Goat yoga was a new event at the Evergreen State Fair this year. The Monroe-based Bliss Yoga Studio led the two sessions held last week. (Lizz Giordano / The Herald) Photo taken Aug. 29

Goat yoga was a new event at the Evergreen State Fair this year. The Monroe-based Bliss Yoga Studio led the two sessions held last week. (Lizz Giordano / The Herald) Photo taken Aug. 29

It really happened at the fair: Humans posed, goats chewed

No kidding: At a goat yoga class, people got in touch with their inner barnyard animal. (Video)

MONROE — There were lots of giggles, and even more selfies. Participants also managed to hold a few poses during goat yoga at the Evergreen State Fair last week.

The event was new this year and was led by the Monroe-based Bliss Yoga Studio.

“We wanted to bring yoga to those who wouldn’t necessary go into a studio,” said Marianne Ames, one of the owners of Bliss.

She began the class with a loud “Baaaaaamaste.”

About 20 yogis participated in the morning session as nine pygmy goats head-butted one another, scampered and chewed. A second class was held in the evening. Most of the class, and the entire herd, were new to goat yoga.

The goats, which were being shown at the fair by Grace Meyer, were cautious as the class began. Food easily lured them into the scene among the mats.

“They’re probably going to gain a little weight from this,” Meyer said with a grin as the goats trailed closely behind, waiting for her to drop the next handful of pellets.

Sadie Hannah (left) couldn’t resist the challenge, but was really there for the goats. (Lizz Giordano / The Herald)

Sadie Hannah (left) couldn’t resist the challenge, but was really there for the goats. (Lizz Giordano / The Herald)

For Cori Dewing, the goats were enough of an incentive to convince her kids to come to a yoga class with her. Ciaran and Lana managed a few stretches during the class, while petting and feeding the animals as they trotted by.

Some of the black-and-white goats got up close and personal with the students, nuzzling and weaving through outstretched legs and arms.

Heather Lee came all the way from Seattle for the 9 a.m. class.

“I’ve always wanted to do it,” Lee said. “It was definitely worth waking up for.”

Lizz Giordano: 425-374-4165; egiordano@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @lizzgior.

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