CONCORD TWP., Miami County — A seven-day city of campers springs up near the livestock barns each year during the Miami County Fair, which starts today, Aug. 8.

And despite the advent of nearly $4-per-gallon gasoline, folks remain on a waiting list, willing to pay $140 for a spot to park their camper on the fairgrounds, fair secretary/manager Laura Kline said.

This year, about 300 campers are at the fair, including those of concessionaires and rural families for whom camping is an essential part of the fair tradition.

Dwayne Taylor, a farmer near Casstown, has stayed in a camper during the fair for 14 years with his two sons, Dusty, 23, and Dylan, 14.

"For me and the boys, it's definitely a vacation," Taylor said.

Fair officials hope even those without campers will treat the fair as a vacation of sorts this year as travelers stay closer to home to cut costs. They've emphasized "hometown activities" in advertising on Dayton TV for the first time.

Officials hope fair patrons are pleased with a wider variety of midway rides operated by Burton Brothers Amusements of Shirley, Ind., new to this year's fair.

An 8 p.m. Sunday concert at the grandstand features country entertainers Bucky Covington, a 2006 American Idol finalist, and Lady Antebellum. Tickets are $18 for track seats, $12 for grandstand seats.

The tractor pull returns after an absence of several years, and a group of horsemen raised more than $10,000 to ensure continuation of harness racing, part of the fair since the 1800s.

Those who never leave the fair during its seven-day run said campers give them a break from fair crowds and activities, as well as an opportunity to socialize.

For many families, a camper is convenient since their children need to tend to their livestock projects regularly in nearby barns.

"It's nice to have a place to sit and relax," said Kevin Gump of Brown Twp., who camps at the fair with his wife, Janet, and their children — Colin, 12; Carly, 9; and Chloe, 5. The Gumps bring their meals, then indulge in fair food the last day with a "'Grease' Night" on the midway.

Miami

When: Today through Aug. 14

Admission: $5 ($17 for a season pass)

Where: 650 N. County Road 25A

Rides: $16 bracelet to ride all day

For more information: (937) 335-7492 or miamicounty

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