The Freeborn County Fair is an event of entertainment, education and showmanship. One of the attractions this year, however, represents animal cruelty as the appeal of the show.

“Watch Kachunga wrestle his alligator and see who wins.” At the Kachunga & the Alligator Show website I see a man provoking an American alligator with a club. The alligator reacts in a manner of self-protection. By nature, the alligator is a shy creature. Unless acclimated to humans, it avoids humans by fleeing. With the home range being about three miles I will be curious to ask what fulfills the alligator’s need for exercise when not in the show in Freeborn County. Regarding health I am not confident the local water is consistent with the best health needs of the animal. In the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, habitat to 15,000 alligators, the pH range of water is 3.2 to 4.2, high acidity. Albert Lea water has a pH rating of 7.1, good for humans. If you are curious about the American alligator I suggest education by one of many other educational opportunities available.

Congratulations to the Fair Board for bringing the Budweiser Clydesdales to town. Reading page 13 of the fair brochure the background, transportation comfort and details regarding the care and feeding of the Clydesdales educate the reader. The Budweiser Clydesdales Teams are an educational and enjoyable showing of animals. We can truly be awed by the Clydesdales beauty and appreciate the care given to these animals.

Jean Aamodt

Albert Lea