'Lighting the path to a better future'

It’s that time of year again — the Athens County Fair features rides, live music, truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby and drag racing.

The fair starts Friday and runs until Aug. 10 – schedule included with this story. This year's theme is “Lighting the path to a better future.”

Don’t forget the crowning ceremony for the 2024 Athens County Junior Fair royalty!

The contestants are Rylee Bush and Eden Scali for queen and Alden Laipply for king

Pageant will start at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Grange Building.

Bush said if she is chosen, serving as queen will be an incredible experience.

“I really hope that the fair queen experience becomes an unforgettable experience in my life, filled with friendship, personal growth, and cherished moments,” Bush wrote in her essay to the Fair Board. “Becoming the 2024 Athens County Junior Fair Queen represents an incredible opportunity for personal growth, community involvement, and advocacy for agriculture.”

Bush continued, “I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on my community and inspire others to embrace their agricultural heritage, through leadership development, community service, and representing Athens County.”

Bush said serving as fair queen offers an opportunity to provide a lasting legacy.

“The fair queen experience offers personal and professional growth, lasting friendships, and the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy,” she said. “I look forward to this journey of growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to create positive change, as I work towards becoming the Athens County Junior Fair Queen.”

Scali said becoming the Junior Fair Queen has been a dream of hers for many years.

“For the past decade, I have been actively involved in my 4H Club, and 4H Camp. For five years I was involved in FFA through Alexander and Tri-County Career Center,” Scali said in her essay to the Fair Board. “All of these organizations have instilled in me a deep appreciation for agriculture, community involvement, and leadership. These experiences have taught me the importance of dedication and perseverance, qualities that I believe are essential for the Junior Fair Queen."

Scali continued, “The Athens County Junior Fair has played a huge role in my life by helping me discover who I am and shaping me into the person I am today. I would love to get the opportunity to represent our fair for the girls who feel just as strongly about 4H and FFA as I do.”

Laipply said he wants to be king and he is very committed to the fair.

“I would like to be fair king because of my current love and commitment to the fair,’ Laipply said in his essay to the Fair Board. “I currently am a part of the junior fair board and meet every month to try and make improvements to the fair. I am involved in 4-H and I am always trying to make the best better.”

Admissions Prices

FRIDAY, AUG. 2 - SUNDAY, AUG. 4 $10 - NO RIDES THESE DAYS

MONDAY AUG. 5 - SATURDAY AUG. 10

(Over 2 yrs. - Day or Night) Includes All Rides & Entertainment - $10

HAMMER TOWNE @ 7 P.M INCLUDED IN GATE ADMISSIONALEX MILLER FOLLOWING

MEMBERSHIP - $45

SEASON TICKET - $40

***** To purchase a Season or Membership Ticket you will need to come to the Secretaries Office on top of the hill. If you pay regular admission, we will reduce the total price of the ticket ONLY if you present your gate ticket.*****

VETERAN'S DAY (Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. )

FREE WITH A SPECIAL ARMBAND

SENIOR CITIZEN (Thursday only till 3 p.m.) - FREE

KIDS DAY Wed. Aug 7 (12 & under Noon to 2 p.m.) - FREE

For more information about the fair, see https://www.athenscofair.org/

Miles Layton is Region Editor for APG Ohio.