Contact Information

Mailing Address Ohio Expo Center & State Fair 717 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43211

Phone Numbers and email General Information: (614) 644-3247 or (888) 646-3976 Media Center: (614) 644-4432 Fax: (614) 644-4031 Email: [email protected] www.ohiostatefair.com

Marketing and PR Director Alicia Shoults [email protected], (614) 644-4011

Marketing and PR Coordinators Kaylee Utterback [email protected], (614) 644-4012*

Hannah Schuller [email protected], (614) 644-4434*

Bailey Pees [email protected], (614) 644-4432*

Rebecca Kerr [email protected], (614) 644-4433*

*These numbers ring directly to the Media Center.

Social media - connect with us! Facebook - www.facebook.com/ohiostatefair Twitter - www.twitter.com/OhioStateFair Instagram - www.instagram.com/ohiostatefair Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/ohiostatefair YouTube - www.youtube.com/theohiostatefair #OhioStateFair @OhioStateFair

Resource links • Photos • Logos • B-Roll

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Table of Contents Media Information ...... 3 Credential Registration ...... 3 Check-in Procedures ...... 3 Directions and Parking ...... 3 Press Release System ...... 4 On-Site Transportation ...... 4 WCOL Celeste Center - Interviews and Backstage Policy ...... 4 Fair Descriptions by word count ...... 4 General Information For our Guests ...... 5 Special days and discounts ...... 10 Fun Facts ...... 12 By the Numbers ...... 12 Personnel ...... 13 Landscaping ...... 13 Attendance ...... 14 Butter Cow ...... 14 History ...... 16 Accolades ...... 18 New this year ...... 19 New Entertainers ...... 19 New Musicians ...... 20 New Attractions ...... 21 New Competitions ...... 21 New Food ...... 23 New Rides ...... 27 Buildings and Stages ...... 27 Entertainment ...... 31 WCOL Celeste Center Entertainment ...... 31 Free Shows in the WCOL Celeste Center ...... 34 Past and current performers ...... 36 Free Musical Entertainment ...... 39 Big Free Concerts ...... 42 Free Non-musical / Strolling Entertainment ...... 43 Special Attractions and Displays ...... 46 Daily attractions ...... 46 Limited-time attractions ...... 48 Rides ...... 51 Food ...... 52 Youth ...... 56 All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir ...... 56 Youth Organizations ...... 57 Livestock ...... 59 Sale of Champions Livestock Auction ...... 59 Youth Reserve Program ...... 59 Livestock Terminology ...... 62 Competitions ...... 63 Entry Statistics (2018) ...... 66 Judges’ Credentials ...... 67

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Media Information

Credential Registration We welcome the chance to work with your station or publication. Registering for the Ohio State Fair is easy for members of the media, with three easy options: 1. Email a list of staff members who will cover the Fair to OR 2. Fax (on letterhead) a list of staff members covering the Fair to 614-644-4031 3. Complete the credential registration form at www.ohiostatefair.com/media-registration

We kindly request that all media who are provided an admission ticket submit a press clipping or audio/video clip within two weeks of the closing of the Fair. Failure to provide proof of coverage may result in loss of media center privileges.

Media Center Check-in Procedures The Ohio State Fair Media Center will be operational from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., daily, July 24 - Aug. 4 (except for Aug. 4, when it closes at 6 p.m. along with the Fair’s admission gates), or by appointment. All members of the media should check in here to receive parking and admission credentials before entering the Fair. No parking or admission passes for working media will be mailed in advance.

Directions As in the past, the Media Center will be located on 11th Avenue, just west of the OHIO Gate. All working news media and promotions personnel should register and park at this location upon arriving at the Fair. For your convenience, the Media Center will provide a phone, Internet access and an air-conditioned room for you to work or relax in. Fair schedules will also be provided daily, as well as feature ideas and assistance in obtaining interviews.

Parking Approximately 25 parking spots are available for use by working media at the Media Center. In addition, we will provide some overflow parking in the Pavilion Lot (Gate 9), located east of the Voinovich Center. Please note: parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If all media spots are full, you will be routed to the North Lot (off of 17th Avenue).

