With sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid 90s state fair-goers are being urged to pay attention to signs of heat stress or heat exhaustion. Opening Day crowds are estimated in the tens of thousands and most, if not all, are seeking some relief from the August heat.
Fred and Mosella Neal of Columbus arrived at the State Fair early to take advantage of the special two-dollar admission. The couple had five children in tow, some with water bottles and two in strollers with canopies. Mrs. Neal had a simple plan to beat the heat."Plenty of water and sit in the shade, inside buildings as much as possible." she says.
The Neal family is doing it right according to registered nurse Toni Roush. Roush is working the first aid station at the fair and she says telltale signs of heat stress are thirst and dizziness.
Of course, ice cream and lemonade vendors like Maggie and Tim Norris expect a spike in sales on days when the mercury climbs above 90 degrees. But, Norris says people-watching at the fair can also be a good antidote to heat stress.
The 2005 Ohio State Fair runs through August 14th. The 90-degree heat is predicted to break by the week-end.