ST. CLAIRSVILLE — For the 174th time, the Belmont County Fair will entertain residents and visitors alike late this summer.

This year’s fair runs from Sept. 3-11 at the fairgrounds, located along Roscoe Road west of St. Clairsville in the central part of the county.

Fair board President Ed Campbell said in 2022 that the board has applied for grant funding and received more than $375,000; with the assistance of other entities, it had raised $779,000 to improve the site.

“Everything is in the planning stages that our soil and water and our extension office will all be moved down to the fairgrounds,” he said.

This follows the trend of extensive changes and improvements to the fairgrounds that could be seen last year.

“We really do have a nice fairground,” Commissioner J.P. Dutton said at that time, adding that paving and three new buildings had been completed in the last three years. “There’s a lot of work going on there. … I think it’s amazing how far it’s come … how much progress they’ve made.”

This will be the fair’s 14th year at the fairgrounds, located at 45420 Roscoe Road off U.S. 40 west of St. Clairsville. Previously, fairs were held at the former fairgrounds in downtown St. Clairsville, adjacent to the public school campus.

“We’re very proud of this place out here.,” Campbell said. “We’ve put a lot of hard work and effort in it, but if it wasn’t for the community we have and the support we have, none of this would be possible.”

A new addition to the fairgrounds unveiled last year was the Collins Family Commercial Building, near the gates.

“We’ve put in a new commercial building right here beside the main office,” he said. “It was sponsored by the Collins family, Clifford Collins and his family.”

He added that Clifford Collins has been an all-around participant and supporter of the fair.

The building is dedicated to Clifford Collins, Nancy Collins-Vannest, Paul and Christy Collins from the Bethesda area.

Other additions included a new commons building measuring 60 by 80 feet and equipped with restrooms. The sheriff’s department also added a command post to the site.

Getting around was easier, too, since an asphalt walking path was installed to the motocross from the midway.

In addition, the fairgrounds also has a new horse arena for riders. The enclosed area is about 90 by 120 feet.

According to Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh, the Belmont County Fair is one of the best in the state.

“It is a celebration that everyone looks forward to, and an event that brings our communities together,” she wrote.

The Belmont County Fair has been a family tradition since 1849. Fairgoers can see livestock exhibitions featuring rabbits, cows, horses, goats, chickens and more. They can indulge in a variety of food options such as funnel cakes, fresh-cut fries, lemonade, Italian sausage sandwiches, strombolis and kettle corn.

They can enjoy live entertainment and amusement rides that will give all the thrill seekers something to get excited about. The fair supports our community by attracting visitors to the area. And let’s face it, the fair makes people happy.

“Kids and adults alike look forward to spending the day, or a week at the fair making new friends and memories that will last a lifetime,” Pugh added.

Once held on a 27- acre lot, the fair, now located off Roscoe Road, is situated on 162 acres. This site can handle the large crowds that tractor pulls, rodeos and concerts bring, as well as the many families and visitors that come to see the livestock, exhibits and amusements.

The Belmont County Agricultural Society hosts our county fair, and together with the Senior and Junior Fair Boards spend countless hours of preparation and planning to operate a successful fair each year.

They promote and support agriculture, industry, education, arts, and the youth of Belmont County.

“County fairs bring people together to celebrate what is distinct about life in rural America. Thousands flock to the fairgrounds each year, which means countless eyes see the work our youth have put into their projects and entries,” Pugh continued. “The support these children receive for their dedication provides motivation for them to not only continue to show, but to pass on the love of the fair to future generations. With a wide array of exhibits, contests, livestock shows and entertainment, the fair gives our area children center stage attention.”

To find out more about the Belmont County Fair, visit belmontcountyfair.org or visitbelmontcounty.com.