Two big animals make Deschutes County Fair special

The Deschutes County Fair is unique, with its different rides and many kinds of food. But there are two types of animals that truly set the fair apart.

“Belgians were designed from the beginning of time to pull, where Shires and Clydesdales were mounts for armor, for guys in jousting poles and war horses,” Mike McIntosh, an exhibitor at the fair, said Friday.

People have been coming to see the Belgian horses Chip and Charlie for decades, since big horses like Belgians don’t frequent the fair too often.

“Like Dad said, they remember the names, and the little kids who were learning to read come back now in high school and say ‘Oh, I remember Chip and I remember Charlie!'” McIntosh said.

Another unique staple of the Deschutes County Fair is the Texas longhorns.

“The longhorns are new to our fair. They’ve been here for a few years,” said Holly Garner, Beef Barn director.

Most fairs across the country don’t have the additional pens, facilities and safety precautions required to accommodate the massive horns this type of animal has.

“It becomes cow-calf. They’re very territorial. It’s a little bit western at times, but it’s an incredible sight to see,” said Garner.