By Reid Forgrave
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It's time for blue ribbons and bumper cars, funnel cakes and corndogs, demolition derbies and dairy cows. Welcome to summer and the 2003 county fair season.

The first of the seven summer fairs in this corner of Ohio and Northern Kentucky begins today in Kenton County. The fun expands Monday when crowds invade Lebanon for Warren County's fair.

Traditions that have survived generations remain intact this year: lots of food, noisy midways and 4-H kids competing in livestock contests. You'll even find a milking-the-cow exhibition. But fairgoers also can expect plenty of new events: Daredevils performing motorcycle stunts in a cage; guys rasslin' with gators; and ATVs tearing up the turf. So, read the Cincinnati.Com's guide to these seven county fairs, and check out what's new on the midway. Just leave the calorie counter at home.

Ohio fairs

• Butler County Fair

• Clermont County Fair

• Hamilton County Fair

• Warren County Fair

Northern Kentucky fairs

• Boone County 4-H 7 Utopia Fair

• Alexandria Fair

• Kenton County Fair & Horse Show

State fairs

• Kentucky State Fair

• Ohio State Fair

• Indiana State Fair