The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jack Colerain of Tampa, Fla., puts up some of the big prizes for his Bank the Ball game booth at the Hamilton County Fair Grounds Tuesday. The fair opens today. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

With new events like pickup truck tug-of-wars, quad drag racing and an alligator show, the 148th edition of the Hamilton County Fair opens at 11 a.m. today and runs though Sunday.

The fair is at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Carthage, near Vine Street and Paddock Road off exit 9 of Interstate 75.

Though there are several new attractions, "part of the allure of the fair are the things that don't change," said fair manager Dick Ingle. "Fairgoers will be able to win stuffed animals, eat cotton candy, enjoy the diverse entertainment, browse exhibits and even try their hand at karaoke."

Demolition derbies will be today, Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday derbies are mini-car and figure-8. They are at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, with heat winners from today returning Sunday.

The Quad Drag Races will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, and the pickup truck tug-of-wars, featuring local contestants, begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Kachunga and the Alligator Show, featuring a man who apprehends a 9-foot, 300-pound alligator barehanded, will be featured daily.

There will also be a junior fair petting zoo; a milking parlor with daily exhibitions; "The Showagon" covered entertainment area; rides by Bates Brothers Amusements; the "Days of Yesteryear" building featuring antique cars and farm equipment and classic furniture and appliances; a blacksmith; and a twice-a-night milk-a-cow contest.

The 4-H livestock sale will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, and the 4-H horse demonstration will be 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

If you go

What: The Hamilton County Fair.

When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., today through Sunday.

Admission: $7. Seniors with Golden Buckeye Cards and children under 2 are free, but rides are $5. Today, Thursday and Friday, admission is free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Parking: $4.

Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, near Vine and Paddock, exit 9 off I-75.

Information: 761-4224 or www.hamiltoncountyfair.com