As the calendar has turned to September and fall is approaching, fairs and festivals are getting into full swing around the Ohio Valley — and valley residents would be silly not to visit.

The fun has begun this week with the Belmont County Fair, a 176-year tradition that offers all of the classic fair of rides, livestock exhibits, food games and more. The same can be said this week for the West Alexander Fair just across the West Virginia-Pennsylvania border.

Barnesville gets into the act on Sept. 22-25 when it hosts its annual Pumpkin Festival. That not only features fair and festival favorites, but also includes the crowning of the King Pumpkin at the annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. That’s always a sight to behold. Last year, the winning pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 2,196 pounds.

And the West Virginia side of the Ohio River gets into the act just about a month from now, when Oglebayfest and the Ohio County Country Fair are held Oct. 3-5, both at Oglebay Park Resort. That event brings guests and vendors from all across the region.

These fairs and festivals give folks a fantastic opportunity not only to see their friends and neighbors, but also see what their friends and neighbors are creating, whether its art, food or crafts. The region is full of talented people, and these events are a perfect opportunity to sample their wares.

And it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Ohio Valley as the air turns crisp and sweater weather creeps back into the area. The valley has always been a burst of color in the autumn months, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than to take a stroll through it.

So grab that sweater and head out to any of the multiple fairs and festivals the Ohio Valley features this fall. Local scenery, local entertainment and local products from local vendors make for a wonderful combination. Don’t hesitate to take it in for yourself.