BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
OWENSVILLE -- The Clermont County Fair, now in its 149th year, opens Sundayfor a week of home-cooked food; hog, steer and chicken shows; rides; a tractor pull; and bicycle races.
The fair celebrates Clermont's rich agricultural past and gives urban residents a taste of life on a farm. Youngsters from throughout the county show animals they have raised and sell them at auction.
"The animals are really the stars of the fair," spokeswoman Lisa Kruse said. "(Young adults) put their hearts and souls into the fair each year."
The fair runs Sunday to Aug 1 at the fairgrounds on U.S. 50 in Owensville. More than 80,000 people are expected to attend, Mrs. Kruse said. "It's really a family atmosphere," she said. "It's really like a reunion almost, with folks that come together every year."
Activities begin at 2 p.m. Sunday with a parade from Clermont Northeastern Primary School to the fairgrounds. Riding on a float will be Hope Taft, wife of Ohio Secretary of State Bob Taft.
The sale of fair animals brings in about $250,000 for the youngsters, who usually use it for college, Mrs. Kruse said.
In addition to touring the barns and viewing prize-winning baked goods, fair visitors can watch demolition derbies, a baby contest, barbershop singing, bluegrass music, a flower show, a truck- and tractor-pull and bicycle races.
The Blue Ribbon Cafe, a full-service restaurant specializing in barbecue chicken and pork, is new to the fair. The cafe is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"It's down-home, perfect cooking," Mrs. Kruse said. "It's going to be a wonderful attraction."
If you go
What: Clermont County Fair When: Sunday-Aug. 1 Time: 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday; 8 a.m.-midnight daily Where: 38-acre Clermont County Fairgrounds (Interstate 275 to U.S. 50 - Hillsboro exit. East about 5 miles into Owensville.) Cost: $6 per person daily admission; $18 per person fair pass
