Montgomery County Fair celebrates 170 years: What to know, how to go

“Our number of participants has increased. We have a lot of new members in the program, and of course, most of those things are tied into COVID,” Wingerter said.

“I’m excited because we have so many new families, and so I’m trying to make sure that they all have a positive experience.”

“Everybody in my family does it, it just seemed like it would be a fun experience,” Simon said of her reason for joining 4-H.

She also serves as a camp counselor at 4-H camp, and hopes to be on Junior Fair Board next year.

“This year, I’m hoping to place well in my chicken class and my dairy goats showmanship,” Simon said.

Wingerter has been working with 4-H members like Simon for years as an educator.

“I’ve been doing it because it’s my passion,” Wingerter said. “It’s what I love — working with young people and adults who want to work with me on growing our future.”

Page attributes this progress to the year-round work of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds staff. In the offseason, the fairgrounds has a Main Event Center and Exhibit Hall, climate-controlled and available to rent for events large and small.

“I consider us all a team, and we work together to try to get the job done and to make our customers happy — that goes for rental venues and also for the fair,” Page said.

HOW TO GO

What: Montgomery County Fair

When: Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 10 through 16

Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton

Details: The 170th installment of the Montgomery County Fair returns for a week of carnival food, rides, games, livestock programs, live performances and more.

Cost: $10, children younger than 6 admitted free with a paid adult

More info: 937-224-1619 or montcofair.com