HAMILTON, Ohio — There are 88 county fairs in Ohio and they are similar in so many ways. They all showcase rides, games, grandstand attractions and an assortment of modern farm machinery.

Many fairs cater to the idea that today’s fairgoers want to be entertained by events such as a demolition derby or a featured country singer. But not all; officials at the Butler County Fair in southwestern Ohio targeted young visitors this year, explaining to them what agriculture is and from where their food comes.

An entire barn on the fairgrounds (aptly called The Farm Zone) was the vehicle used to help get the word out about the importance of agriculture.

“Most of the public is naive when it comes to farming,” said Linda Martin, Butler County fair secretary. “I think people don’t give farming much thought. The Farm Zone has had great reviews and comments and was well accepted.

“The whole idea is to let people know where the food on their grocery shelves comes from. And in the end we hope we’re educating people on their food choices.”

Butler County is considered by many in this part of the state to be urban, with Hamilton as the county seat. But a short drive out of the city yields thousands of rural acres in any direction. Although 1,400 4-H members live in Butler County, only about 300 of them live on traditional farms.

“Butler County has less farms than it once had in the past, but we still have a lot of farmland around,” Martin said. “Unfortunately, those living off the farm are not connected with farming and have no idea what it entails.”

While the fruits and vegetables in The Farm Zone are artificial, they serve as a learning tool for inner city and rural children alike. With a basket in hand, young visitors pick apples from a wood-carved tree, dig for potatoes in a large sandbox and burrow for carrots in another planter box.

A lifelike adult-sized dairy cow with a realistic milking udder gives children (and even adults) a chance to do something found only on a farm. And plenty of children’s literature further illustrates life on the farm.

“The Farm Zone is one of the more popular attractions at the fair,” Martin said. “All the kids love to enter The Farm Zone.”

There are other reminders of life on the farm at county fairs in Ohio. One can find Grange exhibits, displays of needlework, canned goods, baked goods, antique farming equipment and livestock contests involving youth from farms. But talk to many fairgoers and one will discover they don’t realize farms are their main food source.

“The Butler County Fair has done a good job of keeping things rural,” said Belinda Moore of New Lebanon. “While the county has lost so many farms, we still have a good agricultural base and this fair more than others tries to educate its visitors.”

Moore has been attending the Butler County Fair the past 34 years. Her four grandchildren make an annual visit there.

Tammy Caudill of Blanchester has been attending the fair for 29 years. While three fairs in Ohio are closer to her in proximity, she prefers the Butler County one.

“My late husband and I used to attend eight to 10 county fairs a year and we’ve noticed the disconnect between the fair attendees and farming,” Caudill said. “Most fairs nowadays want to highlight their foods, rides and grandstand shows, and we’re losing sight of what’s important, and that’s life on the farm and what goes on out there.

“The Farm Zone is a unique way of getting people connected to farm life, especially the children.”