30th Most Favorite Thing About the State Fair of Texas: The Goat In Costume Contest

In honor of Opening Day of the State Fair of Texas (only 30 days away), I have decided to count down my favorite things about the Fair.

Today my pick is the Goat in Costume Contest. Held in the Swine Arena, it is as it sounds – kiddos and their pet goats, all dressed up. Here is a (not great) picture of a “lion” and lion tamer. Genius, I know.

My favorite goat-and-owner costume ever would be the young lady who re-created the “Hickory Dickory Dock” nursery rhyme by dressing herself as a clock (in a few elaborately painted cardboard boxes) and her goat as a mouse. It was extremely clever and well-executed.

My favorite goat contestant of all time award goes to Pogo, who was (I think) dressed up in a “Men In Black” costume (suit, sunglasses and all) and quickly helped the assembled audience understand how he’d gotten his name by spazzing out in the center of the ring and jumping repeatedly up into the  air — above his owner’s head. A breathtaking display of acrobatics and obvious excitement about spending the day at the Fair. I know I feel like jumping five feet in the air when I catch my first glimpse of Big Tex every year.

An obvious question about this contest still may be haunting many of you as you inspect this picture. Goats, clothing, masks, etc.  — exactly how does all of that mix together? Do goats respond well to costuming?

The answer, friends, is no.  No they do not.

~ by nf1014 on August 26, 2009.