The Unofficial Guide to the Montgomery County Fair

Hello, I’m Holly Michael –  farm wife, mother, blogger , DMM crazy headline writer and communications professional who has worked at some of Dayton’s largest companies. I straddle the sometimes equally stinky worlds of agriculture and corporate life, so you don’t have to.

The 158^th Montgomery County Fair started today. Along with rides, food, livestock and handsome farmers in jeans (the fair is where I found my cute farmer 20 years ago), there are lots of great attractions and some hidden gems.

To help all the savvy readers of DaytonMostMetro.com make the most of their “farm fun comes to the city” experience this weekend, I have put together my top 10 must-see Montgomery County Fair attractions and must-eat treats.

1. Newborn pigs.  As a pig farmer’s wife, I may be partial, but my own kids, who live on a pig farm, may I remind you, can’t get enough of the sow (mama) and litter (little pigs) in the front of the swine barn. Little hands are welcome to reach in and pet the piglets, just don’t make them squeal or mama gets upset.
2. Montgomery County Cattlemen beef booth. Get your meat on at the Montgomery County Cattlemen booth and try their tasty sandwiches. Proceeds benefit youth beef programs. For dessert…
3. Ullery’s Ice Cream.  It takes all my willpower, not to eat this tasty treat morning, noon and night at the fair. Look for the booth next to the Round House, listen for the sound of the little motor they use to crank the ice cream on site.
4. Round House. Speaking of the Round House, head inside (you can even bring your ice cream!) and check out all the quilts, baked goods, scarecrows and vegetables on display. The Farm Bureau booth features a giant cow that young and old can “milk.”
5. Livestock Pavilion.  Visit real dairy calves and learn about different breeds. Also, check out the goats—all are happy to have visitors.
6. Grandstand. Come and see the truck and tractor pulls (Saturday) and demo derby (Sunday and Labor Day). If amateur smack downs are more your style, check out the extreme fighting (Friday).
7. Cox Concessions. If you’ve never had a walking taco, then you haven’t lived. Also, elephant ear. Need I say more?
8. Coliseum.  Check out the colorful, creative booths made by county 4-H clubs and the beauty of the flower show. Also the location of the fairgrounds nicest bathrooms—just a tip.
9. Masters of the Chainsaw. Seriously, watch some guys create a lifelike bear out of a stump. Very cool.
10. Midway. This isn’t some block party festival, it’s the county fair. The rides are big and fun. Get a great deal on a ride-everything wristband Thursday and Friday for $8.00 (Valid from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm only).

We’ll see you at the fair through Labor Day. Admission is only $5, with kids 12 and under free.