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Press Release System http://ohiostatefair.com/media-registration/ With a mix of special competitions, big-name entertainment, exciting rides and thousands of kids and animals, the Ohio State Fair offers 12 days of continuous feature and story opportunities. To receive story ideas, photo opportunities, media advisories and more, please visit ohiostatefair.com, click on the “Newsroom” link and then click “Media Registration” to sign up to receive customized news and information.

On-Site Transportation A few golf carts will be kept at the Media Center and can be used for transportation of equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. For liability reasons, carts can only be driven by Ohio State Fair employees. Access to the Fair on carts is limited to the golf cart path, which travels the Fair’s perimeter. No carts are allowed in pedestrian areas. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will enforce this policy.

WCOL Celeste Center - Interviews and Backstage Policy All interviews and backstage passes must be arranged through each artist’s management or publicity team. The Fair public relations staff can provide contact names and phone numbers upon request. Please notify the public relations staff office of what arrangements have been made prior to the show date.

Fair Descriptions Need a blurb? Here are a few brief Ohio State Fair summaries for various word lengths.

25 Words Get ready for the Ohio State Fair, July 24 - Aug. 4! The Fair features entertainment, animals, education, food, rides, competitions, music, arts and more.

50 Words Get ready for the Ohio State Fair, July 24 - Aug. 4, a family tradition since 1850! Enjoy activities including interactive education, entertainment stages, a fine arts show, a free petting zoo, sporting events, animals, performers, agricultural competitions, exhilarating rides, horse show, an 8-acre natural resources park and much more. Looking for photos, like this one (above) of the Giant Slide from a past Fair? Click here to access a Dropbox folder of several press-ready images.

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75 Words Get ready for the Ohio State Fair, July 24 - Aug. 4, a favorite family tradition since 1850! Enjoy a variety of activities including interactive education, free entertainment stages, a petting zoo, a fine arts show, sporting events, a farm delivery room, roving performers, agricultural competitions, fun rides, horse shows, an 8-acre natural resources park with free kiddie fishing and more! Come hungry - the Fair offers goodies from nearly 200 food vendors.

100 Words Get ready for the Ohio State Fair, July 24 - Aug. 4, a favorite family tradition since 1850! Enjoy a variety of attractions including the famed butter cow, a real-life human cannonball, interactive education, free entertainment stages, FLIPPIN - The Aerial and Acrobatic Spectacular, a free petting zoo, a fine arts show, farm animals, strolling performers, agricultural competitions, live music, an 8-acre natural resources park with free fishing for kids and more! Try new foods you didn’t know existed including funnel cakes in the shape of Ohio, Sriracha peanut butter crunch donuts, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos corn dogs and more.

General Information For our Guests

Dates July 24 - Aug. 4, 2019

Year 166th

Hours of Operation • Admission gates: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Except Aug. 4, until 6 p.m.) • Commercial exhibit buildings: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.* • Youth Center: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.* • Janis Center: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Rides: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays) *Some buildings have reduced hours on Aug. 4. Please see “Buildings and Stages” section to see a complete list of buildings and applicable hours.

Gate Admission Prices • $10 - Adults 13-59 • $8 - Seniors 60+ • $8 - Children 6-12 • Free - Children 5 and under • $6 - Advance sale admission tickets

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Ride Prices Rides are operational 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Fridays and Saturdays; close at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4). • $25 - Ride-All-Day Wristband Vouchers • $20 - Advanced Sale Wristbands (available through July 23 only) • $1 coupons - Varying amounts of tickets/coupons will be required for each ride, some costing up to 4 coupons. Special ride-all-day wristbands are available for $25; advance- sale ride-all-day wristband vouchers are available for $20 through July 23 only (see above).

Parking and Free Parking Shuttles $5 per vehicle; easy access to parking lots from I-71 at the 17th Avenue exit and the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive. Handicapped parking available. Ride the complimentary shuttles to and from the main entrance gate and your vehicle.

Bicycle Parking Bicycle parking racks are located at the Cardinal Gate, OHIO Gate and Gate 10 (17th Avenue).

