The 2012 Freeborn County Fair kicked off with a birth — in a bathroom near the Cattle Barn.

A baby boy was born Tuesday to parents who both work for Merriam’s Midway Shows.

The call for emergency assistance came at 6:12 p.m.

Dale Merriam, a semi-retired owner of the traveling carnival, this morning said the mother had worked just Monday night setting up for the fair.

“She finished up well after midnight,” Merriam said.

The carnival had been in Redwood Falls on Sunday night for the Redwood County Fair, and she worked there, too.

He said he did not have the name at hand in the short time prior to the Tribune’s morning deadline. His son, Todd, heads personnel but could not be reached.

Dale Marriam said the woman is from Minnesota and arrangements were made so she could go see her parents. Also, a collection is being taken up to get the parents baby supplies and clothing.

“I’m sure she has none of that stuff,” he said.

Freeborn County Fair Manager Norm Fredin said he understands the emergency medical technicians who staff the fair responded. He was unsure whether the baby and mother were transferred to the hospital but more than likely they were.

“This is the first time we have had a baby born at the fair as far as I know,” Fredin said.

He has led the county fair for 16 years.

Look to the Tribune for more information.