Clermont County Fair

Let me start by saying this is going to be somewhat of a cumulative review. I have been taking the family to the Clermont County Fair for about six years now. So this is a review of our experience in its entirety. All six years. Now I know that you probably shouldn’t do that. Each review should be an unique, individual experience in and of itself each and every time. However, I think I’m safe here because in the six years I’ve been going to this fair, very little has changed. It is pretty much the same thing year-​in and year-​out.
A little history before we begin. Started in 1846 the Clermont County Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Ohio. Originally located in Bantam (wherever that is) the fair moved to its present location of Owensville sometime during the early 1860’s. If you’ve ever been to Owensville, OH there really isn’t much to see. It literally takes about six minutes to drive through end-​to-​end (I know; I timed it once). So it’s an interesting pick for the location of the county’s fairgrounds and county fair.
The fair usually takes place during the last week of July, kicking off on Sunday with an opening parade. Now six years ago, the parade was huge. The first year we went I swear the thing lasted nearly two hours and my kids ended up with so much candy all of our pockets were full to the brim. So much so that my shorts were sagging low to the ground. But over the last couple of years, it seems as if the parade has diminished a bit. Don’t get me wrong, it’ still a pretty impressive parade, especially for a county such as Clermont. But the diminishing quality of the parade is starting to become noticeable.
After the parade, the fair is open and free of charge, a Sunday showcase if you will. All of the animal barns are open and the livestock on display for you to see (if that’s your thing). Most of the midway is up and running, with games to play and the various food options available. The rides aren’t running during the free Sunday showcase. Those don’t start until the next day. Various vendors are present, some selling goods, others non-​profit organizations giving out free stuff.
And then of course you have the grandstand where throughout the week there are special events that take place. You have the usual tractor pulls and of course the demolition derby. And there are various special events that seem to change from year-​to-​year (this year it was the Cincinnati Circus Company). And of course there are various contests and competitions that take place the entire week.
All-​in-​all this is a pretty average fair. There’s been very little that has changed with this fair over the last six years. The same rides, the same games, the same food offerings from the same food vendors. The price to get in is relatively cheap. It includes free parking. One day is usually Family Day (when we normally go) when admission is half-​price and includes all the rides (normally you have to buy additional tickets or a wrist band for rides). There’s also usually a Seniors Day as well.
A couple of quick notes. Don’t get suckered into paying extra for parking. The fairgrounds is smack dab in the middle of the town, so a number of residents offer parking for a price. Don’t do it. Admission into the fair includes free parking. Not every ride is included when you buy a ride wrist band. Sometimes you have to pay extra for some of the other rides. That’s kind of a bummer. Food prices can be pricey, so to cut down costs you may want to bring in your own water/​soda (they let you bring in book bags) and then you can just buy food. The fair takes place in July, so it’s going to be hot. But if you want to cool down, head over to the horse barns. There’s usually tons of fans blowing to keep the horses cool so it’s usually pretty comfortable in there.
While it might not be the greatest fair in the world, it certainly isn’t the worst. It’s enough for kids to enjoy and that’s the reason the wife and I take the kiddies. It is a great place to take the children and have a little bit of family time. Just be prepared to spend some dough.
Mahalo, and enjoy.