Family friendly fun, games, shows and other entertainment on tap
After an interruption last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, county fairs across the region are back. The fairs have a long history, rooted in the agricultural beginnings of the country. They remain a big gathering spot for county residents and others who enjoy rides, entertainment, livestock and other fun exhibitions.
July 12-17
Kenton County Fair and Horse Show, 2836 Harris Pike, Independence, Ky.
Demolition derbies, horse shows, pageants and truck and tractor pulls are among the entertainment events. Admission: $12 (includes rides). Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday.
July 19-24
Warren County Fair, 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon.
The first Warren County Fair occurred in 1850. The Fairgrounds has become a training track and boarding facility for harness horses. Harness racing and drag racing will be part of the entertainment. Admission for 9 years old and up: $5. Parking: free. Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. Membership/season tickets are $30 for the week.
July 25-31
Butler County Fair, 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton.
The fair, which began in 1851, is celebrating its 171st run. Tractor pulls and demolition derbies are part of the entertainment (extra grandstand fees). Admission and parking: $8 daily (four-day and seven-day discounts available). Rides and games: $15-18, depending on day. Gates open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Clermont County Fair, 1000 Locust St., Owensville.
The earliest known Clermont County fair was an exhibition in 1846. The first official county fair occurred in 1849, with about 2,000 attending. The Clermont County Agricultural Society, which oversees the fairgrounds, has been upgrading grounds and facilities in recent years. Country star Tracy Lawrence will perform July 30. Admission: $10 (includes most rides, grandstand entertainment, shows, exhibits and parking). Weekly passes available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Aug. 2-7
Boone County 4-H and Utopia Fair, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, Ky.
Various horse shows 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. 12-15
Hamilton County Fair, 165th Take 2, 7700 Vine St., Carthage.
Once known as the Carthage Fair, the event began in 1853 and was canceled in 1861 and 1862 during the Civil War. It also was canceled last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various grandstand events will be part of the entertainment. 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.
Sept. 1-6
Alexandria Fair (Campbell County), 100 Fairground Road, Alexandria, Ky.
The fair began in 1856 and continues the tradition today. Check website later for updates and more information. Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday; noon-midnight Sunday; 11 a.m. until end of horse show Monday.
