Albany Independent Fair returns with fireworks, frog jump

*Tractor pull at the Albany Independent Fair. Photo via Jill Montle.*

ALBANY, Ohio — While it already feels like fall, fair season isn’t quite over — the Albany Independent Fair returns next week, Sept. 17–21, for its 131st year.

The fair will take place at 5201 Washington Road in Albany. It is one of only seven independent fairs statewide.

Albany Independent Fair Director Jill Montle said in an email that the fair serves “as both a celebration of community and a bridge between generations.” The fair provides an annual reunion of sorts, where people reconnect with one another, cheer on local youth and celebrate youth projects.

“Whether it is grandparents watching their grandchildren show animals, neighbors chatting at the concession stand, or friends meeting up at the demolition derby, these moments strengthen the fabric of our community,” Montle stated.

This year, the Albany Independent Fair will offer two new events, Montle said.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, the fair will host its first-ever frog jump contest, with prizes for both junior (under age 18) and senior (adults) divisions. The frog jump contest will consist of racing frogs; each contestant brings a frog to compete in a race. It costs $5 to enter the contest; local frogs only.

“This new event is being held in honor of Richard and Eydie Akers, a family with deep ties to the Albany community who loved both the fair and a good competition,” Montle stated.

Also on Friday, Sept. 19, the fair will put on a fireworks show at 9 p.m. during a pause in the antique tractor pull.

“We had hoped to launch fireworks in 2024, but due to dry weather and a burn ban, they had to be postponed,” Montle explained. “The best seats will be in our grandstands—but please note there will be no parking on the highway for safety reasons, and this will be strictly enforced.”

Montle said she is most excited about the frog jump this year, as well as the truck and tractor pulls.

“I also really enjoy watching our youth exhibit their livestock projects, because I know the hard work, responsibility, and dedication that goes into them,” Montle added.

Chicken inside a cage — *Scene from the Albany Independent Fair. Photo provided by Jill Montle.*

However, Montle said, the fair’s must-see event is its Sunday parade.

“This long-standing tradition brings together so many pieces of our community — floats, antique tractors, horses, the Alexander Marching Band, youth sports groups, visiting royalty, and of course, plenty of candy!” Montle stated.

Unlike the Athens County Fair, the Albany Independent Fair is produced by an independent agricultural society, rather than a countywide organization.

“Independent fairs … typically serve a community, town or group of townships rather than an entire county,” Montle explained.

“Albany’s youth exhibitors do not have to be tied to a 4-H or youth organizations to participate in our fair, they only have to reside in or attend the Alexander Local School District,” she said.

Montle said the Albany Independent Fair “has an incredible small-town charm that makes it unlike any other.”

*Demo derby at the Albany Independent Fair. Photo via Jill Montle.*

Scene from the fair — *Demo derby at the Albany Independent Fair. Photo via Jill Montle.*

“Our fairgrounds may be modest in size, but that’s part of the magic — it creates an intimate, welcoming environment where you’re never a stranger,” Montle said. “If we don’t already know you, you can bet we’ll go out of our way to make you feel welcome.”