holding a kitten at the Junior Fair petting farm, where kids can play with small animals safely.
What: 143rd annual Hamilton County Fair