DNA required for animals entered in Santa Barbara County Fair

Youth exhibitors will be required to supply DNA samples this year to verify ownership of their animals for entry into the Santa Barbara County Fair. Joe Brengle, deputy manager for the fair said exhibitors will collect animal hair months before the fair and submit it for testing.

“It’s a way to reduce cheating, and a more exact way to identify the animals,” he insisted.

Previously the animals were ear-tagged, but sometimes tags have been taken from one animal and placed on another.

The DNA tests can be taken at home and owners are not required to submit the samples in person, which was previously required with the ear tags.

“This is just another step we’re taking to give a better show for our exhibitors,” Brengle added.

Exhibitors will pay $5 for the tests. The show will be July 9-13 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. More information is available at 925-8824.

 

Tiger Cubs make holiday food donation

Members of the Santa Ynez Valley Pack 41, Tiger Cub Scouts, donated over 550 pounds of food items to the Santa Barbara County food bank after a recent canned food drive at El Rancho Market. The troop includes Nick and Daniel Kufeldt, Nathan and Nicholas Crandall, and Coby Mazariegos.

 

Kindergarten students present gifts

Celebrating a morning of Thanksgiving gifts, stories and games, kindergarten students from the Los Olivos School and The Family School gathered recently at the Midland playing field to share fun and snacks.

Teachers Laura McVicar and Pamela Stover brought the students together to teach them about differences and similarities.

During the event, the children presented gifts to one another and spent the morning eating and playing outdoor games.