JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Something fishy is going on in Ashtabula County, and the lid will be lifted during next month’s Journey Through Ashtabula County event.

Tours of one of the county’s little-known industries, aqua farming, will highlight this year’s “Journey,” set for Sept. 20-21 at the Joint Vocational School in Jefferson Township.

The public will be invited to visit the Pleasant Valley Fisheries, operated by the Harry Spieth family of Denmark Township. The farm uses 13 ponds — aerated by nine windmills — to grow thousands of bass, perch, catfish and blue gill for human consumption.

Visitors also will have a chance to examine a variety of products created in the county.

Journey 2008 builds on the successful event that debuted last year. “We’re very excited to show residents what’s in their county,” Samantha Brown, committee chairwoman, said at a Thursday kickoff conference at the JVS.

This year, the county’s agriculture will get an entire day of its own. John Parker, of the county Farm Bureau, said he appreciated the equal billing.

“Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy,” Parker said. “We’re happy to be part of the journey.”

Tours of the fish farm, located at 1529 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road, will be held between 1 and 4 p.m. Sept. 20. Visitors will board wagons for a tour narrated by a member of the Spieth family.

Free water and ice cream, courtesy the Farm Bureau and local dairy farmers, will be served.

The following day, Sept. 21, will be Industrial Day. A highlight of last year’s event, the Made-In-Ashtabula exhibit, will be displayed at the JVS.

Other activities will be held both days, including a farm market, exhibits and appearances by Sparky the Clown. A “Did You Know?” scavenger hunt will reward players with the best knowledge of the county.

Journey hours at the JVS are 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 and noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21.

Mark Winchell, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said Journey Through Ashtabula County affords people a chance to “connect a bridge” and celebrate “our unique slice of life.”

The county’s three commissioners also lauded the event.

“We don’t always showcase our assets,” said Daniel Claypool. “It’s another opportunity to bring people to our county.”