One of Warren County’s finest traditions is free fair

The fact some local businesses shut down for the entire week provides ample proof of this community’s open love affair with our county fair.

During fair week, the only three things that seem to matter are: 1) the fair, 2) the fair, and 3) the fair.

For all the local residents who simply adore the fair, the wait is over. Beauty pageants, horse shows, and midway rides are on the schedule that begins tonight.

Our fair is unique because there’s truly something for everyone, no matter your age, race, or personal interests. The fair has a gravitational pull that attracts young and old, rich and poor, city slicker and country boy.

If you like to see animals compete, the fair offers goat, horse, cow, rabbit, poultry, sheep and dog shows.

If you like to see women compete, the fair offers canning, cooking and quilting shows combined with beauty pageants for girls of all ages.

If you like to see men compete, there’s a tractor pull, crosscut saw competition, and dozens of agricultural categories.

There’s even karaoke next Friday night for folks who like to see less-than-polished local talent.

Adding the proverbial icing on the cake ‘ or in fair lingo, the caramel on the apple ‘ is the fact all of this entertainment, except for the rides, is absolutely free. Warren County is proud to have one of the last free fairs still around.

There’s no gate fee and no parking charge. People are free to come and go as often as they like.

There has never been a charge to watch traditional favorites such as the Fairest of the Fair beauty pageant, or the walking horse show. It costs nothing to see bluegrass and gospel singing.

If you sit back and wonder how the fair can offer so much for free, the answer is simple. It’s through the tireless efforts put forth by fair volunteers that make it all happen.

There’s no charge to enter our fair or any of the shows. It’s no doubt one of Warren County’s finest traditions.