Summer officially arrived at 4:51 p.m. Thursday, and that means there will be a lot to do across our region in the coming months — including the opportunity to attend a county fair.

The Tri-State Area’s county fair season opens Monday, when the Harrison County Fair begins its week-long run in Cadiz, renewing a tradition that started in 1847.

County fairs have a rich tradition of offering something for just about every one. Whether you enjoy seeing the displays presented by young people, like to admire the area’s top animals, listen to some live music, enjoy hearty helpings of fair food, are looking to spend some time on the midway or just hoping to catch up with friends and family members, a county fair has you covered.

Activities will run through Saturday and will include quad racing, rough truck racing, a demolition derby and motocross, a tractor pull, a square dance and events where the county’s young boys and girls will be able to show off numerous skills they have spent countless hours perfecting. There will be rides along the midway, magic shows and library day. The auction of baked and canned goods, one of the top events of the week, will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

What is the most anticipated event of the fair happens at 1 p.m. Friday, when the annual livestock auction is held.

Harrison County’s fair is the first of several scheduled throughout our area during the next several months. The Carroll County Fair will be held July 15-21; the Jefferson County Fair will be held Aug. 12-18; the Washington County (Pa.) Fair will be held Aug. 10-17; the Hookstown, Pa., Fair will be held Aug. 20-24; the Belmont County Fair will be held Sept. 2-8; and the Brooke County Fair will be held Sept. 13-15.

County fairs are among the great events the Tri-State Area has to offer. We hope you will be able to get out and enjoy them.