SPOKANE — Fair goers eagerly gathered at the Spokane County Fairgrounds for the fair's opening ceremonies despite smoky, hazy conditions caused by regional wildfires affecting air quality this weekend.

"We're just coming to have our adventure. We're just making memories," said Mikayla Orion, who is enjoying the fair with family.

The fair offers experiences people don't see any other time of year.

"How many people in this community get to walk up and pet a donkey?" said Josh Kerns, Spokane County Vice Chair.

Jack the donkey received lots of pets and praise from eager fairgoers. So did Cedar the Highland cow.

"She gets a little bit hot. So we have to provide a lot of shade and cool water for her so she stays comfortable," said Derek Smith, Cedar's owner.

Smith says the heat has been mo

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