The Ohio Soy Bean Council offers lots of educational opportunities for kids and adults. Photo by Libby Ballengee. All rights reserved.
When I think of the Ohio State Fair, I envision sweet and savory foods that feel forbidden in other settings (funnel cake and cotton candy – oh my!), amusement park rides that take me back to my childhood, and games where I’m sure I’m going to win my nephew a stuffed animal. When I went to the Ohio State Fair this summer, for the first time in decades, I found a whole lot more to love about this annual event!
First off, they make attending the Ohio State Fair, as easy as possible. When we parked out in a big grassy lot, I knew we were in for a hike to the fairgrounds. By the time we got our sunscreen on and we were ready to make our way, a tractor pulled up along the road, pulling a trolley that we got to ride right to the front gates. Nice!
Once we made our way past the walkway of every fair food you’ve ever dreamed of – including a giant candy tent! – we found ourselves in the “red” buildings on the map. That’s where Ohio’s farmers show off their craft with the rest of the state. Did you know there are 1.3 million beef cattle in Ohio? That soybeans are our biggest cash crop? Or that we are the 2nd largest egg producing state in the nation?
It was so interesting to talk to the farmers who actually produce the food we eat every day. We got to ask them questions about pesticides, GMOs, and growing food organically. What’s the real story behind what it takes to feed a growing population on planet Earth?
Photo by Libby Ballengee. All rights reserved.
Taking my 7 year old nephew to the Ohio State Fair for the first time, I figured he’d like all the typical “fun” activities the best. However what he enjoyed was learning. He got to milk a cow for the first time. He climbed onto tractors for himself and not just play with a toy version. He was shown how the oil of a soybean could propel a boat – neat! We thankfully, got to cool off in the Livestock barn and watch an IMAX style film about Ohio’s farmers. We even ate a “cotton candy” deviled egg from the Taste of Ohio Cafe!
The Ohio State Fair continues through Sunday August 6th. If you get the opportunity to visit, make sure that before you spend all your time in Kiddieland, you take some time to visit with the farmer’s in the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center Lawn building. It might just be the favorite part of your day too!
It’s a cotton candy deviled egg! Enjoy these at The Taste of Ohio Cafe. Photo by Libby Ballengee. All rights reserved.
How to Go?
Ohio State Fair – https://www.ohiostatefair.com/
Location (right off I-71)
Ohio Expo Center
717 E. 17th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43211
Pricing
- Adults (ages 13-59) – $12
- Youth (ages 6-12) – $10
- Senior (ages 60+) – $10
- Children five and under – Free
- General Parking – Free
Hours
- Runs through August 6th
- Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 6, when admission gates close at 6 p.m.
