Few things hold the heart of a child more captive than a nice day at the fair.

And although they all enjoy the rides, the wiener-dog balloons and the great, big rainbow Sno-Cones, is there anything that puts a sparkle in their eyes quite like that first tattoo?

Relax, parents: It’s nothing that a hot bath and a terry-cloth towel won’t take care of — at least if the tattoo comes from a visit to the Airbrush Ink Temporary Tattoos and Body Art booth at the Jackson County Fair this weekend.

The tattoo ink at the booth is "alcohol-based," says Renee Langue, who owns the business. "That’s all non-toxic; it’s not harmful to the skin."

"I want number 87," instructs McKenzie Grant, 13, of Portland, who visited Langue’s booth Thursday.

Number 87 turns out to be a cryptic-looking symbol meaning "Love" — of Chinese origin, according to Langue.

McKenzie decides it is, "Good, very good."

Older sister Cherelle, 15, has chosen a mushroom.

"Just because it’s the only one I think is kind of cute," she says.

The painless operation cost the girls $6 each — the most expensive body art at the booth is $20.

Temporary tattoos and July temperatures do not mix well, however, so Langue adds a finish of baby powder to protect her handiwork from perspiration.

Would the girls consider getting a real tattoo, someday? Maybe when they’re older, they say.

"I do a lot of armbands, a lot of butterflies, that kind of thing," says Langue, listing her most commonly requested pieces.

If temporary tattoos are not taboo enough for you, however, you might check out the body piercing station across the way.

For under $40 you can mutilate the body part of your choice — be it belly button, ear, eyebrow or nose — the needle knows no boundaries when it comes to this popular rite of passage.

"Probably tongues and belly buttons" are the most popular piercings, says 17-year-old Heather Abegg of Grants Pass.

Abegg works at the booth run by her sister’s Medford piercing salon, "Cuttin’ Up."

Body piercing is off limits to the little ones, however.

"If you are under 18, you have to have a parent or guardian sign for you," says Abegg. "And we have to photocopy your I.D. and everything, but most of the people are over 18."

A prominent sign above the kiosk lists the business as a licensed operation.

Other unique attractions abound at the fairgrounds.

"Your Name on a Grain of Rice," proclaims one exhibit. In another booth, free handouts are available on "The Key of Immediate Enlightenment," for Rogue Valley residents with a yen for higher understanding.

And don’t miss the live "infomercials" in the Compton Arena.

"Clean your glasses for you today, sir?" says a woman who is employed doing the same.

"The kids get home from school, and what are they ...?" asks a marketer of his food-processor-loving audience.

"Hungry! Am I right ... ?" he chuckles.

The arena is abuzz with activity — from bungee jumpers, to leather peddlers, salsa maker salespeople, and hot tub hawkers ... there is even a booth for the Republicans of Jackson County.

Get it all now, Rogue Valley, at your local county fair.

Reach reporter Christian Bringhurst at 776-4459 or by e-mail at news@mailtribune.com