Advance-Sale Tickets: Buy Early and Save! Online - www.ticketmaster.com/ohiostatefair* Retail outlets - Kroger and participating AAA locations with AAA membership • Admission - $6 each (through Aug. 4) • Midway ride-all-day wristbands - $20 each (through July 23 only) - purchase a voucher to be redeemed at the Fair at Kroger stores *Get your print-at-home or mobile delivery tickets with no order processing fees. Tickets ordered online to be delivered by mail will have a mail delivery fee. A nominal credit card processing fee applies to all orders.

Conditions for Admission The safety of our fairgoers, exhibitors and employees is our top priority. Prior to entry, you will be asked to walk through a metal detector (magnetometer).

Bags Purses, backpacks, book bags, coolers, strollers, etc. are permitted but are subject to search. Bag searches will also be conducted for guests entering concerts and events in the WCOL Celeste Center.

Prohibited Items Several items are expressly prohibited at the Ohio State Fair, including: illegal weapons and substances, the use of bicycles in non-parking areas, the possession or use of Segways/hoverboards and the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones).

Outside Food and Beverage You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds.

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Pet Policy Pets are not permitted on the grounds during the Fair with the exception of service dogs or animals approved as part of an exhibition or competition (such as livestock and 4-H events). Service animals are those that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.

On-Grounds Shuttle 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Our complimentary shuttle makes frequent stops approximately every 20 minutes at pre - determined locations around the perimeter of the grounds from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Please note that the on-grounds shuttle is not operational from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the daily parade. Parking shuttles continue to be operational during this time.

Infant Care & Nursing Stations presented by OhioHealth The Ohio State Fair offers two large air-conditioned family care stations, one located in Meijer Kiddieland and the other in the Taste of Ohio Café, where parents can change their children’s diapers, and mothers who prefer to breastfeed their children in privacy can do so comfortably. Additional nursing stations are located in Kasich Hall and the Bricker MarketPlace Building.

Accessibility The Ohio State Fair provides a number of facilities and accommodations so fairgoers with disabilities can have a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Buildings and most restrooms are accessible. Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs can be rented near the main entrances of the Fair or reserved for rental in advance by phone at 1-877-928-5388 or online at htmia.com.

American Sign Language Interpreting During select WCOL Celeste Center concerts, interpreting will be provided upon request. To request an interpreter, please call 614-644-4000 at least five days prior to show date. Requests must be made five days prior to the show in order to have an interpreter available.

Assisted Listening Devices Free assisted listening devices are available for use at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage and the UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage. Visitors must leave a photo ID.

Accessible Seating Accessible seats for concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center can be purchased directly from Ticketmaster by toggling the switch with the wheelchair icon or selecting a seat with a wheelchair icon. For additional questions, please call Ticketmaster Fan Support at 1-800- 653- 8000. Standing is not permitted in accessible seating areas.

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Wheelchair Charging Stations Complimentary wheelchair/mobility charging stations are located in the following buildings in partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. Please look for the signs indicating the charging area. • Bricker MarketPlace Building • Kasich Hall • Lausche Youth Center • Natural Resources Park Pavilion • Taste of Ohio Café • WCOL Celeste Center

Phone Charging Stations Complimentary charging stations with the capability to charge several phones, cameras and tablets simultaneously are located throughout the grounds, courtesy of Concessions by Cox and Talley Amusements. You can find them at the following locations: • Bricker MarketPlace Building • Cox Corral (south of the Celeste Center) • Ranahan's Restaurant (inside the Gilligan Livestock Complex) • Ag-Pro Companies Taft Coliseum • Meijer Kiddieland • Mountain Dew Midway • Taste of Ohio Café • WCOL Celeste Center

Support for Individuals who are Blind or Have Low Vision Individuals who are blind or have low vision wearing their Aira Horizon Smart Glasses or using the Aira app at the Ohio State Fair can access real-time agents to describe their surroundings for free. Thanks to a partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the National Federation of the Blind, those who are blind or have low vision can more easily navigate the Fair independently.

Sensory-Friendly Morning presented by White Castle July 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We’re turning down the lights and volume to make the Ohio State Fair more sensory-friendly in partnership with OCALI. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational activities, take a break in a quiet room or use our accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you.

