Once every year there comes an event that is such a part of my summer traditions that if I don't go at least once, my summer is sadly lacking something! What am I talking about? I am speaking of course of the Ohio State Fair.
When I was a little child it ran for three full weeks in August now, sadly there are just two weeks in which to plan your visits. (The Fair opened on July 30th this year and will close on the evening of August 10th.)
For those of you who don't understand the joy of the Fair, let me explain the attraction I feel.
The Fair has everything!
There are farm animals of all types scattered in barns and pens all over the grounds. Have you ever wanted to milk a cow? You can have your chance! Would you like to watch a sheep get sheared and touch it's oily fur? You can do it! Would you like to see farm dogs in action or watch a horse show? Check the daily Fair schedules to know when your favorite events are happening.
I mean it!
Go check the schedule! =-)
http://www.ohiostatefair.com/osf/osf_dailyschedule.htm
If you haven't been to the Fair, make sure you get a map at the gate! Better yet find a seasoned Fair goer and ask to come! Most Fair aficionados would relish a chance to spread their contagious excitement for this wonderful place!
Beyond farm animals the booths of "Steak on a Stick", "Deep Fried Snickers Bars" and even "Hand Cut French Fries" will have you digging in your wallet or looking for the nearest ATM! For me, I simply must have roasted corn dripping with butter! I do mean dripping and I eat it happily (not quietly!) exclaiming that I'm in heaven! I also make a stop every year at the Dairy Display barn. Not only can you stare at giant statues made of butter, but you can also buy yourself giant cups or bowls of real ice cream products! My favorite? A large chocolate shake that I take over to the Horse Colosseum next door and eat in the stands using my straw like a spoon! A large shake is $3.50 and a good value for the Fair.
Sadly the Fair can eat a hole right through your pocket if you are taking a large group of people. However, I can tell you how to make it more economical. First, buy your tickets at the local Kroger grocery stores' customer service desks for $6.00. The price at the gate is $10. (Kids under 5 are free!)
Second, skip the carnival rides they are priced separately and will waste both your time and money! Trust me, the Fair is so much fun you won't need those crazy rides! You can also pack lunches and bring in bottles of water to feed your crew. (There are benches in the Natural Resource area that are perfect to share a meal on.)
If you bring in food, make sure to still bring enough money to get one treat for everyone if you can spare it. When I take my eldest daughter and her best friend, we bring water and sandwiches but buy ice cream and corn! This is an excellent way not to break the bank! It is possible to go and not eat, but it would just be sad. The food stands smell so very, very good!
Another excellent part of the fair is that you can come home with bags of free and fun loot! In a large building called the Market Place, you will find my favorite part of the Fair!
Inside this building you can watch vendors give demonstrations showing how to use all those weird products you've seen on t.v. You can also find out what it would be like to drink and drive using special goggles and a simulated road side sobriety test! (It makes me dizzy every year!) One year I thought I'd walked the line perfectly and it turned out I was walking six inches to the left! Yikes! I guess it's a good thing I don't drink and drive!
There are also governmental booths with fun quizzes for patrons with prizes like Frisbees and rulers! My kids love this! We talk to everyone, chatting them up and inquiring if we can have whatever free loot they are offering. (Always ask before you reach for goodies.) Everything is mixed together so you might find "magic" carpet cleaner next to a demonstration of delicate needlework. You might also just have to laugh when you get your "sugar" tested in full sight of the massive candy store set up across the back of the building!
Whatever you do, get yourself in the right frame of mind!
You must really want the silly temporary tattoos (My eldest and I sport matching ones for weeks after we go!), paper fans (We have a contest every year to see how many we can get! Remember only take one from each booth! It is more polite and makes the game more fun.) and other wondrous loot!
My kids have taken "Fair pencils" to school for years. When their Child and Family Services pencil hits the floor, they know it is theirs! Play the games, win the loot and enjoy the show! This room is best enjoyed with adults or older school age children. I have taken my kids in here when they were small. But, sadly the trips up and down the isles had to be abbreviated. Still even if you have a restless little one come in and at least visit the State Highway patrol near the front door. The troopers are friendly and will give your little people official police badges!
Once you've soaked up the happiness of the Market Place head back out and keep going! When I was first learning the layout of the Fair, I learned to orientate my travels by following the overhead sky ride. (The ride costs several dollars but will give you a wonderful rest and a delightful view of the entire fair. I like to ride it at least once a season.) Keep following the ride, stopping off along the way to visit any and all buildings and exhibits you pass! Don't miss the fun vendors scattered out on the main path. Mixed in with the food booths and even on the midway you will find retailers handing out samples and often taking your picture or giving you some other treat! Yesterday I was give a sample of the new Stride cinnamon gum (yummy!) and two boxes of a new kind of Post cereal! Take everything you are offered! One year I was given six packs of Mentos mints by young enthusiastic workers with boxes on their hands!
You also need to know of the many fun (free) opportunities for your kids. In the Agriculture building there is a giant ear of corn that you can sign your kids up to climb. They can stand in line and you can sit and watch them! You may need to wait twenty minutes or so but, you'll probably need the rest and the building is always cool. Inside this building your kids can also plant a flower and pet puppies and little farm birdies! (I petted a baby duck!)
In the Natural Resource area near the agriculture building your kids can sign up for a time to kayak and wait in line to fish! Once again there are plenty of places for you to sit and talk to your companions while you wait. In the natural resource area there are also archery ranges and other hunting exhibits, a wonderful exhibit with Ohio animals, a pioneer house, a wildflower prairie and so much more!!!!
I realize I could literally tell you stories for hours!
I suppose I'll stop now although sadly, I haven't even begun to do justice to the Ohio State Fair!
You simply must go... probably more than once...summer isn't summer without it!
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