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

A baby boy was born Tuesday to parents who both work for the carnival group 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, said this morning that 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 the mother worked there, too.

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

Dale Merriam 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 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 Herald as this story develops.