Clermont County Fair Director Dan Hodges prepares to unveil new plans for a new multi-purpose shelter and show arena during the fair’s opening ceremony on July 24, 2016, which will be constructed by next year’s fair.

Clermont County Fair Director Dan Hodges prepares to unveil new plans for a new multi-purpose shelter and show arena during the fair’s opening ceremony on July 24, 2016, which will be constructed by next year’s fair.
By Lauren Fisher
Sun intern

Braving the stifling humidity and a heat index of more than 100 degrees, residents lined the streets of Owensville July 24 to help kick off the 167th annual Clermont County fair.

The yearly parade and ceremonies, however, came with some exciting news for the county’s young 4-H participants.

“This upcoming year, we will prove to you how important we believe our youth to be to this fair,” Clermont County Fair Director Dan Hodges said during the opening ceremony.

Musicians from the New Beginnings Church in Belfast prepare to perform live music during the Stonelick Township Firefighters Association Parade on July 24.
Hodges announced that plans have officially been set in motion for the construction of a new fairground structure, which will house goats, hogs and lambs, in addition to a new multi-species show arena—all of which is projected to be completed in time for next year’s fair.

“It’s been a long time coming and the kids deserve it. And we’re going to make it happen.” Hodges said. “We are growing – that’s the best part about it. We are accomplishing goals that we set out to do.”

The 2016 Royal Junior Fair Court poses for a photo following the annual ceremony during the Clermont County Fair on July 24.
Led by numerous groups of firefighters and police officers from across the county, the annual Stonelick Township Firefighters Association Parade kicked off opening day and included members of various 4-H organizations, the Cincinnati Syrian League of Honor, the Clermont Northeastern “Marching Rockets” band, volunteers from Shriner’s Hospital for Children and dozens of teams and scout troops who call Clermont County home.

Not easily missed were the political floats, which, in addition to those of local candidates, included a towering boat bearing the words “Trump Train,” complete with dozens of campaign posters, flags and a cardboard cutout of the Republican presidential nominee sitting in the boat’s driver’s seat.

Chelsea Beckman, a Clermont County resident, brought her two young daughters out to the parade, where they enjoyed catching the candy that was thrown from the passing floats.

“This is our first time coming to the parade,” Beckman said. “We go to the fair every year and they participate in the beauty contest.”

Beckman and her daughters weren’t the only ones ready for the annual fair to begin.

“We’re excited to get this fair underway,” Clermont County Fair director Dan Hodges said. “We’ve felt so humbled that this Sunday you’ve all made time to come be a part of this opening ceremony.”

Although Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud was celebrating his final fair as commissioner, he spoke of plans to stay involved with the veteran’s organization while he transitions into his new role as a stay-at-home dad.

“Thank you all,” Proud told the crowd. “The fair would not be a success, no matter how much planning we do, if we didn’t have people to come. So thank you everyone for coming to what I think is the best county fair in the state of Ohio.”

Clermont County Commissioner David Uible, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighted the strength of the Clermont County fair during a time in which small-town fairs may struggle to stay afloat.

“At a time when many county fairs are actually closing, we have an awesome fair,” Uible said. “It’s a commitment, it’s a great family event that brings everyone together. I’m glad to be a part of it and to be here this week.”

State Representative Doug Green brought forth a special proclamation from Ohio Governor John Kasich and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, officially authorizing the opening of the fair.

Following the opening ceremony, members of Junior Fair Royalty Court were crowned in an hour-long service that, for many participants, was the culmination of years of participation in 4-H.

This year’s royalty court consisted of Queen Carolyn Megie, King Clinton Liming, Prince Luke Jennings and Princess Allison Heck.

Industry representatives were also crowned during the ceremony, and consisted of Caprine Representative Emily Woodall, Dairy Cattle Representative Mikaya Esz, General Projects Representative Kate Novak, Pork Industry Representative Keely Ackerman and Small Animal Representative Madison Winter.

“The most important lesson I have learned in being a part of junior fair is that it isn’t about the ribbons,” Megie said. “You get so many experiences from being in junior fair, and even if you don’t place in a project, you still have all of the experiences with working with animals or getting the skills that you receive from doing general projects, which is very beneficial throughout your life.”

The 2015 Junior Fair Queen, Sydney Gacek, took the time to deliver a farewell speech to the crowd, sharing her advice with the new court as she said her final goodbyes to 4-H.

“If you see your time in 4-H as something that can only benefit you while you are a member, it will only benefit you until you’re 18. However, if you look at the bigger picture and count all of the things that this program has given to you, I promise you will see it in a completely different way.”