Dozens of volunteers are replacing rotting structures, repainting buildings, and restoring a community mural at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon after the city issued several violations last month. The 176-year-old fair opens Monday, July 20, and runs through Saturday, July 25.

The fair has run since 1850, missing only two years during the Civil War.

The fairgrounds sit about 20 minutes from Mason, and the fair draws more than 40,000 visitors each year, according to the Warren County Agricultural Society. For Mason and Deerfield Township families, it's one of the closest county fairs on the calendar.

Amy Brewer, a fair board member coordinating the restoration push, told WCPO 9 on Tuesday, July 15, that community response has been overwhelming.

"Oh my gosh, we're counting down the days," Brewer said. "If you walk around the fairgrounds right now, you see people continuing to do all these kinds of tasks, and we're weed-eating and cutting grass and making sure everything is ready to go."

Crews are replacing gutters, repainting buildings, and hauling away debris. Brewer said volunteers believe in the fairgrounds and its 4-H programs, calling the property "a very valuable piece" of the community.

Among the most visible projects: local art teacher Ty Ball is restoring a large mural honoring the fairgrounds' 4-H community, harness racing heritage, and agricultural roots. Ball told WCPO 9 the mural carries weight for longtime fairgoers.

"There is a lot of history, especially with the local folks that have been coming here for a long time," Ball said on July 15.

Ball said the mural should be finished before opening day.

The city of Lebanon issued violations against the fairgrounds in June. The fair board has not publicly detailed the citations, but the restoration work suggests structural and maintenance issues. A joint press release from the Warren County Board of Commissioners and the City of Lebanon announced a proposed sale of the 94-acre property to the city, with commitments to preserve the Junior Fair, 4-H youth programs, and harness horse training. The press release said a formal agreement would go before both bodies this fall.

What to know if you go

  • Dates: Monday, July 20, through Saturday, July 25, 2026
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
  • Location: 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, Ohio 45036
  • Admission: $12 Monday through Wednesday; $15 Thursday through Saturday; free for ages 2 and younger
  • Week-long pass: $35
  • Ride wristbands: $6 daily
  • Tuesday, July 21: Free admission for seniors 65+ and military with proper ID

Daily themes:

  • Monday, July 20: Opening Day
  • Tuesday, July 21: Senior Citizen & Military Day
  • Wednesday, July 22: Natural Resource Day
  • Thursday, July 23: Thursday Rocks
  • Friday, July 24: Friday Funday
  • Saturday, July 25: Championship Saturday

Highlights include 4-H Junior Fair exhibits, pari-mutuel harness racing, an A-Bar Rodeo, OMTPA Tractor Pull, KOI ATV Racing, Derby Dynamics Autocross, carnival rides, live music, and fair food.