Hardin County Fair Board President Howard Lyle (right) presents Ray Davis with a plaque in honor Davis being named the honoree of this year’s fair. Davis was recognized for the honor after he announced his retirement from the board after 37 years of service and countless hours of volunteering.

Mike Comstock (left) presents a plaque to Paul and Nancy Rickenbacher during the opening of the band show at the grandstands during the Hardin County Fair. Comstock, who presents the annual fireworks display at the July 4th celebration at the fairgrounds honored the couple for their dedication to the event.

Wes Goldsmith and Jesse Purcell of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance hold copies of the new visitors guide developed by the Alliance’s tourism division. The booklets were presented to the public at the Alliance’s booth at the Hardin County Fair on Tuesday and they feature attractions, recreation, antique and hidden gems, places to shop, places to stay and eat and key events throughout the county.

Attendance was up for opening day of the Hardin County Fair on Tuesday. The estimated total attendance was 7,437, more than 400 higher than the 7,034 estimated a year ago.

Participants in the senior division of the showmanship contest in Monday’s swine show at the Hardin County Fair take one last look before the pens open into the show arena and the judge selects a winner.

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,” …