By Scott Halasz
XENIA — If there is an unofficial theme of the 177th Greene County Fair it would be “Up.”
According to fair secretary Esther Pierson many aspects of the oldest, continuously running county fair west of the Allegheny Mountains have experienced an increase in participation this year.
The exhibits, for which entries are now closed, will be larger than in the past, be it crafts, animals, quilts or vegetables. Ohio’s racino development has led to a larger number of horses entered locally as well.
“Racing in Ohio is really up,” Pierson said.
A bigger and better demolition derby is also on the docket as Smash It will bring five different classes to the Monday, Aug. 1 main event, including Smash It Class, Street Stock Class and Compact Cars.
The fair begins Sunday, July and runs through Saturday, Aug. 6. Admission is $6 each day with no re-entry. A weekly ticket is available for $30 which includes in-and-out privileges. A membership ticket, which also includes re-entry, is available for $25 through Saturday, July 30.
Among the featured items on the schedule include Granger Smith in concert Tuesday, Aug. 2 and an appearance by Xenia’s Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers Saturday, Aug. 6.
Wednesday, Aug. 3 is Veteran’s Day and the day of the canned food drive. Veterans and senior citizens can buy a ticket for $3. Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will also be able to purchase a ticket for $3.
The food drive was a success last year, Pierson said. Two trips were required to take all the donations to the food pantries.
The rides open 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. They open 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The fair will offer the unlimited rides wristband again this year. Wednesday is Family Night, which will include discounted wrist bands and giveaways for children after 5 p.m.
Of course the fair will have all the usual uh, fare when it’s time to eat.
For more information about the fair visit www.greenecountyfairgrounds.com.
