A rooster made out of an old watering can and silverware was on display during the 2015 Washington County Fair. Live poultry was not permitted due to the avian flu. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Chickens, geese and turkeys will be returning to this year’s Washington County Fair, as the ban for poultry exhibits in Iowa has been lifted. Last year, bird exhibits at fairs, livestock auctions, swap meets and exotic sales were prohibited. The ban was enacted in May due to the avian influenza. Amy Green, 4-H coordinator for Washington County, said she was excited to pass the news along to students and the superintendents, who are already working to put together a workshop.

Last year, the fair had creative takes to include bird projects, like building a bird out of recycled items. The birds were then on display during the fair and auctioned off. The 2016 Washington County Fair will be held July 17-22.

Chickens were part of the 2014 Washington County Fair. Photo by Sally Y. Hart