The first weekend of September means it is officially fair season in Belmont County, and 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. The 173rd annual Belmont County Fair is set to start on Labor Day, Sept. 5, and continue through Sept. 11.

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.

Once held on a 27- acre lot, the fair, now located off Roscoe Road, is situated on a 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. 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. I invite you to join us in celebrating the youth of our community at the 2022 Belmont County Fair!

To find out more about the Belmont County Fair and all upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. Also, if you are planning events for 2023, please send our office the information so we can add it to our website event calendar and share on our social media channels. We are your community partner, and here to help promote all the upcoming events happening right here, in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.