Wi-Fi Zone Share that selfie! A free outdoor Wi-Fi Zone will be provided along the WNCI Food Highway between the Bricker Marketplace Building and the WCOL Celeste Center, as well as inside the WCOL Celeste Center during concerts. Simply select “Free Fair WiFi” as the network.

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Parking Pin Don't forget where you parked your car. Visit ohiostatefair.com/park on your smart phone before you arrive or in the Parking Lot. You'll be able to use GPS technology to "pin" your parking spot and easily find your vehicle after a full day of fun at the Fair.

Lost and Found Our lost and found office during the Ohio State Fair is organized and managed by the Highway Patrol and located on the grounds near Gate 3 at the north end of the Mountain Dew Midway. If you realize you have lost an item after leaving the Fair, please call (614) 466-6666.

Lost Children Booths presented by 104.9 The River The Ohio State Highway Patrol staffs a booth at both of the main entrance gates (Cardinal and OHIO Gates) with "Lost Kid Tags.” The tags help identify the child if he or she gets separated from his or her parents. You can also call the Highway Patrol headquarters at (614) 466-6666 for more information.

First Aid / EMS Center 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Medical assistance is provided in this air-conditioned office located on the east side of the Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living Building.

ATMs ATMs are located throughout the Fair for your convenience. Please refer to the Fair map for specific locations.

Guest Information Services We’re here to help. Stop by one of our conveniently-located Guest Information Services booths to pick up a copy of the daily schedule and map or get directions.

Recycling at the Fair Please look for specially-marked recycling containers to deposit your recyclable plastic bottles, cans, cardboard and paper. The special Ohio EPA solar-powered recycling compactors allow us to keep the grounds clean and lessen the impact on the environment.

2019 Expositions Commission

The Ohio Expositions Commission was established in 1961 when the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation creating a new governing body for the Ohio Expo Center. Prior to 1961, the State Board of Agriculture oversaw the facility and Fair. The Commission maintains and manages state property reserved for the purpose of conducting at least one Fair annually.

2019 Ohio Exposition Commission Members • Virgil L. Strickler, General Manager, Galloway • Andrew Doehrel, Chair, Galena • Angela Krile, Vice Chair, Lancaster • Thomas Charles, Secretary, Buckeye Lake

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• Senator Frank Hoagland, Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources chair • Representative J. Kyle Koehler, Ohio House of Representatives Agriculture and Rural Development chair • Lizabeth Lafferty, West Union • Mary Mertz, Ohio Department of Natural Resources director • Lydia Mihalik, Ohio Development Services director • John Page, Lewis Center • Dorothy Pelanda, Ohio Department of Agriculture director • Angelo Petro, Columbus • Doug Preisse, Columbus • Tom Price, Delaware • John Page, Lewis Center • Steve Reinhard, Bucyrus

Special days and discounts

All special days and discounts are not valid with other offers.

Coupons Want to save some serious green on delicious Fair food or shopping this year? Visit ohiostatefair.com to download printer-friendly coupons to help you save.

Special Discount Days

Wednesday, July 24 Pepsi Opening Day | WSYX/WTTE Day $3 admission until 3 p.m.

Thursday, July 25 Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day When you bring one of the following “wish list” items per person to a booth outside the gates, you’ll receive a voucher good for $3 admission before 6 p.m.: new packages of sandwich or snack baggies, kitchen trash bags, aluminum foil, plastic food wrap or canned food. All donations will support families at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

WOSU Kids Day Join WOSU Public Media from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Central Park for a chance to meet your favorite PBS KIDS® characters including Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, Clifford, Nature Cat, Jet Propulsion and Luna from Let’s Go Luna! Enjoy family-friendly activities and check out a live radio broadcast.

Friday, July 26 Meijer Day Spend $100 at Meijer between July 12 - July 26, 2019 and receive two free admission tickets by showing your dated receipt at a booth outside the entrance gates on this day only.

Saturday, July 27 Molina Healthcare Day Proudly providing affordable and quality healthcare to families and individuals covered by government programs for over 30 years. Check out the Molina Healthcare Kid Zone on this day in Central Park!

