THESE ARE exciting times for the Belmont County Fair.

The annual September extravaganza will be moving into new digs when it unfolds Tuesday, Sept. 7. The move is one that offers boundless opportunities to the Belmont County Fair Board.

Gone are the days of cramped quarters at the old fairgrounds, located at as well as surrounding the St. Clairsville High football stadium. Now the fair will call a spacious new venue near the James Carnes Center home.

With the relocation comes an upgrade from the previous 17-acre site to a whopping 162 acres. Such a major upgrade is one well received by the fair board, participants and spectators, alike.

The new site is more easily accessible and features much more parking. Moreover, vendors and exhibitors will make use of the expanded space being afforded to them. The amusement areas — consisting of games and rides — will be able to branch out like never before.

The additional room will also likely lead to an influx of new concessionaires starting next year. The 162 acres allows for entertainment and exhibit options not feasible in years past.

The expanded location enables new attractions being added, such as a motocross race.

While the fair is a sure thing for the new site, work still remains.

But a group of passionate volunteers are working feverishly to pull all the loose ends together. We commend their commitment.

Even after this year’s fair comes and goes, the site will be a work in progress. A new grandstand is still on the wish list, but such is the case with such a major undertaking.

We are excited about the upside the new fair site possesses. It will allow for continued growth to an event which has meant so much for thousands during its glorious history.