The 2017 Hardin County Fair got underway today under cloudy and cool conditions. Highlighting today’s activities is the crowning of the fair king and queen, set for 7 p.m. in the grandstand, followed by the High School Band Show.

A total of 909 tickets have been sold so far for the Lauren Alaina concert on Saturday night at the Hardin County Fair. Judi Cronley, fair secretary, reported the updated figures on Saturday night at the monthly meeting of the Hardin County Agricultural Society attended by 20 directors and 14 guests.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked the Hardin County Fair Board to cancel The Great Bear Show slated during next week’s fair. But trainer Bob Steele and the fair board say the show will go on.

Did you ever wonder how well the grand and reserve champion fair animals will grade out on the rail? The OSU Extension office is pleased to announce the 2017 Hardin County Fair Carcass Show of Champions to be held Thursday, September 14 at 6 p.m. The annual carcass show will be held at Mt. Victory Meats, 670 E. Marion Street …

The Kenton Elks 157 will be honoring “Our God, Our Hardin County Veterans and Hardin County Service Men and Women” at the 2017 Hardin County Fair’s Veterans Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the shelterhouse. The songs being performed will be: “America, America,” “Patriotic Medley” (America, the Beautiful/My Country, Tis of Thee), “From Shore to Shore,” …

The Junior Fair Conservation Contest, conducted by the Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District, will be held Saturday, Sept. 9 in the Community Building at the Hardin County Fair. Registration has been moved to 9 a.m. and judging will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Swine flu and the safety of midway rides are concerns throughout Ohio as Hardin County prepares for its annual fair, to begin Sept. 5. But Fair Board President Howard Lyle said the board is taking steps to address those concerns and believes there are steps in place which will continue to make the fair safe for all its guests.

The cases of swine flu at some county fairs were discussed at Saturday’s meeting of the Hardin County Agricultural Society. Seventeen directors were and 16 guests were present and President Howard Lyle called the meeting to order.

Hardin County Fair season and membership tickets will go on sale all over the county this week. Either ticket sells for $20. These tickets will allow one adult and that person’s school age children accompanied by the person, free admission to the fair each day. Tickets will be punched at the gate and a hand stamp is required for reentry the same day. School age means until high school graduation.

Keep Hardin County Beautiful received two Sherwin Williams Paint Grants to renew a community structure through the application of 40 gallons of paint donated by the company. Deb Phillips, program manager for KHCB, said grants were awarded for the painting of the Merchants Building at the Hardin County Fairgrounds and for Will’s Costume Shop on South Detroit Street in Kenton.