With a perfect balance of old and new, the 2018 Clark County Fair, from July 20-27, has attractions sure to please everyone, from carnival goers to agricultural enthusiasts, first-time fair visitors and returning guests.
“We have a fair that has something for everyone,” said Dean Blair, executive director of the Clark County Fair. “Last year we brought in some really special attractions. We normally don’t do the same thing two years in a row, but some of them were so good, we’re bringing them back.”
In addition to fair favorites like funnel cakes and 4-H, there is no shortage of returning favorites, along with several new attractions that are sure to please. Here are a dozen good reasons you should go to the fair this year…
1. $6 admission + free parking: For the second straight year, the generosity of fair sponsors has made this low admission price possible. And you won't get gouged with parking to make up for it because that is still free.
2. Salvation Army 5K at the Fair: Walk it, run it or socialize during it, the second annual Salvation Army 5K to benefit at-risk youth will be held on Wednesday, July 25, at 7 p.m.
3. Pork Chop Review: The popular Pork Chop Review, hosted by Les Kimes, returns again with its squad of spunky swine in a show with amazing stunts and laughable antics, including hurdle jumping, waltzing and singing. Show times will be 5, 7 and 9 p.m. each day during fair week, until Friday, July 27, when shows will be at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
4. Firearms training simulators: This year, two firearms training simulators will be on the fairgrounds. In addition to the return of the simulator brought in by the local Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marines will also be bringing in their own simulator, Blair said.
5. Rides: No fair would be complete without a Ferris wheel and carousel, and you can count on the Clark County Fair to have both and more. "We are bringing in four new rides," Blair said. "One should be visible from Interstate 70, so we're pretty excited about that."
6. Bengal tigers and BenGals cheerleaders: Alongside the Nerger's Tigers, the most spectacular presentation of tigers traveling in North America, a few members of the BenGals, the Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders, will be signing autographs and taking pictures on Saturday, July 21; Sunday, July 22; and Monday, July 23. On Sunday, two of the BenGals will teach a cheerleading clinic for interested girls. When not performing in the arena, the Nerger's Tigers will be on display for viewing throughout fair week.
7. Air conditioning: If the heat has kept you away from fairs in the past, this year the Clark County Fair even has air conditioning. Both the Mercantile and Annex buildings will feature outstanding exhibits and, of course, air conditioning.
8. Bicentennial celebration: Take part in celebrating Clark County's 200th birthday while you're at the fair. The Agriculture through the Ages exhibit, a visit from Abe Lincoln, and bicentennial decorations in the 4-H barns all mark this historic event.
9. Truck tugs + tractor pulls: Always favorite events, there will be four separate opportunities for you to watch and hear the roar of tractors and trucks (and their proud owners) competing in feats of strength. The truck tug will happen on Thursday, July 26, at 7 p.m. The NTPA Tractor Pull will take place on Saturday, July 21, starting at 7 p.m., while the COTPA Truck Pull is scheduled for Tuesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. All of the tugs and pulls will be held at the grandstand.
10. Kids Day: On Wednesday, July 25, all kids ages 14 and under get in FREE, ride bands are cheaper, and free games for the kids (with prizes!) will be held at the grandstand.
11. 4-H and FFA: Clark County was the birthplace of 4-H, so it's only fitting that the fair showcases exhibits, shows and participants from both 4-H and FFA. The 4-H organization also is celebrating the 150th birthday of its founder, A.B. Graham, this year. Be sure to stroll through the barns and check out the cattle, horses, poultry, swine, sheep, rabbits and more that will be participating in the shows.
12. Music: With entertainers every day of the fair, this year's big tent entertainment, all accessible with a paid admission, includes Kate Hastings returning to her roots, Chris Higbee back by request this year. The slate includes a record number of 13 musical attractions, spanning all genres, and all concerts are included with paid admission to the fair.
“We are very unique, and there is so much to see here and experience,” Blair said. “And I think we have the best value going. We’re very excited about what we’re doing at the fair, and we just want everyone to be able to come and experience it.”
The 71st annual Clark County Fair will be open daily, from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., from Friday, July 20, through Friday, July 27. The midway opens at 12 p.m. each day. Click here for more detailed information on all things fair-related, including specific dates and times for events.