BARLOW, OH- Gates are opening today at the 150th Barlow Fair, continuing its legacy as the oldest independently run fair in Ohio.
Barlow Independent Fair secretary Abby Campbell, said the fair board wants to honor and reflect all the fair has accomplished since 1872.
"We are having an opening ceremony at 4 p.m., which is different than years past," said Campbell. "We have a large list of state representatives and community leaders who are coming to witness the grand opening. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony as well as some other local vendors to kick things off. We will also have our presentation from the Warren High School band and choir."
Today, all rides are FREE for everyone between 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The annual fair parade will begin 6 p.m. Friday. Saturday will feature a firework show for the first time in the fair's history.
Campbell shared her excitement about a special exhibit on display this weekend in the Lads and Lassies building.
"The exhibit is quite the collection of fair books. The oldest fair book we have is from 1881. We have over 50 books before the year 1950. We have those on display as well as some ledgers from previous secretaries and treasurers. We have a ledger from 1879 of the secretary's minutes along with many others on display."
Despite many new additions, Campbell said the fair is still sticking to its roots.
"Our roots are in agriculture," she said. "We continue to have large representation of 4-H and FFA members who will have a wide-variety exhibits in our livestock barn, but also have filled up the Lads and Lassies building with vegetables, home goods and things like that."
The fair is also partnering with the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley throughout the fair for an 'adoptathon' event. The last day of the fair will be Sunday, Sep. 26. For full event details, CLICK
HERE.
