Want to go?
WHAT: The Great Darke County Fair
WHEN: Aug. 19-27 | Full schedule
WHERE: 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville, Ohio 45331
COST: $6 per person, kids under 11 are admitted free with paying adult
INFO: Website | 937-548-5044
Each year, families look forward to the third Friday in August because that's when the nine-day long celebration that is The Great Darke County Fair begins. The fair, now in its 160th year, boasts an impressive lineup of rides, agricultural exhibits, fair food and live entertainment headlined by the Grammy Award-winning band Chicago.
There’s no better way to wind down the summer than with a family outing to the county fair. Here’s why The Great Darke County Fair is not your average fair:
>> RELATED: Darke County strikes gold in Best of Ohio awards
AGRICULTURE
The Great Darke County Fair is one of the true agricultural fairs across Ohio.
Thousands of animals will be part of the fair. Additionally, there will be competitions in the agricultural arts, domestic arts, fine arts and the flower department. The fair stays true to its roots by honoring these long-standing traditions.
The Great Darke County Fair also holds an expansive Junior Fair in which members of 4-H and FFA get a chance to showcase what they’ve accomplished for the year. Judging encompasses showmanship, character as well as qualities of the animals being presented. You can expect to see sheep, dairy cattle, horses, ponies and rabbits among other animals.
ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to the old favorites like the tractor pull, harness racing and demolition derby, this year’s headline show is sure to impress.
Chicago is one of the longest-running rock bands and has had 21 top-10 singles and five No. 1 albums. The band will be inducted in the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The show is Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37-$55 and can be purchased at www.darkecountyfair.com.
>> RELATED: Chicago to headline Darke County Fair
The full schedule as well as tickets for the special events are on the website.
FAIR FOOD
From funnel cakes to corn dogs, there’s nothing like fried food from the county fair. This year, The Great Darke County Fair will have hundreds of vendors serving up the quintessential fair food you’ve grown to love. Expect to see delicious treats like deep-fried oreos, French fries, apple dumplings and refreshing lemonade shake-ups.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
People young and old can feel welcome at The Great Darke County Fair because there’s something for everyone.
Of course, there will be “kiddie” rides for the little ones and even live entertainment including the Little Miss & Mister pageant. Kids can also try their luck at any of the various game booths, to win a prize.
>> RELATED: Guide to local county fairs
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