MAIN Travel USA Ohio Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair, located in Columbus, is one of the most well attended state fairs in the USA, and for good reason.

With 11 full days of attractions, food and entertainment, attendance for the fair has been upwards of 800,000 visitors for several years now, and continues to grow.

The original fair, which dates to just before the year 1850, was a three day event that showcased blue-ribbon livestock and cattle from miles around, along with the best of regional recipes and local entertainment.

As the fair grew, it became more and more popular and it wasn't long until entertainment was a major part of the fair. Soon enough there were kid's attractions, live music, and a Queen of the Fair contest.

Today, the fair is a modern mega-event with athletic competitions such as martial arts, boxing, cheerleading, and BMX stunts, along with food tastings, live music, monster amusement park rides, and exhibitors making up just a portion of the huge variety of entertainment options available.

Every year, the concert lineup is one of the most anticipated announcements, featuring star headliners who are scheduled to appear at the fair. In the past, the lineup has included such stars as Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, Melissa Ehteridge and Kelly Pickler, to name only a few.

Tickets traditionally go on sale ranging from $12 - $65 and are available at Ticketmaster.

Another particularly popular attraction at the modern Ohio State Fair is the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, which was first established in 1963 and provides part of the live entertainment for the fair every year.

And animals, of course, are still a huge part of the fair (don't miss the annual pig races!), and can be found either winning ribbons or fascinating kids and adults alike in the hands-on petting zoo.

More about the Ohio State Fair around the Web:

Ohio State Fair - The official site with information on admission and ticket prices, nearby hotels, current lineup of competitions, concerts, entertainment, and attractions with directions, map, photos.

Ohio State Fair: A Visitors Guide - About.com guide with brief overview and directions with more detailed information on what else to see and do along I-71.

Ohio State Fair - Wikipedia - Complete information on the history of the fairgrounds including a timeline of major highlights from 1853-present, photos, resources.

also see -> Christmas in Ohio | Ohio Campgrounds

Ohio Lakes & Beaches | Ohio Fall Foliage | Moving to Ohio

also see in Sports -> Pro Football Hall of Fame Weekend