Fainting Goats

This was a funny but true story. We are leaving for Boston tomorrow so I have to keep packing! Just wanted to share something that would make you smile tonight! :)

Lewisburg, Tennessee: Goats, Music, and More (Fainting Goat Festival)

Goats, Music, and More (Fainting Goat Festival)
Now called "Goats, Music, and More!" It is in it's 7th year and attracts thousands of visitors every year. With world class goat competition, famous and local musicians and performers, and of course the world famous fainting goats. [tom, 07/23/2009] [RA: Yep, because calling it the "Fainting Goat Festival" just wasn't enough to draw people out of the hills. But "Music" and "More" -- now there's something special!]

A Little History...

The Goats, Music and More Festival aims to honor goats, particularly Marshall County's famous native "Fainting" goat and the Boer goat. Fainting goat and Boer goat shows are the core of the festival; but visitors will also find a full slate of planned fun including and arts & crafts show, food vendors, children's activites and acoustic, bluegrass, country and rock and roll music.

Fainting Goats...

The first recorded mention of "fainting" or "nervous" goats was from Marshall County, TN, during the 1880s, according to festival officials. A man named Tinsley moved into the northern part of the county bringing with him four "bulgy-eyed" goats and a "sacred" cow. The goats a strange tendency to become temporarily rigid, even to the point of losing balance and falling over when startled.
Tinsley stayed long enough to marry and harvest a corn crop. He then left unexpectedly, leaving his wife but taking his cow. Before departing, he sold his goats to a local doctor; and the odd but otherwise healthy goats went on to reproduce and continue living in the area. Fainting goats were almost extinct by the 1980s, but today the quirky breed is thriving throughout the world thanks to its novelty appeal. Their “stiff-legged” appearance and apparent “fainting” is caused by a neuromuscular condition called Myotonia. This condition does not harm the goat.


http://www.goatsmusicandmore.com/index.php/about-the-festival