The first weekend of September means it is officially fair season in Belmont County, and the Belmont County Fair is one of the best in the state. It is a celebration that everyone looks forward to, and an event that brings our communities together. The 175th annual Belmont County Fair is set to start on Labor Day, Sept. 2nd, and continue through Sept. 8th.
The Belmont County Fair has been a family tradition since 1849. Fairgoers can see livestock exhibitions featuring rabbits, cows, horses, goats, chickens and more. They can indulge in a variety of food options such as funnel cakes, fresh-cut fries, lemonade, Italian sausage sandwiches, strombolis and ice cream. They can enjoy live entertainment and amusem*nt rides that will give all the thrill seekers something to get excited about. The fair supports our community by attracting visitors to the area. Kids and adults alike look forward to spending the day, or a week at the fair making memories that will last a lifetime.
The Belmont County Agricultural Society hosts our county fair, and together with the Senior and Junior Fair Boards spend countless hours of preparation and planning to operate a successful fair each year. They promote and support agriculture, industry, education, arts, and the youth of Belmont County. County fairs bring people together to celebrate what is distinct about life in rural America. Thousands flock to the fairgrounds each year, which means countless eyes see the work our youth have put into their projects and entries. The support these children receive for their dedication provides motivation for them to not only continue to show, but to pass on the love of the fair to future generations. With a wide array of exhibits, contests, livestock shows and entertainment, the fair gives our area children center stage attention. I invite you to join us in celebrating the youth of our community at the 2024 Belmont County Fair!
In addition to the Belmont County Fair, September is host to many other family-friendly events throughout the month. Friday, September 13th the Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society and the Ohio History Connection are commemorating the legacy of Sol White, a trailblazer in the history of baseball, with a dedication ceremony for the newest Historical Marker in Belmont County.
Next, on September 14th & 15th our county museums will be “opening their doors” with free admission in celebrating the local history of Belmont County. The weekend event, Ohio Open Doors, is sponsored by the Ohio History Connection and Belmont County Tourism. Participating museum partners include: the Watt Center for History and the Arts, Victorian Mansion Museum, Tri-State Military Veterans Museum, Underground Railroad Museum, Great Western School House, Belmont County Heritage Museum, Sedgwick House Museum and Imperial Glass Museum. Museums will be offering tours, activities, and much more, including food and special exhibits. Belmont County Open Doors Passports will be available at all locations during the event.
Complete your passport by checking in and getting a stamp at each museum, to be entered to win a Belmont County prize basket valued around $150.
And finally, the charming town of Barnesville is getting ready for its most exciting event of the year: the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival. This year’s festival, running from September 26th through September 29th, celebrates a remarkable milestone–its 60th Anniversary!
Over the decades, the festival has grown from a local tradition into a grand celebration of all things pumpkin, attracting visitors from across the region to join in the seasonal festivities. This year’s 60th Anniversary promises to be the best yet, combining tradition with new attractions and activities to get you into the fall spirit.
To find out more about all upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com.
Also, if you are planning events, please use the calendar event submission form on our website. We are your community partner, and here to help promote all the upcoming events happening right here, in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County.
Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, Executive Director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. Jackee will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.
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