With summer comes sunshine, warm weather and long days. It also means that the fairs and festivals are back! If you are looking for the best fairs to go to this summer, then look no further than Ohio! All summer and into fall there will be all kinds of county fairs that you must check out! Want to know which ones are the best? Then keep reading.
Best County Fairs To Visit In Ohio
1. Ottawa County Fair – Ottawa, OH
July 18-24, 2016
This year marks the 52nd Annual Ottawa County Fair and although not the oldest fair in Ohio, it still has fun for every one of all ages. There’s everything from mechanical rides to food and games. Every day there’s a new contest or animal judging to see. One the first day at 7:00pm, the grand parade is something you don’t want to miss! Right after the parade the Jr. King and Queen of the Fair will be crowned. If you don’t plan to visit the fair each day, plan to come the last day for the Fishing Derby on Lake Erie.
2. Ohio State Fair – Columbus, OH
July 27- August 7, 2016
Concerts, attractions, stage entertainment and more, the Ohio State Fair is something you don’t want to miss this summer! If this is the only fair that you can make it to, then you will not be disappointed. New this year is the Arctic Olympics High Dive Show and it’s perfect for the whole family. In addition to the petting zoo, there are camel rides and pony rides. Also don’t miss the pig races. Also new this year is Sea Lion Splash where sea lions and their handlers perform amazing tricks in this educational and fun show. There are livestock shows every day. Each day brings a new and exciting adventure for you and friends or family.
3. Medina County Fair – Medina, OH
August 1-7, 2016
Celebrating 171 years in 2016, Medina County Fair is a tradition to take part in! The week gets started with Monday Demo Derby and ends with a Sunday BMX Thrill Show and fireworks at night. There’s also bull riding on Thursday! There are rides and activities for all ages, so bring the whole family. Come hungry and try all the different fair foods and then check out the Battle of the Bands! The fair wouldn’t be complete without the animals. Everything from horses to cows to rabbits will be there. It really is an event you don’t want to miss.
4. Lake County Fair – Painesville Township, OH
August 17-21, 2016
161 years ago the Lake County Fair was started and it is still something truly amazing to this day. On the first day, there are all kinds of shows and contests like the farm and garden judging, flower show judging and draft horse halter show. There will also be multiple 4-H events every day! On Saturday the 20th, there’s a tractor and truck power pull in the evening. New this year is laser tag every day at noon! On Sunday (last day), the day starts with morning church service and ends with the Demolition Derby at 7:00pm.
5. Canfield Fair – Canfield, OH
August 31- September 5, 2016
Established in 1846, the Canfield Fair will be 170 years old come August. This fair features a classic car show that is a must-see and multiple livestock shows and sales. There will be concerts at the grandstand and throughout the fairgrounds. Also don’t miss the demolition derby or the tractor and truck pull. With foods to try and animals to see, there’s never a dull moment at the Canfield Fair.
6. Fulton County Fair – Wauseon, OH
September 2-8, 2016
With almost 300,000 attendees last year, the Fulton County Fair is the place to be at the beginning of September! Opening day starts with an agricultural judging show and then features a baked goods auction in the early evening. There are livestock shows and sales every day, so check the schedule to find which ones you want to see. With over 100 vendors, you will not go hungry when you’re at the fair. You’ll probably try new foods too! On the second day, be sure to check out the classic car display! On closing day, there is a demolition derby, which is regarded as the best in the state, but we’ll let you be the judge. The fair officially closes with a flag lowering ceremony.
7. Ashland County Fair – Ashland, OH
September 18-24, 2016
Opening ceremonies begin at noon on Sunday the 18th with the Jr. King and Queen being crowned at 12:30pm. At 5:00pm there’s a skillet throw…I’m not sure what that is but it sounds interesting! Each day there are animal shows/judging with separate adult and youth categories. Also each day there will be livestock sales. There are arts and crafts for all ages and chances to buy some amazing handmade items. The fair concludes on the 24th with a Demolition Derby at 6:00pm.
This article was written by Alina Dix.