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Sunday, July 28 Buckeye Health Plan Day Buckeye Health Plan is committed to transforming the health of the community one person at a time through affordable and reliable healthcare plans. Join Buckeye Health from 10:30 a.m. - noon on this day at the Main Street Stage for a Kid’s Fitness Challenge! Participating kids will get fit and have a chance to win a bike and other fun prizes!

Veterans & Military Day Veterans and active military are given free admission with appropriate identification.

Monday, July 29 NBC4 Family Discount Day Until 6 p.m., adults will be admitted for the kids’ admission price of $8, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free. With the purchase of one wristband, a second rider can ride free until 6 p.m. with a hand stamp. After 6 p.m., all riders will need either a wristband or vouchers to ride. Support NBC4’s Stuff the Backpack Drive for a deeper discount and to help a great cause! Each adult that brings a backpack stuffed with back-to-school supplies (like highlighters, pencils, crayons and paper) will get in for $4 – half of the already discounted rate!

Tuesday, July 30 Senior Day Seniors ages 60 and up can enjoy reduced admission of just $4 at the gate all day long. In addition, all fairgoers are invited to enjoy the free John Denver Tribute concert featuring Ted Vigil in the WCOL Celeste Center at 1 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31 Union Carpenters and Millwrights Day All Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters members who present their membership card to a booth outside the entrance gate will receive vouchers for each member in their family for discounted admission of $4 each.

Sensory-Friendly Morning presented by White Castle, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We’ve turned down the lights and volume to make the Ohio State Fair more sensory-friendly in partnership with OCALI. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational activities, take a break in a quiet room, or use our accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you.

Thursday, Aug. 1 AAA Member Day AAA members: Show your current membership card at a booth outside entrance gates to receive $4 admission vouchers for each member in your party.

Friday, Aug. 2 Ohio Lottery Day Patrons 18 and over may present a non-winning Ohio Lottery ticket at a booth outside entrance gates to receive one $4 admission voucher.

Saturday, Aug. 3 811 Day sponsored by Marathon Pipe Line Marathon Pipe Line proudly welcomes everyone to the Fair today and reminds them to ALWAYS call 811 before digging!

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Fun Facts

By the Numbers

History • 10: Cities that have hosted the Ohio State Fair (Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Newark, Sandusky, Zanesville, Toledo, Springfield, Mansfield; it has been permanently at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus since 1886)

Competitions • 6,857: Different classes of competitions that individuals can enter including homebrewed beer, crafts, fine arts, sporting events, livestock, gardening, cooking, baking, etc. • 42,769: Entries in various contests and competitions at the 2018 Ohio State Fair

Sale of Champions • 52: The number of years Sale of Champions has been a tradition • 456: Youth champions honored since the first Sale of Champions in 1968 • $6,962,229: Total amount made from livestock sales since 1968 • $3,533,315: Total amount collected for the Youth Reserve Program since its inception in 1996, which funds scholarships, the outstanding market exhibitor program, outstanding breeding exhibitor program, showmanship, skillathons, 4-H and FFA

Food Year after year, the Ohio State Fair sells jaw-dropping quantities of Fair favorites. Below is a list of the most popular food items available for sale at the Ohio State Fair: • 195: Amount of food vendors • 32: Number of different foods served on a stick • Quantities of food items sold at the 2018 Ohio State Fair o French fries - 197,801 orders of french fries sold o Pizza - 142,026 slices of pizza sold o Corn dogs - 98,370 corn dogs sold o Lemon shake-up - 88,692 lemon shake-ups sold o Bulk candy - 39,159 pounds of bulk nostalgic candy sold o Roasted corn - 37,996 ears of roasted corn sold o Ice cream cones - 36,632 ice cream cones sold o Milkshakes - 35,301 milkshakes sold o Barbecue meal - 33,422 barbecue meals sold o Stromboli - 16,909 Stromboli sold o Bourbon chicken - 9,959 orders of bourbon chicken sold o Hot apple dumplings - 7,136 apple dumplings sold o Iced tea - More than 2.4 million ounces of iced tea

Butter Cow and Sculpture • 500: Hours spent working on the sculptures by a team of artists • 116: Number of years ago that the first butter cow and calf were displayed in 1903 • 2,200: Pounds of butter used in 2018

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Personnel • The Ohio Expo Center’s permanent staff comprises 62 employees, 59 of whom work full time. The total service time of the permanent employees is 887 years, averaging 15 years per person. Of the full-time permanent employees, 26 have served more than 20 years, six have served more than 30 years and four have served more than 40 years. • The current longest serving employee has worked here for 46 years.

