Horse trading days continues; some activities canceled
ZELIENOPLE — As Horse Trading Days continued Friday, things got off to a sluggish start, with a few visitors trickling in early in the afternoon as the region remained under a Code Purple air quality alert.
Air quality concerns Friday and the threat of continuing issues combined with thunderstorms Saturday, led to some activity cancellations.
Friday, the KidZ Corral was closed, according to a post on the event’s Facebook page. Free wagon rides were still being held, but organizers warned the schedule “may be less consistent” to allow drivers time to take breaks indoors.
The 10 a.m. Saturday dog show was canceled, but organizers encouraged those who registered for the event to submit a video of their pets to info@windrosevet.com to be featured on social media.
The hot dog eating contest scheduled for noon Saturday was likewise canceled, events director Kadin Riddle said.
However, on Friday, local vendor and artisan presence was still strong, as organizers encouraged participants to come out at their discretion. Vendors were still lined up on Main Street all the way to the park. Organizers also encouraged visitors to visit local businesses as an opportunity to get out of the weather.
Jon Pakutz, from Experience Butler County, was among the many vendors and presenters standing by with his stall.
Pakutz said on Thursday, the opening day, things had started slowly but finished strong, with many visitors coming in later in the evening. He said he expected something similar on Friday.
Currently, the Hot-to-Trot 5k, scheduled at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and evening performances are still scheduled, but weather dependent.
