Attendees of the annual Horse Trading Days in Zelienople didn’t see many, if any, horses over the course of the event. The event’s organizers called off the horse parade that normally kicks off the three-day event, on account of unhealthy air quality.

Other activities went on Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the event, but the first two days were plagued by a Code Purple air quality alert from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The two events centered on animals, the horse parade and the dog show planned for Saturday, were both canceled.

Although the decision was likely difficult for organizers to make, it was ultimately a good choice, because the bad air quality could have harmed the animals as well as the people attending the parade and show, which each normally take place outside.

While many vendors still sold items throughout the event, there were businesses and buildings open for the weekend that people could enter if the poor air quality stemming from wildfires to the north got to them. This was especially important to sensitive groups such as children, elderly residents and those with respiratory illnesses, who the DEP said can face more dramatic effects when exposed to poor air quality.

But the horses and dogs don’t understand what Code Purple means.

So it is a testament to the organizers of Horse Trading Days that, although the event’s title is mainly a tribute to the days when people would actually trade horses for goods and services, they still care for the animal.

We join the horses in giving the Horse Trading Days organizers a hearty whinny.

— ET