After voicing our concerns on social media about the San Mateo County Fair awarding goldfish as prizes, the fair posted and deleted a statement on Instagram denying that it happened:

PSA: Hey Everyone! Just a heads up that Butler Amusements at the San Mateo County Fair does NOT give away live animals as prizes.

(View screenshots of the now deleted post here)

A number of people who attended the 2024 San Mateo County Fair commented on the now deleted post:

"Umm I literally saw a kid with his mom holding a fish in a mini tank at the Dole whip stand..."

"I saw it too. I was there on the last day of the fair. I saw a boy win a fish. His mom and aunt then discussed how it was going to be a short lived animal. Why must the fair lie?"

"I literally got a fish last Saturday. It died but I definitely got it from you."

The San Mateo County Fair posted an update (view here): 

It is fair policy not to give out live animals at our carnival games. Any policy breach that comes to the fair’s attention will immediately be addressed to ensure continued services are in accordance with fair policy.

Damage control:

There was no mention of this policy when I contacted the fair about fish as prizes prior to the event.

On Jun 5th, I sent San Mateo County Fair a message on Instagram asking if they would be giving away fish as prizes. They responded "it varies on the game you play and what the vendors have available each day. It’s different every day." I also called ahead and asked if there would be games giving away fish and the fair representative said "I believe so." 

San Mateo County Fair, show us your policy in writing:

We would like to see the San Mateo County Fair's policy regarding live animals as prizes in writing.