Monday, September 06, 1999
Harvest Home fair changed little in 140 years
BY LEW MOORES
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CHEVIOT — What began 140 years ago as a way for farmers and growers to display their spring and summer produce has become something more over the years.
Yet, organizers say little has changed, except its size, about the Harvest Home Fair— produce, food, 4-H displays, and the traditional parade are still centerpieces of the fair, which begins Friday.
|
IF YOU GO
|
• WHAT: 140th annual Harvest Home Fair
• WHEN: Parade is Thursday, 6 p.m.
Fair starts Friday: 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday: Noon to 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 11 p.m.
• WHERE: Parade begins at intersection of Bridgetown Road and Harrison Avenue. Continues on Harrison to North Bend Road, proceeds on North Bend Road to Harvest Home Park entrance.
Admission: Parade is free; fair $3 adults free for children under 12.
|
“It has not changed much and I think that is one of the big draws,” said Dick Braun, fair chairman.
“We keep it family-oriented. It's a touch of a little nostalgia. Grandparents, parents bringing children. They were there when they were children.”
The 140th annual fair, at Harvest Home Park off North Bend Road, is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cheviot-Westwood. Thousands of dollars are raised and given to more than two dozen charities. It is called “Ohio's biggest little fair.”
“All of the money goes back into the community,” said Dick Feltman, secretary of the Green Township Harvest Home Fair Committee. “We also help make improvements to the park for the future.”
It is distinctly a west-side event, but it draws from all over; up to 30,000 people are expected to attend the three-day fair,and 30,000 are ex pected to line the streets to watch the parade that begins at 6 p.m. Thursday.
About 240 units will participate in the parade, including politicians seeking office, high school bands, floats, antique cars and fraternal organizations. The 1.5-mile parade lasts about three hours.
“It's kind of a hometown thing, if you will,” said Mr. Feltman. “It's pretty native to the west side.”
Throughout the fair's three days — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — there are continuous stage shows, entertainment and music. There is a horse show, art and flower show, 4-H club displays, a livestock auction, bingo, rides, demonstrations, a car show, food and more food.
The Kiwanis Club runs a kitchen that turns out roast beef, brats, metts, roasted corn, hot dogs, a variety of sausage, pizza and french fries.
“For most people around here, it means the end of summer,” Mr. Feltman said. “It's the last hurrah for the year.”
Mr. Braun said they try to keep the money directed to local charities, many of which benefit children.
“Our priority is children, wherever they are,” said Mr. Braun. “Anything we can do to help, we help.”
Planning for the fair takes close to a year and involves most of the membership of the Kiwanis Club, which numbers 150. Planning begins in February.
“It's still an old-time country fair,” said Mr. Braun. “It's sort of a go-back-to-your-roots-type of thing. We try to keep that flavor.”
Fireworks dazzle Riverfest masses
Put fireworks on your desktop
11 injured in collapse of apartment balcony
Ohio prepares for new lawmakers
Fatal crash leads teen to reflection
Aquarium to launch educational program
Hundreds soar to annual fly-in
Lockland helps its kids in trouble
U.S. House members to tour schools, starting at Clifton
GET TO IT
It's not too late for Florence Henderson
Bishop's activism to live on
Book might quell child-care guilt
Feds declined to study leukemia rate among Paducah workers
Harvest Home fair changed little in 140 years
Overdue, city plans new park dedication
Pride of owner shows in horse
still in hospital following pileup
Stolen millions fueled equine life
TRISTATE DIGEST
Volunteer symphony committed to community
