COUNTY FAIRS are the staple of the Ohio Valley summer entertainment scene. They offer something for everyone while bringing young and old alike together.

We are fortunate in Eastern Ohio to have fairboards that take their annual shows passionately. County fairs are a year-round work in progress. The initial of a series of county fairs here in our area commences this week in Cadiz. The 168th Annual Harrison County Fair opens with Junior Fair Night on Monday at 5 p.m., and will continue through Saturday.

Fair officials have put together a spectacular event, one that will feature a brand new $300,000 show barn.

Not even the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s poultry ban has dampened the enthusiasm for this year’s fair. The ban will result in no poultry exhibits this year.

Nonetheless animals will be abounding in impressive numbers. Early reports have 164 hogs, 83 goats and 62 lambs on board, as well as 32 steers, 29 feeder calves and 29 market rabbits.

Animals are just one key segment of the fair. Entertainment, both musical and rides, are offered in abundnance. And what would a county fair be without food of all types?

County fairs present us with a chance to take in good old-fashioned fun. We encourage everyone to make a trek to Cadiz this week and treat themselves to a relaxing time with boundless camaraderie.