Landscaping • The Ohio Expo Center grows the beautiful plants and flowers located throughout the grounds in four greenhouses on site year-round, with many items being planted in the cold winter months. • The Ohio State Fair grows approximately 104,000 plants and flowers from seed or plug in its three greenhouses, using them to beautify the facility for the 2019 Ohio State Fair.

Food and Shopping

Eaton Cookies • Eaton Cookies is Ohio born and raised. It is named after the founder’s hometown of Eaton, Ohio. • They go through 1,000 pounds of chocolate chips and almost two tons of ingredients each year at the Ohio State Fair. • They have baked more than 200,000 cookies over the past two years that they have been at the Fair. • Each morning, Eaton Cookies donates any leftover cookies from the previous day to WARM a Mid-Ohio Food bank pantry in Westerville, Ohio.

Dippin’ Dots • Dippin’ Dots is featuring a Buckeye Sundae only for the Ohio State Fair with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, peanut butter syrup and whipped cream drizzled in chocolate syrup.

Petty Concessions • Petty Concessions is celebrating 50 years participating at the Ohio State Fair, selling pizza, sausage sandwiches, lemon shake-ups and much more!

Creative Arts Center • A mother and son started in this booth in 1987, offering caricatures, face painting, glitter tattoos and henna. They have painted and drawn caricatures for babies who are now coming back with their own babies!

Selina Vaughan Studios • Selina Vaughan Studios is offering a limited quantity of exclusive 2019 Ohio State Fair handbags in addition to vintage, seed sack handbags.

Ohio Pork Council • In 2018, the Ohio Pork Producers sold nearly 3,400 barbecue pork sandwiches, more than 1,000 pig wings, over 1,000 pork chops on a stick, nearly 3,700 pork loin sandwiches, 650 pork nachos and 700 pork wraps. Their booth is staffed by Ohio pork producers and local FFA chapters. It takes 20 volunteers each day of the fair (12 days) to keep up with the large crowd that visits the Taste of Ohio Café. The Ohio Pork Council enjoys having a presence in the Taste of Ohio Café to showcase the fruit of our labor to fair attendees and allow them to interact with farmers.

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Beef • Annually, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association sells a total of 10,000 ribeye sandwiches combined from both their stands. • They sell approximately 12,000 total burgers and cheeseburgers each year.

Ohio Poultry Association • One of the Ohio Poultry Association’s most popular food items during the Ohio State Fair is the Chicken and Noodle Bowl. Each year, its OPA food booth in the Taste of Ohio Café sells more than 2,000 Chicken and Noodle Bowls.

Attendance

Records • 12-day attendance record: 982,305, set in 2015 • Single-day attendance record: 115,288, set on Sunday, July 28, 2013. The previous record of 110,234 was set on Aug. 13, 2006.

Past Ohio State Fair attendance figures: • 2018: 908,306 • 2017: 801,031 • 2016: 921,214 • 2015: 982,305 • 2014: 916,724 • 2013: 903,824 • 2012: 840,306 • 2011: 833,304 • 2010: 812,237 • 2009: 826,037 • 2008: 809,321 • 2007: 806,301 • 2006: 814,152 • 2005: 802,074 • 2004: 850,218

Butter Cow In 1903, the first-ever butter cow and calf sculptures were featured at the Ohio State Fair when they were entered into a butter sculpting contest sponsored by The Ohio State University and the Dairy Processors of Ohio. The subjects of this early contest were not restricted to specific subject matter, but the life-size cow sculpted by A.T. Shelton & Company, distributors of Sunbury Co-Operative Creamery butter, became such a popular attraction that it later became a permanent attraction.

Eventually, the butter cow and calf found a permanent home in the Dairy Products Building which was built in 1925. New cow and calf sculptures have become a time- honored tradition. They are created each year, along with a mystery sculpture that reflects the positive ideals and cultural trends in Ohio.

