168th Athens County Fair opens Aug. 4

ATHENS, Ohio — The best of local agriculture and more will be on display at the Athens County Fair, which opens for the 168th time next week. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this annual late-summer tradition.

Fair premium book

Going to the fair

Gates open
Noon–midnight Friday, Aug. 4
8 a.m.–midnight Saturday, Aug. 5–Sunday, Aug. 6
6 a.m.–midnight Monday, Aug. 7–Saturday, Aug. 12
Passholders only may enter through the Bedrock (main) Gate between midnight and 6 a.m. beginning Sunday.

Fairgrounds map

Admission
Reduced admission (age 2 and up): $5 Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5.
Regular admission: (age 2 and up): $10 Sunday, Aug. 6–Saturday, Aug. 12.
Membership: $45.
Season tickets: $40.
Free admission for senior citizens: Thursday, Aug. 10, until 3 p.m.
Free admission for veterans: Monday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Free admission for age 12 and under: Wednesday, Aug. 9, noon–3 p.m.

Parking
Admission include parking.

Mobility assistance
Golf carts with volunteer drivers will be available Monday, Aug. 7–Saturday, Aug. 12.

Food
Vendors include Federal Hocking FFA, Alexander Lions Club, Dogs Gone Wild, Tornado Potato, A-Town Pies & Fries, Bloomin’ Onion, Mister Softee and Ali Baba’s Gyros.

Schedule highlights

Friday, Aug. 4 (no rides)
4 p.m.–9 p.m.: Junior Fair booth setup
5 p.m.: Pari-mutuel harness racing, Grandstand

Saturday, Aug. 5 (no rides)
7–9 a.m.: Swine check-in
9–10 a.m.: Poultry and rabbits check-in
10 a.m.: Market turkeys check-in
Noon: Pari-mutuel harness racing, Grandstand
6–8 p.m.: Cattle, sheep and goats check-in 

Sunday, Aug. 6 (no rides)
9 a.m.: Garden Tractor Pull, Grandstand
4:30 p.m.: Junior Fair Parade, Grandstand
7 p.m.: Live Music: Renee Stewart Band followed by Heart Break Ridge, Grandstand
7:30 p.m.: Cornhole tournament, Swine Arena

Monday, Aug. 7
8 a.m.: Junior Fair Swine Show; Great Pumpkin/Squash Contest entries in place
9 a.m.: Open Class Horticulture judging; Horses Ranch contest
11:30 a.m.: Scavenger Hunt opens, AG/NR Building
Noon: Little Kids Bike Parade, Midway (registration and lineup at 11:30 a.m.)
1–11 p.m.: Rides open, pending completion of state inspection
1:30 p.m.: Open Class Hay Show, AG/NR Building
4 p.m.: “Benefits of a Controlled Burn,” AG/NR Building
7 p.m.: Tough Track, Grandstand

Tuesday, Aug. 8
9 a.m.: Junior Fair Rabbit Show; Beef Showmanship begins; Antiques judging; Baked Goods judging
11:30 a.m.: “Reptiles: Facts & Fiction,” AG/NR Building
Noon–11 p.m.: Rides open
12:30 p.m.: “Reptiles: Facts & Fiction,” AG/NR Building
2 p.m.: Cookie Decorating Contest, Hillside Stage
5:30 p.m.: Junior Fair Dairy Market Steer Show
7 p.m.: Junior Fair Market Steer Show; FastTraxx Motocross, Grandstand

Wednesday, Aug. 9
8 a.m.: Junior Fair Poultry Showmanship begins; Horse, English/Western
9 a.m.: Dairy Goat Show
10:30 a.m.: “Birds of Prey,” AG/NR Building
Noon–11 p.m.: Rides open
12:30 p.m.: “The Wonder of Water,” AG/NR Building
1 p.m.: Market Goat Show
5:30 p.m.: Sheep Show begins
6 p.m.: Battle of the Bands, Hillside Stage
7 p.m.: KOI Drag Racing, Grandstand

Thursday, Aug. 10
9 a.m.: Dairy Show, Dairy Arena
10 a.m.: Animal Dress-Up Contest, Swine Arena
Noon–11 p.m.: Rides open
1 p.m.: Kiddie Tractor Pull, Swine Arena
2 p.m.: Iron Chef Competition, Hillside Stage
3 p.m.: Livestock Judging, Swine Arena
5 p.m.: Cattle Fitting Contest, Swine Arena
7 p.m.: Demolition Derby, Grandstand

Friday, Aug. 11
9 a.m.: Ultimate Showmanship, Swine Arena
Noon–11 p.m.: Rides open
2 p.m.: Buyers Reception, AG/NR Building
3 p.m.: Junior Fair Livestock Sale begins
7 p.m.: Horse Pull, Grandstand

Saturday, Aug. 12
8 a.m.: All livestock and Junior Fair booths released
11 a.m.: Junior Fair Board Fun Day, Swine Arena
Noon–midnight.: Rides open
2 p.m.: Outhouse Races, Grandstand
6 p.m.: Truck and Tractor Pull, Grandstand
8 p.m.: All other exhibits released
9 p.m.: Barn Dance, Swine Arena