It's that time of the summer again. The crops have been grown to fruition, the horses' hair has been braided, and the monster trucks have been rolled out to put on a show. Everything from the delighted squeals of pigs to the happy laughter of children beckons you to the county fair.

The Steuben County Fair returns August 16 - 21, marking its 192nd year in Bath, NY. This fair holds a special significance above all others – it is the longest continuously-running county fair in the United States. It has been held annually since 1819 without interruption.

If I had to use one word to describe county fairs, it would be eclectic. You can find anything and everything to entertain you. Not only are there animal shows of all kinds, but there are pie eating contest, talent shows, and even demolition derbies. And the Steuben County Fair is no exception.

When I was an intern at the Elmira Star-Gazette several summers ago, I was assigned to cover three fairs – one right after the other. I was amazed by the variety of entertainment people can find at a county fair. I wrote an article about a hypnosis show after talking to the participants who were still dazed and confused in the moments that followed. I wrote about a girl whose love for animals kept her coming back to 4-H show after 4-H show. I also got to interview the lead singer of the band Plain White T's a few days before they performed in Chemung County. I was the only one to get their autographs that night – they all signed across their faces in the picture accompanying the article I had written.

Yes, fairs are definitely interesting experiences. I have a vivid – and somewhat disturbing – memory of going to the Steuben County Fair when I was younger and watching my cousin Joe win the watermelon eating contest – slurping seeds and all!

I'm sure everyone has similar memories associated with the county fairs of their pasts. And one look at this year's line-up ensures the chance for more great memories to be made and cherished.

The fair opens with a 4-H and Open Class Poultry Show at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, then kicks into high gear for Roberts Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m. that evening. Enjoy the 4-H Livestock Costume Contest Judging at 3 p.m. Wednesday, right before the watermelon eating contest at 3:30 p.m. Battle of the Bands takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday starts with a Rose Show at 9 a.m. and ends with another demolition derby at 7:30 p.m. Friday night gets exciting with KRS Monster Truck Thrill Show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday is filled with horses – from the 4-H Horse Show at 9 a.m. to a horseshoe pitching tournament at 10 a.m. Country music stars Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan will perform on the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. Sunday includes an open rabbit show at 9 a.m. and a performance by White River Band at noon.

After you've had your fill of carnival rides and fried food (preferably in that order!), take an evening drive up beautiful Keuka Lake. Spend some time relaxing by the water while letting the kids splash in the waves at Depot Park in Hammondsport. While in town, take learning to new heights and wander through the Glenn H.Curtiss Museum. See the engines Curtiss designed to further motorcycle and aviation technology.

So much fun to be had – and so much time to spend making memories. That seems like a pretty fair deal to me.

For more information about the Steuben County Fair and other fun Finger Lakes events, call the SCCVB toll free at 1-866-WINE-FUN.