The West Side can brace itself for a weekend of tradition and revelry as the Harvest Home Fair kicks off today in Cheviot. The event promises a blend of rides, games, live music, and a parade that will stream through the local streets starting at 6 p.m. The long-awaited annual event launches with a storied procession at the intersection of Bridgetown Road and Harrison Avenue, winding its way to Harvest Home Park, as confirmed by FOX19.
At the helm of the opening march, spectators will come across, lining the streets with their chairs, World War II Veteran Henry Armstrong as the grand marshall, who marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy not long ago. While the fair officially swings into operation upon the culmination of the parade, the set-up efforts have already painted Harvest Home Park with the hues of festivity, with volunteers working Thursday to erect the frameworks for an engaging weekend through Sunday, Sept. 8.
Details from WLWT highlight that the fair is set to cater to various tastes, featuring excitement-inducing rides, skill-testing games, booths, and exhibitions. Today, the fair opens its doors to visitors for free, while a $5 fee will be charged for adult entry from tomorrow onwards. First responders, veterans, and children aged 12 and under are welcomed free of charge throughout the fair's duration.
"This is the biggest, I would say, the biggest party we put on on the West side and our oldest tradition," explained Stephanie Hawkins, the Harvest Home Fair Association president and fair co-chair, in a statement made to WLWT. This year's theme, 'Community Heroes,' taps into the collective spirit, honoring the individuals and the forces that stand as local community pillars.
As the countdown to the fair ticks away, Cincinnati.com provides a heads-up on what folks need to know. After today's opening event, the fair is free until 10 p.m., offering residents and visitors alike a chance to indulge in a historically rooted celebration that has adorned the calendars of West Side's residents for well over two centuries.
