The Allen County Fair is preparing for its 176th year with more than $1.7 million in fairgrounds improvements and a renewed effort to recruit younger volunteers. Organizers will also celebrate America's 250th birthday throughout the nine-day fair, culminating with a fireworks display on the final night.
The 171st Putnam County Fair is underway, featuring a week of food, rides, agricultural exhibits and new attractions, including drag racing for the first time in the fair's history.
The fairgrounds has been part of their community for nearly 175 years — growing from an annual county fair into a year-round gathering place for Auglaize County.
“The community has really showed up to support us this year, celebrating our 175th anniversary,” said Troy Elwer, promotions and operations manager. “I just want to thank each and every individual that’s made their way through our gates this year. From everything I can see in the midway each evening, we are very pleased with the traffic that we’ve been seeing.”