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In 2018, more than 2,200 pounds of butter and 500 hours of work went into creating a tribute to the classic holiday film, “A Christmas Story,” which was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. Favorite scenes from the movie were recreated in butter, including the playground scene where Ralphie’s classmate Flick gets himself into a sticky situation when he can’t back down from a triple-dog-dare. But this time, Flick isn’t alone. The butter calf’s tongue was stuck to the pole alongside Flick as the traditional butter cow looked on.

The Ohio State Fair is home to the largest butter sculpture display of any fair in the country!

One of the most common questions we hear about the butter sculptures is - “What happens to the butter after the fair?” The American Dairy Association Mideast uses butter past its expiration date and not able to be consumed. After the Fair, the butter is recycled and refined into an ingredient used in products like biodiesel, animal feed, tires and cosmetics. 2019 is the 116th anniversary of the Butter Cow.

Some previously featured butter sculptures include: • A bald eagle • A Hasbro Tonka Truck • A salute to the armed forces • A tribute to Ohio’s dairy farmers • A tribute to Ohio symbols • A tribute to The Ohio State University football national champions • A tribute to the Olympics • Columbus Bicentennial birthday cake • Darth Vader • Dave Thomas of Wendy’s • Jack Nicklaus • John Glenn • Mr. Monopoly • The Liberty Bell

Ohio Agricultural Facts • Number of Farms: 75,000 • Total Farmland: 13.9 million acres • 400 different soil types present in Ohio • No. 1 state in Swiss cheese production • There are 7,644 beekeepers containing 21,551 bee colonies in Ohio • Ohio dairy cattle produce more than 5.13 billion pounds of milk/year • 16th in U.S. beef production with 15,000 beef farms with 292,000 cows • Ohio’s agricultural industry adds $93 billion to the state’s economic growth and employs one-in- seven Ohioans in areas such as wholesaling and retailing, farm production, marketing and processing and agribusiness • Ohio raises more than 2.95 million hogs/year • Ohio produces more than 554 million bushels of corn/year • Ohio ranks No. 2 in the nation for egg production! Ohio produces about 9 billion eggs each year. • Ohio is ranked 9th nationally in turkey farming, producing more than 236 million pounds of turkey each year. • Since 2012, the Ohio Poultry Association’s hatching unit in Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building has hatched approximately 1,000 chicks during the Ohio State Fair.

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History

In 1846, the Ohio Legislature created the Board of Agriculture, which was made up of 53 members. One of the Board’s first acts was to establish a District Fair. The resulting 1847 District Fair at Wilmington and the 1848 District Fair at Xenia were both successful, thus warranting a State Fair.

The first Ohio State Fair was planned for September 1849, but an outbreak of Asiatic Cholera forced the cancellation of those plans. The following year, later dates were set to lessen the risk of cholera. Even so, Darius Lapham, the superintendent of the grounds, died of the disease just a few weeks before the opening date.

Camp Washington (two miles east of downtown Cincinnati) was the site of the first Ohio State Fair, Oct. 2-4, 1850. The site was described as eight to 10 acres with grass slopes, shade trees and numerous tents. The grounds were enclosed by a 10-foot-high board fence. Cattle were tethered to a railing along the carriage road.

The railroads offered strong support to the early state fairs. Special rates were offered where exhibits were transported without charge, and the exhibitor rode for half fare. Several central Ohioans contributed to the first Fair, including Alfred Kelley, owner of the Columbus and Xenia Railroad Company.

Cash premiums at the first Fair did not exceed $20, with the exception of an award of $50 given to the winning essayists on the topic of “Improving the Soil.” During the early state fairs, winners received medals - not ribbons - as awards. In 1850, the silver medal was valued at $3.

The public was admitted only on the second and third days of the first Fair. Day one was devoted to setup and judging. Admission was 20 cents, but exhibitors were able to buy a $1 badge for admission for their families. A visitor could also buy a $1 badge for one gentleman and two ladies. The two-day attendance was estimated at 25,000 to 30,000 people.

Transportation around Ohio was difficult. Therefore, the majority of exhibitors lived near the Fair. In 1886, the Fair moved to its current home at what is now called the Ohio Expo Center. The main entrance to the site was at the southwest corner of the grounds along Woodward Avenue. The OHIO Gate entrance is currently located at 11th Avenue.

