Which is good because this weekend is special. Fair leaders have been emphasizing that next year, the fair will still be on the grounds that have served as its home for more than a century — but in 2017, the event will not be on Labor Day weekend. Next year, the event is slated for July 10-15.
“The thing that’s special about this year — this is the best weather we’ve had in years,” Friedline said. “The weather is just spectacular.”
The rides, the entertainment, the animals, the food and drink — it’s all here at the fairgrounds, which by 2018 are expected to be relocated.
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Montgomery County government has invited developers to submit proposals for not only for placing the fair in a new home, but for developing the current 37-acre site for homes, offices, entertainment and more. The Dayton Daily News reported last month that fair leaders are negotiating with the city of Huber Heights to acquire an 80-acre lot near Gander Mountain, off Interstate 70.
Potential developers have stepped forward, including Synergy & Mills Development, Thompson Thrift Development, Miller-Valentine Group and Woodward Development.
Proposals for the 37-acre fairground site are due Sept. 23 with bids for the property starting at $15 million. The county, the city of Dayton and the Agricultural Society are expected to choose a developer in about two months.
Anita Rike, of Kettering, hasn’t missed a fair. It’s a tradition for her and her family.
“We love the 4-H, the livestock,” Rike, 36, said. “My son and my daughter make so many friends, lifelong friends, that they wouldn’t make anywhere else. And I’ve been coming since I was a baby.”
“Every single summer we’ve been here,” she added.
Franklin resident M.D. Curtis started off his Saturday with a trophy. He won “best of breed” for his California rabbit, a meat rabbit bred for market.
It’s the second year the 16-year-old has won the “best of breed” prize for his rabbit.
“I like showing my animals, and I like having fun,” Curtis said. “It feels good.”
Family and tradition also brought Jim Adkins, of the Germantown area, to the fair. Four of his children have participated in 4-H, breeding turkeys and rabbits.
“It’s fun to watch them mature and develop as they get older,” Adkins said. “The first year my daughter did it, she didn’t even want to pick the rabbit up. Over the she has shown rabbits, she has shown turkeys. She was flipping these big turkeys over. They gain confidence and knowledge.
“It’s a big family thing up here,” he added.
The Montgomery County fair at 1043 S. Main St., across from Miami Valley Hospital, is open until 10 p.m. Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Labor Day. Admission is $8 per person, age 6 and younger are free with a paying adult.
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