Belmont County Fair Keeps Growing
Robert A. DeFrank Trending
The Belmont County Fair has come a long way from its move to the fairgrounds about 13 years ago, and the public will have a chance to see the full venue for events and showcasing of animals this September.
On Wednesday, the Belmont County Board of Commissioners heard from the Senior and Junior Fair Boards about the work behind the scenes that goes into making the fair a reality.
Ed Campbell, president of the Senior Fair Board, invites everyone to the fair, which begins Sept. 3. He added the work done around the fairgrounds has been considerable, with new drainage and water lines, campgrounds and additions to buildings.
"We have a lot of improvements going on," he said.
He recalled the first year of holding the fair at the fairgrounds rather than in the middle of St. Clairsville. Campbell said there were only three or four barns and the rest of the fair was held in tents.
"It was a real mud hole," Campbell said. "You walked in mud. We tried to keep everything graveled the best we could, he said about 14 new buildings have since been erected, along with paved walkways and concrete around the barn areas.
"We do have county sewage and water out there now that wasn't there to begin with," he added, saying they went from 50 campsites to 128 on the 4-H side and another 50 on the vendors' side. "It's turned 360 degrees from what it was."
Campbell also reported this year Belmont County GIG has run fiber optic lines to the fairground offices for internet service.
"It will be down in the barn area. We will be able to livestream all of our shows and our sales this year," he said.
Fair Board member David Jones thanked the commissioners for their support in these improvements, allowing the board to make the most of the 160 acres of the fairgrounds.
Junior Fair Board members also spoke about their work.
Kaylin Burress, president of the Junior Fair Board, said they have been meeting monthly to prepare and execute activities during the fair. Secretary Carson Phillips said some of their recent activities included cleaning up the Junior Fair office after moisture issues during summer, planting flower beds, and preparing for the selection of fair royalty.
"Now it's finalizing everything, getting the nitty-gritty stuff done, making sure all the trophies have been ordered," Phillips said.
Campbell commended the Junior Fair board and participants, saying they play a vital role.
"This is the backbone of the fair every year. These young men and women, they run the shows down at the fair every year, and without them there wouldn't be a fair," he said.
Burress said a new event this year will be a showing for people with disabilities.
"They get the chance to show an animal at the fair," she said. "This year, we're doing rabbits, lambs and goats. Right now I have a couple of kids signed up. We're still looking for more."
Burress said they will be paired with a mentor exhibitor. The show will be held Sept. 9. For more information, email thechampioninme04@gmail.com or visit The Champion in Me Facebook page.
Other events include a scavenger hunt and a mullet contest.
Commissioner J.P. Dutton commended the young people for the leadership they were taking on.
"They are just doing tremendous work and we very much appreciate what you guys do," he said. "The fair does not happen without the work that you guys do."
Dutton urges the public to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the fair Sept. 3-11.
"We have a phenomenal fairgrounds. There's some individuals that haven't experienced that yet," he said.
Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh and Port Authority Director Larry Merry agreed.
They also introduced Megan Watson, the new 4-H educator. She has been working in the county for two months.