Kadence Tanner of Cadiz smiles for a picture with her lamb being shown at the 2017 Harrison County Fair. Numerous 4-H participants will be present throughout this year’s fair, which begins Monday, to show off their animals in various contests. File Photo

CADIZ — One of Eastern Ohio’s earliest county fairs begins Monday with a full slate of activities to appeal to residents of all ages.

The Harrison County Fair will be held Monday through Saturday at the fairgrounds, located at 550 Grant St., Cadiz. The annual event brings residents from all over the county and beyond to enjoy its demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls and livestock auction, among various other activities and attractions.

Harrison County Fair Board President Don Jones said organizers moved the 2018 fair dates up a week earlier than in previous years. In addition to the earlier schedule, Jones is excited for the addition of a rodeo to the fair’s list of events.

“For seven or eight years, people have done nothing but say, ‘Have a rodeo.’ So we are having a rodeo,” Jones said.

The Rafter M Rodeo performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Prior to that, though, the fair will host many livestock events, including: a sheep show, market hog show, a poultry show, and rabbit, beef and steer shows.

Opening day Monday will feature one of the fair’s most popular events, according to Jones. Junior Fair Night begins at at 5 p.m. and will include the crowning of a junior king, queen, prince and princess.

Monday’s events will also include a pedal tractor pull at 1:30 p.m., the sheep show at 7 p.m. and a Motocross event, also at 7 p.m. Monday will also be Senior Day and senior citizens age 65 and up can attend free of charge.

Tuesday is set to hold the poultry show at 9 a.m., market hog show at 7 p.m., and an off-road race at 7 p.m.

Wednesday’s event will be the rabbit show at 9 a.m., beef breeding/feeder calf show at 10 a.m., a baked goods auction at 4 p.m. and the demolition derby at 7 p.m.

Thursday will include the dairy show at 10 a.m., the horse show at 9 a.m., a goat show at 5 p.m. and the truck and tractor pull at 7 p.m.

On Friday there will be the companion animal show at 8:30 a.m., horse versatility and fun show at 10 a.m., the livestock sale at 1 p.m. and the rodeo to close out the evening.

The fair will be busy Saturday as well, with Ohio Mod Rod Pullers at 10 a.m., the farm stock pull also at 10 a.m., library day at 11 a.m., COSI events at the Birney Memorial Barn from 1-6 p.m., the peewee contest at 3 p.m., supreme showmanship competition at 4 p.m., a chain saw carver from 2-5 p.m., truck and tractor pulls at 7 p.m. and square dancing beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Carnival rides by Deschler Amusements will open at 5 p.m. Monday, and ride hours are 5-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-10 p.m. on Saturday.

“We are very excited to work with Deschler Amusements this year. They have done the Wellsville fair for years, and they are a very good company to have at our fair,” Jones said.

There is a daily admission charge for those age 3 and up with wristbands for rides available for an additional cost. Week-long passes are available as well.

For more information, call the fairgrounds at 740-942-8332 or visit harrisoncofairohio.com/events/.