New events add a little spark to annual fair

New attractions like fun run expected to provide a boost in attendance.

The Warren County Fair is one of the oldest in the state, dating back to 1850, and this year celebrating its 169th anniversary with several new events and attractions.

“There are always new and exciting things at the fair,” said Gene Steiner, president of the Warren County Agricultural Society, better known as the fair board.

The fair takes place from July 15-20 at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon. New events are scheduled each day for the duration of the fair.

“On Monday and Tuesday, we have drag racing going on during the evening. We also have two nights of rodeo, and the week closes out with a demolition derby on Saturday,” Becky Obsourne said.

One new event happening this year is the first Warren County

Fair Fun Run on Saturday, July 20. The course starts and finishes on the horse track at the fairgrounds.

“Another new thing we have this year is that Powder Keg Harley Davidson is a sponsor Tuesday night and the Kevin McCoy band will be performing,” Osbourne said.

The fair grandstand, used for placing bets on horse racing and for other events at the fair, was demolished in March of 2017. An event center is being constructed in its place, but it will not be in use this year.

“Due to bad weather and other obstacles, we couldn’t get the event center done in time,” Steiner said.

However, Obsourne notes that they plan on the event center being completed in February and in use at the fair in 2020.

Despite the lack of an event center, there will be an event tent that will house various bands performing and other activities, such as karaoke and a magic show.

Obsourne says that they hope for a boost in attendance this year.

“Our hope is certainly that the new events bring new clientele in,” Obsourne said. “Maybe some have been to other events at the fairgrounds. We have a lot to offer this year.”

A full schedule of the events is available at www. warrencountyfairohio.org