Warren County Fair returns to its roots
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A new mural is one of several projects teams of volunteers worked on this spring to spruce up the Warren County Fairgrounds. Photos: Courtesy of the Warren County Agricultural Society
The Warren County Fair returns this week with carnival rides, corn dogs and a full-on rodeo as new leadership tries to make the 176-year-old tradition feel like the "Warren County Fair" again.
Why it matters: It's been a bumpy financial year for the nonprofit organizing board, which sees this fair as a chance to get back on track.
What they're saying: "This is Warren County," says Chris Lutmer, who's in his first year as board president. "It's very important that that history stays alive here, and so does agriculture."
Between the lines: Lutmer says the community has come out with a renewed focus this year to make the fair as strong as ever.
- The board secured more than $100,000 in sponsorships — about three times more than any previous fair, Lutmer says.
- Three community work days drew dozens of volunteers to beautify the grounds and complete a new signature mural.
Schedule
🏇 Monday: Harness racing kicks off the grandstand schedule alongside junior livestock competitions and carnival rides.
🪖 Tuesday: Seniors and military members get free admission before truck dirt drag racing and the Armed Forces Appreciation Program.
🛻 Wednesday: Truck pulls, family activities, livestock competitions and 4-H celebrations fill the day.
🐴 Thursday: The rodeo and a concert by Floyd and the Walkmen.
And the weekend:
🚜 Friday: Tractor pulls, Barnyard Olympics and bluegrass from Vernon McIntyre's Appalachian Grass.
‼️ Saturday: Championship Saturday wraps up the week with the Jr. Fair Livestock Sale, ATV races and the always popular demolition derby.
By the numbers: More than 1,000 animals are expected to fill the barns, from cattle and hogs to sheep, goats, horses and poultry.
Beyond the barns and midway, visitors will find all the fair food staples — corn dogs, elephant ears and plenty of deep-fried favorites.
- Visitors will also find a few additional carnival rides this year.
If you go: 8am-11pm daily. Paid admission includes a ride wristband.
- Admission: $12 Monday-Wednesday; $15 Thursday-Saturday; $35 for a weeklong pass. Children 2 and younger are free.
The bottom line: "You come to the fair, you walk the fairgrounds, you walk the midway, and you run into people — and that's what community is about," Lutmer says.
- "If you don't have community and don't have fun, what do we have?"