BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The smell of burning oil. The sound of hooves clapping the pavement. The sight of freshly baked pie.
OHIO FAIR DATES
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Clinton County Fair: In Wilmington July 11 to July 18.
Warren County Fair: In Lebanon July 20 to July 25.
Butler County Fair: In Hamilton July 26 to July 31.
Clermont County Fair: In Owensville July 26 to Aug. 1.
Hamilton County Fair: In Carthage Aug. 5 to Aug. 9.
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It must be county fair time.
Although fairs around Greater Cincinnati attract increasing numbers of paid customers, they want to attract even more. It's a difficult process that attempts to keep the traditional roots of the fair solidly planted in agriculture, while appealing to urban residents.
"It's hard for fairs in the area," said Ed Wade, president of the Warren County Agriculture Society. "There's so much other entertainment out here. We have to give them something they can't get anywhere else."
The Hamilton County Fair is trying demolition derby, and other events organizers are considering "mud and rubber" attractions. Warren County is attempting to draw more people through pari-mutuel betting, and fairs in Clinton and Clermont counties are sprucing up the fair grounds.
Still, livestock shows and 4-H contests are the bread-and-butter attractions at fairs throughout Ohio. Many of the Tristate's most urban residents have never seen a cow or petted a goat, said Joe Shields, manager of the Hamilton County Fair.
"Years ago, the fair was a way to show farmers new methods and the technology that comes with it," said Mr. Shields, whose fair has been a staple in the community for 143 years. "There's a transition from the agriculture showcase of years ago. Now, we're trying to make this a family event."
Battling urbanization in counties that once were farmland is a tough task. But fairs must guard against changing too much and leaving the old-time atmosphere behind, said Harold Herron, executive director of the Clermont County Fair.
"This is still a family event, and we don't want to lose that," he said. "The fair has always been a good time. We want to keep it that way."
Some fairs, though, find interest is climbing. Butler County is enjoying a steady increase in its more traditional fair. Despite the success, it must continue to promote vigorously.
"I guess we're one of the lucky ones," said Dan Martin, Butler County Fair secretary. "We're trying to promote agriculture as hard as we can, because it's still the backbone of our community. But we always have to look to shake things up a bit."
What's on the horizon? Mr. Shields said it could be computer graphics competitions along with animal judging. Mr. Martin said technology is improving each year, but tractors and funnel cakes have a place in people's hearts.
"Deep down, I think people relate to the idea of a farm," Mr. Martin said. "But we always have to look for ways that will make our fairs more impressive and interesting."
