The Clermont County Fair is on the horizon and fair board committee members are working hard to make sure everything is set to go for the 162nd annul event.

“We are getting ready,” Todd Slone, fair board president, said. “As we speak they’re working on the fairgrounds.”

Slone said things are looking good and he is ready for opening day. He said organizing the fair is a year-long task, and this year they have added some new things to the lineup.

“On Tuesday night we’re going to do a demolition derby, figure eight race and lawn mower derby all on the same night,” Slone said.

He said the lawn mower derby is new this year, and they decided to hold all three events back-to-back in one evening. The mega-event is called the “Back to Thrill Show,” and it will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Slone said the grandstand events the rest of the week will be similar to years past, with tractor and truck pulls held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and demolition derbies on Thursday and Saturday.

There will also be a new petting zoo at the fair this year with a variety of 25 animals, both domestic and exotic. Slone said the new petting zoo will be located at the west end of the fairground near state Route 132.

A traveling circus will be featured at the fair this year as well as a variety of shows in the entertainment tent. Local bands, entertainment acts and other Clermont County talent will perform.

The fair will also include all of the regular attractions and entertainment this year. Rides, games and plenty of food and beverages will be available. There will be contests and competitions all week long including the baby contest July 25 and a cornhole tournament July 30.

Livestock shows and other competitions will also be happening throughout the week, both open classes and junior classes. Slone said the junior fair is one of his favorite things to see.

“Come check out the kids and their projects,” Slone said. “Come see the excellence of what the 4H kids and FFA kids have to offer.”

The fair runs from July 24 to July 30. Admission is $10 per day, and it includes most rides, all events and parking.

Specials during the week include reduced admission of $8 on family day, July 26, reduced $3 admission for seniors 60 years old and older on July 27 and a special program for veterans on July 28. Veterans with a military ID will be admitted for free all week.

“I am excited,” Slone said about attending the fair. “One-hundred and sixty-two years is a long time for a tradition of a county fair.”

Slone said he’s looking forward to being the president of the 162nd annual fair, and once the fair is over this year, he said they will begin planning for the next fair almost immediately.

“The motto is Clermont County Fair has a good thing growing, and I’d like to see it continue to grow.”

For more information about the Clermont County Fair, or to see a detailed schedule of events, visit www.clermontcountyfair.org.