Bill Scharber speaks at the Clermont County Fair opening ceremony. Seated from left are Clermont County Commissioners Bob Proud and Dave Uible and Senator Joe Uecker.

Bill Scharber speaks at the Clermont County Fair opening ceremony. Seated from left are Clermont County Commissioners Bob Proud and Dave Uible and Senator Joe Uecker.
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

The 165th annual Clermont County Fair officially opened July 20 at the fairgrounds in Owensville.

Fair Board President Bill Scharber thanked all of the fair board members for the hard work they put into organizing the fair.

“There are a lot of good things going on at the fair board,” Scharber said.

Scharber also thanked all of the sponsors of the fair.

The 2014 fair also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Ohio State University Extension.

“It is the 100th anniversary of a unique agricultural partnership,” Margaret Jenkins, director of OSU Extension in Clermont County, said. “OSU has been operating in Clermont County for the entire 100 years.”

Kelly Royalty, 4-H youth development leader, said this year they have more than 850 youth enrolled in 4-H programs throughout the county.

Jenkins said they are thankful for the support they receive in the county and encouraged guests at the fair to come watch the 4-H participants in the many different competitions and events throughout the fair.

Ohio State Senator Joseph Uecker and Clermont County Commissioners Bob Proud and David Uible attended the opening ceremony.

“The county fair is such a special time,” Uible said.

Uible said his family, including his daughter, Emma, have participated in the fair activities for many years. He said that he is proud of the success of the Clermont County Fair.

“Clermont County has a very healthy fair,” Uible said. “We should be proud.”

Commissioner Bob Proud said he feels the fair is always a great family event.

“I’ve been coming to this fair since I was born,” Proud said. “We owe allegiance to the Junior Fair Board and the Senior Fair Board.”

Scharber officially opened the fair at the end of the ceremony.

The Clermont County Fair will run from July 20-26. For more information about the fair, visit www.clermontcountyfair.com.