At the Erin Fall Fair, an interactive exhibit meant for children to experience holding newly hatched chicks and learning about farm life was disrupted when 32 chicks went missing. The disappearance occurred during the fair’s opening night between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10. Mayor Michael Dehn, present at the fair, noticed the chicks were stolen from the Agri-dome while he and the chicks’ owners, Gary and Eileen Brown, were attending the fair’s opening ceremony.
Dehn suspected foul play, suggesting that someone had illicitly entered the Agri-dome before the fair officially began by exploiting an open door that appeared closed due to a strategically placed piece of hose. Since the chicks and other animals were situated on the opposite side of the building, the intruder went unnoticed.
Following the theft, the Erin Agriculture Society turned to social media to seek assistance in locating the missing chicks, emphasizing the urgency of their return to ensure their survival. These chicks are an integral part of the fair, drawing significant interest from both children and adults, contributing to the educational agricultural display cherished by the community.
Despite the setback, a heartwarming gesture ensued when Mayor Dehn’s step-daughters generously offered their own chicks from the family farm to replace the stolen ones for the exhibit. This act of kindness not only salvaged the display but also brought joy to Gary and Eileen Brown, the devastated owners of the stolen chicks. The community rallied together, showcasing the spirit of solidarity and support in times of adversity.
