Enjoy food, games, livestock showings and other entertainment

The smell of popcorn, hot dogs and funnel cakes fill the air while the screams of children on the rides can be heard for quite a distance as local county fairs shift into high gear this summer.

The fairs originated as a gathering spot for farming families and others early in our history — and still remain an important place for neighbors to get together to trade stories, ride the rides and enjoy entertainment, livestock and fun exhibitions.

July 18-23
Warren County Fair
665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon.

Harness racing, drag racing, a celebrity hog show and a car cruise-in are among the attractions. Enjoy shows, 4-H exhibits, rides, music, food and more. Future President William Henry Harrison arranged the county’s first agricultural fair with Isaac Evans, president of the Warren County Agricultural Society, in 1850. General admission: $10. Ages 5 and under free. Rides free with daily admission. Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weeklong pass is $30.

July 24-30
Butler County Fair
1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton.

The fair, which began in 1851, plans demolition derbies, a Broken Horn Rodeo and a tractor/truck pull as part of its grandstand events (extra cost). Admission and parking: $9 daily (four-day and seven-day discounts available). Children 6-12, accompanied by paying adult, are $4. Four- and seven-day passes available. Rides and games: $15-20, depending on day. Gates open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Clermont County Fair
1000 Locust St., Owensville.

The Franklin Agricultural and Horticultural Society staged Clermont County’s earliest known fair — an exhibition in 1846. The Clermont County Agricultural Society was created in 1849 and presented the first official county fair in September that year. Truck/tractor pulls, demolition derbies and music entertainment are among the attractions. Country music star Craig Morgan will perform July 29 (ticketed event). Admission: $10 (includes most rides). Weekly passes available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Aug. 8-13
Boone County 4-H and Utopia Fair
5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, Ky.

90th anniversary of fair (fireworks celebration Aug. 6, before fair begins). Various livestock shows, demolition derby and music entertainment are scheduled. Admission: $12 (includes rides, parking, grandstand events). Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, noon Thursday, 1 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.

Aug. 11-14
Hamilton County Fair
7700 Vine St., Carthage.

The 167th Hamilton County Fair will offer Broken Horn Rodeo, Ascend Pro Wrestling, motorcycle racing, demolition derby and go-kart racing. Once known as the Carthage Fair, the event began in 1853 and was canceled in 1861 and 1862 during the Civil War. Admission: $10 (rides included). Parking $5. Hours: 4-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday.

Aug. 31-Sept. 5
Alexandria Fair & Horse Show (Campbell County)
100 Fairground Road, Alexandria, Ky.

The fair began in 1856 and continues the tradition today. Aug. 31 parade kicks off the fair at 6:30 p.m. Check website later for schedule, updates and more information.

Kenton County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana, fairs occurred earlier this summer.