COEUR d'ALENE - "Little Linda" is big talk at this year's North Idaho Fair.

Billed the "world's smallest woman" at 29 inches, Linda, a 35-year-old Haitian woman, is one of two new side attractions at the carnival that has drawn a steady stream of curious lookers.

Depending on who you ask, reactions to seeing her range from dazzling to disgust.

Most who pass by wonder first if she's real, only to get affirmation from those who pay a dollar or 75 cents (10 and younger) to enter. Some who come out feel sorry for her; others are amazed at her tiny stature.

Post Falls' Troy Brantley said he had heard about the "West Indies cultural exhibit" and felt compelled to check her out himself to make sure she's OK.

"I asked her if she's OK with what she's doing and she said yes," Brantley said. "At first I didn't want to go - I thought that it's rude - but I wanted to make sure she's OK. I think she is. She looked comfortable."

Linda, a dwarf who wears a size 2 shoe and has hands 2 inches wide, sits on a small couch and has several items in her booth, including a Bible, cell phone, music with headphones, a drink and fan.

"I'm full of God," she said.

Donations are accepted for postcards with a photo of her.

While she declined an interview request with The Press, she answers people's questions with short answers.

Brantley's wife Tiffany said she preferred not to go inside, but she's glad Troy did.

"I didn't want to see her and feel bad for her," Tiffany said.

While side shows are an age-old attraction at carnivals, many people haven't seen them at any fairs they've attended.

"I was born and raised here, and I've never seen them," Troy said.

After debating whether to see Linda, Jame Davis took her son, Sam, inside.

She believes family-friendly fairs could do without such exhibits since society has spent the past several decades overcoming judgment and segregation.

"We've tried to raise our kids to see all people are equal with the thought that everyone has a purpose and destiny in life," she said. "Things that make us different are OK and acceptable. I felt very uncomfortable for Linda and really had to leave the site quietly."

Others seemed amazed that Linda, who said she has a normal life expectancy, is indeed real as advertised and enjoyed the carnival's new twist.

"That was cool," 13-year-old Matt Jones of Post Falls told his friends. "She's worth seeing."

Carol Fairhurst was reluctant at first to visit, but curiosity got the best of her.

"I was surprised she's a real person, but I feel badly that she just sits there and people stare at her," she said.

Bonnie Hudlet said she wishes people would resist the curiosity and not go in to dampen a successful turnout.

"It's just not right to treat each other like caged animals," she said. "No one should have to sell themselves in any way to make a living."

Billy Thomas, who manages the exhibit along another side show called "Angel the Snake Lady," an illusion, said if the shows get a variety of reactions, his mission is accomplished.

"We're supposed to have something for everyone," he said. "As long as we're getting a response, we're doing our job. You've always got your knockers and laughers. But the price hasn't changed in 25 years."

Thomas said people shouldn't feel sorry for her. She has been on the road for several years - similar to other small people side shows - and is expected to retire this year.

"She has an air-conditioned home for her family in Haiti," Thomas said.

Thomas said Linda's wage is "pretty good," but declined to specify.

"Actually, we work for her," he said.