FAIR ATTRACTION; BEAST OF BURDEN SUITED FOR RIDES IN HIGH DESERT.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Sitting in the shade of a tree on the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, his legs bent beneath him, Sheik rests up for the onslaught of children.

The 17-year-old camel and a 3-year-old partner, Kairo, have their own job at the fair: transporting children around a arena, and giving them a uniquely high experience.

``A lot of people have never seen a camel up close,'' said Madyline Kenniston of Oregon, who runs K and K Camel Rides. ``It's a good experience.''

Kenniston and her camels work in the children's area on the East Lawn. They're there daily during the 60th Annual Antelope Valley Fair, which started Friday and will run through Sept. 7.

It's one of 15 fairs that Kenniston attends.

``This is a good fair,'' she says. ``It's just hot.''

While Kenniston tries to avoid the Antelope Valley heat as much as possible, Kairo and Sheik are specially designed for the desert. Three sets of eye lashes shield their eyes from sand, wide feet spread out to keep from sinking into soft earth, and an exceptionally large stomach holds lots of water and food.

The camel's high legs also keeps the rest of the body above the heat of the ground.

Kenniston has been running K and K for 20 years. She got her start as an animal trainer in the circus and worked for a while at the San Diego Zoo.

``I trained elephants, horses, dogs and birds,'' said Kenniston.

Kenniston says camels typically have a nasty demeanor unless they are trained.

``They don't like to be bothered,'' said Kenniston. ``They just like to be left alone.''

Kenniston acquired Sheik when he was 3 years old and Kairo at 5 months. Kairo now weighs 1,700 pounds and stands over 6 feet tall. Sheik weighs 2,400 pounds and is 8 feet tall.

Camel rides are $3 per person. Photos are $4.

ANTELOPE VALLEY FAIR AT A GLANCE

TODAY

ENTERTAINMENT: Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Eddie Money, 7:30 p.m., $15, $20, $25. Mountain Music, 8, 10 p.m. Hypnotist Suzy Haner, 6:30, 9 p.m. Raised on Radio, 9, 10:30 p.m. Claudia Nygaard, 8, 10 p.m.

HOURS: Noon-1 a.m.

SPECIAL: Antelope Valley Fair parade, 10 a.m. on Lancaster Boulevard from 10th Street West to Sierra Highway.

SUNDAY

ENTERTAINMENT: Williams & Ree, 6, 8 p.m. Freddy Fender, 8, 10 p.m. Hypnotist Suzy Haner, 6:30, 9 p.m. Tardeada, 7 p.m.-midnight. The Sting Rays Surf Band, 8 p.m.-midnight.

HOURS: Noon-midnight.

Special Price: General admission for adults and children ages 6 to 15 is $10, which includes a carnival wristband for unlimited use of carnival rides. Admission remains $3 for seniors age 55 and over and free for children under 5, but does not include carnival wristband.

DAILY: Carnival rides; farm animals; flower exhibits; handicraft displays; photo exhibit; gem and mineral displays; bungee jumping; antique farm equipment; petting zoo; Hoopla the Clown; Short Attention Span Circus.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

PHOTO (Color) Camel ride operator Madyline Kenniston spends a moment Friday with humpback companions Kairo, front, and Sheik in Lancaster.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News

BOX: ANTELOPE VALLEY FAIR AT A GLANCE (see text)