Friday, August 31, 2007
“Sadie” didn’t come to the fair for a chance at a blue ribbon.
The 7-foot-tall black bear is here to entertain guests at the Great American Frontier Show, held four times daily, free, on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds.
Sadie and another black bear, a pair of timber wolves and two mountain lions travel 10 months per year with the show that aims at environmental education.
Like 95 percent of the show’s animals, Sadie came to the show through an animal rescue organization, said frontier show director Michael Sandlofer. She was just a cub when her mother was shot, he tells audience members.
“We’re one of the few families that work with these animals with no restraints and no muzzles,” said Sandlofer, whose wife, Sharon, and 13-year-old daughter, Benna, join him on the road. Sharon Sandlofer is an animal trainer. Benna is a trick rider in their “Animals that Built America” show, one of two they offer daily.
For more, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com Also, Click here for a fair photo gallery.