Speedy guinea pigs and well-dressed sheep will take part in a couple of the lesser-known but wonderfully silly animal-related events at the Whidbey Island Fair this year.

The fair, which takes place in Langley, kicks off July 27 and runs through July 30. Visitors will be able to get their usual fill of fried food, farm animals, carnival rides and live entertainment, but the fair also has its unique aspects — including performing chickens, Goat Olympics and an animal beauty pageant.

One of the more humorous events that is sure to get some chuckles is the cavy races scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, July 28.

“We do have them racing. I’m just not sure they’ll move,” Cavy Superintendent Jen Wilson said with a laugh.

Cavies, or guinea pigs, are motivated to finish first by their favorite fruits and veggies. Sometimes, they end up getting distracted by the other animals around them, so racing can be a challenge.

The races take place on a four-lane table built especially for the occasion. But if it’s too hot, as it was at a previous fair during a heat wave, don’t expect to see them move much.

Though not as popular as some animals that kids in Island County 4-H might choose to show, a small, dedicated group shows cavies at the fair. This year, approximately 17 cavies will be shown by three kids, including Wilson’s daughter, who has shown her guinea pigs all over the country.

The cavy barn usually also includes poultry and rabbits, but this year, the show bunnies will stay home because of the outbreak of disease in the fairgrounds’ feral population.

Guinea pigs are a staple of the Clucky Show, which occurs three times a day near the cavy barn. Kids look forward to getting their cavies involved in the show.

A newly minted contest at the fair this year is sure to get some curious onlookers. Taking place at the same time as the cavy races but over in the sheep barn, 4-H kids have the opportunity to dress up with their sheep for a creative and fun competition.

Sheep Superintendent Heather Kline said her daughter wants to bring her lamb dressed as a farmer, while she dressed up as the lamb.

“I’m not sure what the other kids have in store,” Kline said. “I can’t wait.”

Cavies dress up, too, during a small animal competition event on Sunday. One year, Wilson’s daughter dressed her guinea pig up as a poop factory, “which is what they are,” Wilson said.

Kline said nine kids will show about 21 sheep this year. Each kid is allowed one lamb for the auction. There can only be one grand champion.

“It’s the most coveted, grand champion market,” Kline said. “When they go through the auction, everyone wants that grand champion lamb.”

The rest of the sheep are in the breeding class.

Daily fair admission is $12 for adults, $6 for youth, military and seniors; free for children under 5. Season passes are $36 for adults and $18 for youth, military and seniors.

For more information and to view the full schedule, visit whidbeyislandfair.com.

From left, Anthony, Lilly and Lucas Kline in a breeding class of Hampshire sheep. (Photo by Heather Kline)