Mmmm—Do you smell that?
Hot tender funnel cakes fresh from the fryer, sweet, billowy cotton candy, oh wait, is that sausage and onions now? Everywhere I turn, another delicious aroma greets me. Fair food is everywhere!
But it’s not just the numerous tasty temptations luring me to my county fair. Although that is important, but not the only reason I return year after year.
While many come for the food and rides, so much more is happening. From the grandstands to the magic of the midway, there are happenings all over the place. Animals are getting all gussied up for the 4H competition, stalls are being cleaned, and griddles and deep fryers are busting out all the traditional favorites. While the work doesn’t stop, neither does the fun. Once the sun goes down, the midway and rides light up the sky in a kaleidoscope of neon, exciting even the oldest fairgoer.
How county fairs celebrate America
What began as a way to introduce improved farming techniques and promote trade, county fairs have grown into so much more. It has become central to a rural way of life that invites everyone into their community to showcase agricultural products, livestock, and, of course, delectable pies while hoping to win the coveted blue ribbon. 4H is an integral part of any county fair. Some family members have slept at the fair, rising with the morning sun to tend to their animals, while others have spent time learning hands-on skills such as photography to enter a competition.
Today, kids and adults work year-round in anticipation of their local fair. Barns of cattle, sheep, horses, and other barnyard animals stand alongside exhibits of straw, corn, canning yields, and so much more. All a testament to the effort and dedication of Americans who work hard to provide for their families while continuing a way of life that helped forge this
country.
Food, animals, exhibits, rides—wait, there’s more.
Another favorite of my family is the truck and tractor pulls at the grandstand. Each year brings out the favorites and new contenders; the crowds love it. There are concerts by locals and national artists, square dancing, demolition derbies, and so much more. Even though my kids are grown, and we no longer have someone entering a competition, attending the local county fair has become a tradition we have no intention of stopping.
Take someone you love and create memories at your local fair today. There is bound to be something delicious deep-fried waiting for you! Oh, and ice cream. Ice cream and the milkshake stand are always a hit. Check out the list below for remaining fairs across the state for the 2023 season. There is still a lot of excitement going on near you.
Henry County (Napoleon) Aug 10-17
Mercer County (Celina) Aug 11-17
Miami County (Troy) Aug 11-17
Muskingum County (Zanesville) Aug 13-19
Huron County (Norwalk) Aug 14-19
Meigs County (Pomeroy) Aug 14-19
Jefferson County (Smithfield) Aug 14-21
Allen County (Lima) Aug 18-26
Darke County (Greenville) Aug 18-26
Defiance County (Hicksville) Aug 19-26
Monroe County (Woodsfield) Aug 21-26
Lorain County (Wellington) August 20-27
Portage County (Randolph) Aug 22-27
Sandusky County (Fremont) Aug 21-27
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER FAIRS
Noble County (Caldwell) Aug 28-Sept 2
Morrow County (Mt Gilead) Aug 28 -Sept 4
Stark County (Canton) August 29-Sept 4
Hancock County (Findlay) August 30 -Sept 4
Richwood Independent (Union County) August 30 -Sept 4
Mahoning County (Canfield) August 30 -Sept 4
Richwood Independent (Union County) August 30 -Sept 4
Van Wert County (Van Wert) August 29-Sept 4
Geauga County (Burton) August 31 -Sept 4
SEPTEMBER FAIRS
Fulton County (Wauseon) Sept 1- 7
Washington County (Marietta) Sept 2-5
Highland County (Hillsboro) Sept 3-11
Morgan County (McConnelsville) Sept 5-9
Belmont County (St. Clairsville) Sept 4-10
Hardin County (Kenton) Sept 5-10
Albany Independent (Athens County) Sept 6-10
Hocking County (Logan) Sept 11-16
Wayne County (Wooster) Sept 9-14
Williams County (Montpelier) Sept 9-16
Guernsey County (Old Washington) Sept 11-17
Wyandot County (Upper Sandusky) Sept 11-18
Bellville Independent (Richland County) Sept 13-16
Delaware County (Delaware) Sept 16-23
Ashland County (Ashland) Sept 17-23
Tuscarawas County (Dover) Sept 18-24
Brown County (Georgetown) September 25-Sept 30
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER FAIRS
Barlow Independent (Washington Cty) Sept 21-24
Coshocton County (Coshocton) September 29 -Oct 5
OCTOBER FAIRS
Loudonville Independent (Ashland County) Oct 2- 7
Fairfield County (Lancaster) Oct 8-14
