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Kenton Today
By the People, for the People
Hardin County Fairgrounds Closed Indefinitely After Tornado Damage
Fair organizers vow the annual event will still take place despite widespread destruction across the grounds.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:53pm
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The Hardin County Fairgrounds, once a vibrant hub of community activity, now lies in the shadow of a powerful tornado's destruction.Kenton TodayA tornado that struck Kenton, Ohio last week caused significant damage to the Hardin County Fairgrounds, forcing the facility to close indefinitely as officials assess the destruction and work with insurance representatives. Despite the widespread damage to multiple buildings and infrastructure, fair board members have assured the community that the annual Hardin County Fair will still take place as planned, though the event may look a bit different this year.
Why it matters
The Hardin County Fair is a longstanding tradition and important annual event for the local community, drawing crowds from across the region. The fairgrounds serve as a hub for 4-H, FFA, and other agricultural activities throughout the year. Ensuring the fair can still proceed despite the tornado damage is crucial for maintaining community spirit and supporting the region's agricultural heritage.
The details
According to the National Weather Service, an EF1 tornado with peak winds of 90 mph struck just south of Kenton on March 26, carving a path of destruction across the fairgrounds. Multiple buildings were severely damaged, including the Machinery Building, Poultry and Rabbit Building, Cattle Producers Steak Barn, Arts and Crafts Building, Pork Producers Building, Maintenance Shop, Roundhouse, Grandstand, Goshen barn, and Youth and Ag Center. Power lines and poles were also knocked down, prompting the fairgrounds to close indefinitely for safety assessments.
- The tornado struck on March 26, 2026.
- The fairgrounds have been closed indefinitely since the storm.
The players
Jake McFadden
A director on the Hardin County Fairboard.
Randy
The dedicated caretaker who lives on the fairgrounds, whose home was not damaged in the storm.
What they’re saying
“We're just as devastated with the destruction at the fairgrounds caused by a serious weather event.”
— Jake McFadden, Fairboard Director
“Make no mistake, we will have a Hardin County Fair this year. We will rebuild. Things may just look a little different for a while.”
— Jake McFadden, Fairboard Director
What’s next
The fair board is working with insurance representatives and assessing safety before allowing volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts. The board has emphasized that the annual Hardin County Fair will still take place as planned, though the event may look different this year due to the damage.
The takeaway
The resilience and determination of the Hardin County Fair organizers to keep the longstanding community tradition alive, even in the face of significant tornado damage, highlights the importance of this annual event for the local agricultural community. While the fairgrounds will require extensive repairs, the fair board's commitment to rebuilding and hosting the fair as scheduled demonstrates the deep-rooted significance of this event for the region.