Goat Yoga continues to bring smiles at Alaska State Fair

PALMER — People from all ages and walks of life gathered at the corral area near the Red Gate to participate in the annual Goat Yoga event at the Alaska State Fair Thursday, Aug. 25. Like every year before, every participant left with a smile.

“Nobody leaves Goat Yoga with a sad face,” ASF entertainment manager Suzy Crosby said.

Midnight Sun Yoga instructor Whitney Martin led this year’s event with a large and enthusiastic pool of participants.

“It’s fun,” Martin said.

Crosby and Mike Pendergrass provide the goats for Goat Yoga through Cottonwood Creek Farm.

“We’re with them from the moment they’re born,” Crosby said.

Baby goats are also referred to as kids and live up to the name. Baby goats are naturally playful and enjoy perching on top of the participants as they go from pose to pose.

“When baby goats see anything larger than themselves, they are compelled to jump on it,” Crosby said.

Crosby said the goats enjoy romping around, and everyone trying to do yoga appreciates the cute distractions. She said it’s a win-win for everyone.

“Goats are naturally drawn to people and vice versa,” Crosby said. “Goat Yoga is kind of the perfect fit between baby goats’ natural behavior and people’s love of being around cute baby animals.”

Goat Yoga started in 2018, according to Crosby. She said the plan is to keep holding this event at the Fair every year.

“When something is extremely popular and well received, you kind of want to let it keep on going,” Crosby said.

Goat Yoga is far from the only way fairgoers can interact with these beloved animals. The Goat-A-Palooza point of interest, petting zoo, and animal exhibits are available each day at no charge throughout the season. All are welcome to visit the goats.

For more information about the 2022 Alaska State Fair, visit alaskastatefair.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com