Miami County Fair has something for all ages
Weeklong event opens Aug. 12.
‘There have been so many good deeds done this summer. They are taking pride in their fairgrounds. That makes a huge difference in how things are taken care of here.’
CONCORD TWP., MIAMI COUNTY The Miami County Fair is back — full force in 2022.
After a 2020 edition limited only to junior fair activities due to COVID-19 and then getting their feet back on the ground in 2021, those who make the fair come alive every August are ready to open the weeklong event Aug. 12.
“This year has been a good, productive year. Now, we are ramping up for the big show,” said Julie Millhouse, in her fourth year as fair secretary.
Despite that short time in the secretary role, Millhouse has a lifetime of involvement at the fairgrounds north of Troy.
She was born the day after the fair following her mother working in the Cove Spring Grange kitchen during fair week. “It was meant to be,” she said of her involvement and that of her dad, Don Hiegel, and mother, the late Patricia Hiegel.
Julie Millhouse Miami County Fair secretary
New to this year’s fair is Jessop Amusements of Indiana, providing the midway rides and some new food concessions.
Veterans Day is Sunday, followed by Kids Day activities Monday, among other events.
Fair Manager Nick Shellenberger said this fair has a lot to offer, from quality livestock shows to a variety of entertainment, a petting zoo, pig races, rodeo, tractor pull, dinosaur experience and laser tag, among other events.
“Although (the fair) is always a hectic week, we’ll make it through,” Shellenberger said.
Following this year’s fair, two major projects will get underway on the fairgrounds. A groundbreaking is planned for a new allin-one building to house the fair office along with agriculture-related organizations, including Ohio State University Extension and Farm Bureau. Renovations also will begin on the fairgrounds grandstand. Bids on both projects are expected to be sought in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, volunteerism has been alive this
year at the fairgrounds.
“We have had so many 4-H clubs, individuals, FFA groups and just good people come out painting, power washing, working in flower beds and in the horse arena,” Millhouse said.
“There have been so many good deeds done this summer. They are taking pride in their fairgrounds. That makes a huge difference in how things are taken care of here.”
Increased use of fairgrounds buildings has been a goal, with this past year having something going on every weekend. “It needs to be used to stay in good shape,” Millhouse said. “There are some things falling apart, but with the commissioners’ help, we are going to revitalize some things.”
Fair admission is $6 for those ages 9 and older; children younger than 8 are admitted free. A season ticket is $30. More information on the fair can be found on Facebook and at www.miamicountyohiofair.com.