The 2011 Agricultural Fair schedule released Dec. 13 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture lists 94 county and independent fairs for the upcoming year. The fun starts in mid-June and continues into early October with a state fair to look forward to at the end of July.
While smaller than state fairs, county fairs typically offer many of the same attractions. Events include livestock competitions and other judged shows (e.g., jams and jellies, vegetables, 4-H). You'll usually find a midway with rides and carnival games as well, and a wide variety of fair foods -- fried dough, hot dogs and cotton candy. Many fairs also schedule special events such as concerts or demolition derbies.
First fair of the season: Paulding County Fair. Monday, June 13 through Saturday, June 18. Paulding, Ohio.
Ohio State Fair: Wednesday, July 27 through Sunday, Aug. 7. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Ohio.
Last fair of the season: Fairfield County Fair. Sunday, Oct. 9, to Saturday, Oct. 15. Lancaster, Ohio.
Most popular weeks: The most simultaneous fairs in 2011 are scheduled the weeks of July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 28. Twelve fairs are scheduled each of those weeks.
Several official sources are available for more information about Ohio's county fairs. The Ohio Department of Agriculture's Fairs Office has a website (see References), but also can be reached at (614) 728-2620 or [email protected]. Each fair also has a fair manager. The Ohio Fair Managers Association can be reached through its official website (see References). Finally, many county fairs have their own websites or profiles on Facebook that contain more detailed schedules and admission prices.
