Late Saturday afternoon, the fairgrounds lacked any breeze. Heat and humidity caused visitors to soak their clothing with sweat while standing still.

Even some of “Brian’s Animals” looked droopy, but Lexi the young lioness still paced in her cage. Nala, a three-month-old black leopard, wanted to be held but he couldn’t quit squirming around in the arms and lap of his handler, Vickie Hasten.

The heat didn’t stop two young pygmy goats, who kept jumping on and off a hay bale and butting heads with each other.

Wilson, an 18-year-old Kapuchin monkey, clung to his handler, David Staples, but was still willing to shake hands with strangers and kiss the hands of women.

Before Brian Staples could comment, he had to step away and ready the camels for riders.

Hungry and thirsty fair patrons kept all the food vendors busy at the Wapello County Regional Fair, which is always a cornucopia of sights, sounds, smells and flavors.

Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.