Going out

        County Fair: The 146th annual Hamilton County Fair roars into high gear with piles of prize produce, livestock all over the place, plenty of fair food, a bunch of rides to churn it up after lunch, shows and more. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. today through Sunday, Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Vine Street, Carthage. 761-4224.

        Sports nutrition: Don't know what to feed your athletic kids before the big meet, match, game, race? You need The Official Snack Guide for Beleaguered Sports Parents. Authors Rita Nader Heikenfeld, Dawn Weatherwax, Joan MacEachen Manzo and Ellen Shuman will discuss sign and share tips. 7 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        At Bogart's: It's a hot ska-punk double bill when Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger shake the walls and rattle the windows with Homegrown, Movie Life and Riddlin' Kids opening the show. 8 p.m. today, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $20. 562-4949.

        On the cheap: See a great old movie with popcorn and a drink thrown in, all for one American buck. It's the hilarious Cary Grant-Rosalind Russell comedy His Girl Friday. Showtime is 1 p.m., the venues are: Today, Showcase Cinemas Western Hills, 5870 Harrison Ave., 574-7777; Thursday, Showcase Cinemas Cincinnati (Norwood), 1701 Showcase Drive, 351-2232.

The Goods

        CD picks: Now 7 ($18.98 CD, $12.98 cassette) is the latest in the hits collection series, combing Destiny's Child, Janet Jackson, 'NSync, Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, R. Kelly, Britney Spears and Aerosmith.

        • Guit-steel master Junior Brown surfs, swings and honky-tonks through Mixed Bag (Curb; $17.98 CD only).

        • O Brother, Where Art Thou singer Gillian Welch delivers Time (the Relevator) (Acony; $16.98 CD only).

        • Cincinnati's foremost DJ, Hi Tek, shows up on Snoop Dog Presents the Eastsidaz' Duces N Trayz (TVT; $17.98 CD, $11.98 cassette).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: It's a modern take on Appalachian roots as Zoe Speaks twangs up the Coffee Cup Concert Series at Behringer-Crawford Museum. 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Devou Park, Covington. $10. (859) 491-4003.

        48 hours out: The Sterling & Reid Brothers 3-Ring Circus sets up shop in Anderson Township's Clear Creek Park for nine performances, Friday-Sunday. U.S. 32, west of Newtown. $15 adults, $5.75 children (discounts available). (941) 365-7511.

        72 hours 'til Saturday: The Lebanon Blues Festival brings a long list of local and regional acts including Greg Clark & the Royal Blues and Madcat & Kane to East Mulberry Street. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., free. (513) 933-7225.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

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