LEBANON, Ohio — Warren County Fair Vice President Joe Wilson received a chorus of moans and groans from those in the grandstand following his opening day speech at this year’s fair in Lebanon: “This year’s fair will be bigger and better.”

Bigger is often better, but officials at this year’s fair in Lebanon were banking on leaner being just as good. Cutbacks in the fair were a must this time around; this year’s was shortened from six days to just five after county officials last October gave the Warren County Agricultural Society $50,000 for operating expenses and other costs.

That money came with a strong warning: Be more prudent financially; racing is leaving.

“The entire model has to change and be more self-sustaining,” said Warren County Commissioner David Young.

The society manages the county-owned fairgrounds (where Lebanon Raceway is located) and runs the fair. It receives a portion of racing revenue, but revenue from racing is down drastically. This, combined with last year’s poor attendance due to high temperatures, led to reduced revenue.

Cuts were made everywhere. In years past the fair began on a Monday, but this year it began on Tuesday, saving some money in the process. Other measures were taken as well; the fair book wasn’t printed or mailed. Instead, the books were published online, saving roughly $6,000.

In addition, there were fewer days of judging, one less act booked and fair directors didn’t attend this year’s fair convention in Columbus and received few perks. All told, the changes and reduced days are expected to cut fair expenses by more than $25,000.

”We’re trying to save a little bit of money and pack all the fun into five days,” said Tari Maddox, fair secretary.

Attendees at this year’s fair had expected to see 10 hot-air balloons launch from the track’s infield following Wilson’s remarks, but a threat of thunderstorms put a halt to this expected attraction. The fair finally kicked off with more than 75 groups following the Lebanon High School marching band around the track as part of opening ceremonies.

Budget woes have hit this county fair. So, too, has the hot weather. Unbearable conditions last season kept many visitors away from the fair, which rests on acres of cement.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” said Ron Hurtt, president of the agriculture society’s board. “This year we hoped for a week of low humidity even with temperatures in the high 80s.”

The revenue balance hasn’t been tabulated yet, but humid conditions accompanied 90-degree days throughout this year’s fair and may be to blame for keeping patrons indoors and away.

At some ongoing fairs in Ohio, their officials are worried the state’s ongoing drought will dry up entries in popular fruit and vegetable competitions this year. The majority of Ohio is in a moderate to severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Thirty-five fairs in this state have or will kick off this month. Those operating fairs that occur later in the summer are particularly concerned about what the drought is doing to fruits and vegetables.

“The weather is certainly going to be a threat to the entries in our horticulture department, as well as flower department,” said Pete Armstrong, secretary of the Wayne County Fair, which takes place in September. “We hate like the dickens for it to happen, but we don’t control the weather. Unfortunately, you can’t do a darn thing about it other than talk about it.”

Summit and Portage fair officials said they’re concerned about entries, especially after seeing farmers lose apple, peach and blueberry crops this year. “It has really played havoc with the fruit this year,” said Diane Wise, secretary at the Portage County Randolph Fair.

Theresa Call, vice president of the Summit fair board, agreed. “I’m sure we’ll see a decline because of the weather this year.”

The Ohio State Fair, which begins July 25, reported last week a late flurry of submissions over the weekend pushed fruit and vegetable entries up slightly from last year, from 625 to 629. Nearly all the late entries are in the “Biggest and Best” category, spokeswoman Alicia Shoults said, adding “the number challenging for that title is down slightly from past years. It could be the result of the drought or year-to-year variances.”