The 163 annual Bellville Street Fair and Homecoming opens on Wednesday. And the unofficial opening already took place on Sunday with the Tractor Pull.
Known by many as the “World’s Fair”, the fair is four days of exhibits, shows, rides, free entertainment and of course plenty of fair food to enjoy. The fair runs from September 11-14 from 1p.m.-10p.m. each day.
The Bellville Street Fair offers local residents cause for a little pride in that it is one of only seven independent fairs because it is locally managed by the Bellville Agricultural Society Fair Board. And that means it’s also an agricultural fair with displays and competiion of agricultural products and 4-H and FFA livestock. And of those seven independent, agricultural fairs, it and Loundonville are the only street fairs, closing their main streets for the four day event.
“It takes a lot of work to get it together, but plenty worth it when it’s all done,” said Bob McConkie, President of the Bellville Fair Board.
Fair traditions include the tractor pull and fair queen competition, and popular entertainer Mike Albert will be making his appearance at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.
The only changes according to McConkie is that they have permission to use the lot where the new Mechanics Bank is scheduled to be constructed, so additional rides will be coming. McConkie did not know last week what those rides would be or if the Ferris Wheel be brought back.
“We are completely filled up,” McConkie added.
Rides and concessions open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and rides are pay-one-price to ride.
The Bellville Fair Queen contest is sponsored by Todd and Becky Sipe of Sipe’s Concessions. Griffon Jewelers is donating the tiara. That competition will be held Wednesday evening, preceeded by a tuneful march through the fairway by the Clear Fork Marching Band.
For more information including schedule of events visit www.bellvilleohio.net.
“It takes a lot of work to get it together, but plenty worth it when it’s all done,” said Bob McConkie, President of the Bellville Fair Board.
