By P.G. Sittenfeld
Enquirer contributor

Dakota Waymeyer, 2, gets some tips from his dad, Bill, as he waits to ride his horse, Rusty, in the pre-4-H lead line class of the youth horse show at the Kenton County Fair in Independence. The Enquirer/PATRICK REDDY

The smell of funnel cake and kettle corn was in the air as Kenton County kicked off its annual summer fair Monday evening at the Kenton County fairgrounds off Taylor Mill Road.

"We want good weather, big crowds, and for everyone to have a good time," said Milton Mains, 66, of Independence, a member of the Kenton County Fair Board.

Kids whooped and hollered as Ferris wheels swung them through the air, and a few guys summoned the courage to mount a mechanical bull.

IF YOU GO

What: Kenton County Fair When: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday Where: Fairgrounds, Taylor Mill Road and Harris Pike in Independence Admission: Parking is free. Admission is $7 and includes rides. Children 3 and younger are free but need a $7 hand stamp for rides. Information: www.kentoncountyfair.org

OTHER AREA FAIRS

Boone County Fair: Aug. 7-14 in Burlington; www.boonecountyfair.org Alexandria Fair and Horse Show: Sept. 2-6 in Alexandria Clermont County Fair: July 25-31 in Owensville; www.clermontcountyfair.org Hamilton County Fair: Aug. 4-8 in Carthage; www.hamiltoncountyfair.com

The main event of opening night was the demolition derby, which drew the largest crowd by far of the 4,300 people in attendance. "It's fun to watch the cars smash into each other until only one is left running," said Tim Crozier, 43, of Independence. Asked if he'd want to be one of the demolition drivers, however, Crozier quickly responded, "No way!"

A tamer but still sizeable crowd gathered to cheer on 10 contestants in the Miss Kenton County Fair beauty pageant. The winner was 16-year-old Alyssa Whitson of Morning View, who said she's been coming to the fair since she was a little girl. Whitson advances to compete at a state competition in January.

At the petting zoo, which features sheep, goats, chicks, hens, rabbits and a rooster, fair-goers could buy a cup of feed for just a quarter to win over the animals. "I like the goats best," said 3-year-old Maddie Von Bokern of Bromley, as she pointed at the sheep.

Featured in the coming nights will be a livestock show and tug-o-war tonight, a talent show and ATV drag race Thursday, a truck and tractor pull Friday, and a horse show as the fair concludes Saturday.