Fairs in the 419

Each year, people come together to celebrate their communities and one another at county fairs. These annual festivities are one of the summer staples in Erie, Huron, Sandusky, Seneca, Ottawa and Hancock counties. In the Sandusky Bay area, county fairs have a unique set of activities for families, including concerts, rodeos, livestock shows, demolition derbies, fair royalty and more. One fair, the Erie County Fair, is expecting a mix of new and old favorites. The Erie County Fair Board is "very excited" to be returning to a full fair following COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. "(We are) bringing back crowd favorites like the demo derby, rodeo and NTPA tractor pull," according to a statement from the fair board. "We are also pulling the derby ball out of retirement and, as always, a full week of youth projects on exhibit and tons of learning and fun activities for kids." Local fairs are also an important community event. The first county fair of the year, the Ottawa County Fair, is looking forward to opening its gates. "The Senior Fair Board is always excited to see the youth excelling with their projects. We work hard to provide a facility that is beneficial to them and their families," Senior Fair Board Second Vice President Mike Lidden said. "The Ottawa County Fair is unique (in) that we are not in a city. We are out in the country and really foster a family atmosphere. The fair really is a large family reunion with a bunch of friends invited!" Where and when fairs are happening Ottawa County Fair When: July 18-24 Where: Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 W. Ohio 163, Oak Harbor For more: Check out the fair's website, ottawacountyfair.org, or the fair's Facebook page. Seneca County Fair When: July 25-31 Where: Seneca County Fairgrounds, 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin For more: Check out the fair's website, senecacountyfair.org, or the fair's Facebook page. Erie County Fair When: Aug. 9-14 Where: Erie County Fairgrounds, 3110 Columbus Ave., Sandusky For more: Check out the fair's website, eriefair.com, or check out the fair's Facebook page. Huron County Fair When: Aug. 15-20 Where: Huron County Fairgrounds, 940 Fair Road, Norwalk For more: Check out the fair's website, huroncountyfair.com, or check out the fair's Facebook page. Sandusky County Fair When: Aug. 22-28 Where: Sandusky County Fairgrounds, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont For more: Check out the fair's website, sanduskycountyfair.com, or the fair's Facebook page. Hancock County Fair When: Aug. 31-Sept. 5 Where: Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., Fremont For more: Check out the fair's website, hancockfairgrounds.org, or visit the fair's Facebook page.