Since its inception, the Ohio State Fair has been held in 10 cities: • 1850 - Cincinnati • 1860 - 1861 - Dayton • 1851 - Columbus (on the site of Mt. Carmel Hospital) • 1862 - 1863 - Cleveland • 1852 - Cleveland • 1864 - 1865 - Columbus (on the site of Schiller Park) • 1853 - Dayton • 1866 - 1867 - Dayton • 1854 - Newark • 1868 - 1869 - Toledo • 1855 - Columbus (on the site of Mt. Carmel Hospital) • 1870 - 1871 - Springfield • 1856 - Cleveland • 1872 - 1873 - Mansfield • 1857 - Cincinnati • 1874 - 1885 - Columbus (on the site of Franklin Park) • 1858 - Sandusky • 1886 - present - Columbus (Ohio Expo Center) • 1859 - Zanesville

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Historical Milestones • 1853 - Entertainment entered the Fair programming with pony rides for children and monkeys dressed in hats that danced to minstrel tunes. • 1860 - Fair premiums rose to $200, up from $20 in 1850. • 1886 - The Ohio State Fair moved to its current home, the Ohio Expo Center, which today encompasses 360 acres and is home to more than 175 events each year, contributing approximately $478 million to the state and local economy - enough to pay the salary of 10,092 Ohioans each year. • 1888 - Ohioans celebrated the centennial of the land that would become the State of Ohio. This year marked the centennial of an important event in Ohio’s history, the creation of the Northwest Territory. Ohio became the first state formed from the Northwest Territory in 1803. Ohio cancelled the State Fair in 1888 and held a celebration of the centennial of the Northwest Territory in its place. • 1896 - The Ohio State Fair became the first fair with an electric lighting system. This made it possible to offer nighttime racing. Horseless vehicles also made their first appearance this year. • 1903 - The first butter cow and calf were featured at the Fair, sculpted by A. T. Shelton & Company, distributors of Sunbury Cooperative Creamery butter. Additional sculptures were added in the 1960s. • 1905 - Livestock entries broke records in all departments, especially with 576 sheep in the nation’s largest sheep show of its kind. • 1916 - In the midst of World War I, patriotism became a Fair theme. The world’s largest American flag, which was 8,840 square feet in size, was displayed at the 11th Avenue entrance gate. • 1922 - Just days before the scheduled opening of the Fair, fire raced across the grounds. Six buildings were destroyed including the central group, the Horticulture Building and the East and West Buildings. Losses were estimated at more than $800,000. • 1924 - Earliest records of the Ohio State Fair Queen contest date back to this year. • 1925 - The Diamond Jubilee Spectacle saluted the 75th anniversary of the Fair. More than 2,000 participants enacted the evolution of the Fair in three 25-year periods on three stages. The All-Ohio State Fair Band was formed this year. • 1928 - The renowned John Philip Sousa Band performed twice daily at the 1928 Fair. • 1929 - The Junior Fair was formed this year. • 1941 - A sign of the times found 150 female Fair ticket-takers hired in place of men for the first time. • 1942 - 1945 - The Board of Agriculture canceled the Ohio State Fair and allowed the war department to use the grounds and buildings for handling airplane parts and equipment for World War II. The Army Air Corps rented the facility for $1 per year. A similar fate befell fairs in Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. • 1955 - Shuttle buses were introduced. • 1957 - The first female livestock judge, Mrs. Maurice Neville, judged the Yorkshire Swine Show. • 1963 - The All-Ohio Youth Choir was established. • 1966 - The original OHIO Gate was built at the 11th Avenue entrance, costing $40,000. • 1968 - The first Sale of Champions Livestock Auction was held with sales amounting to $22,674. • 1969 - The first portion of the SkyGlider was built. It was later extended to 11th Avenue in 1984. The Giant Slide also opened this year. • 1972 - Fire struck the Ohio Expo Center in October during the American Dairy Show. Three barns were burned, killing three head of cattle and destroying virtually all the exhibitors’ belongings. These buildings have since been replaced by the Gilligan Complex and the O’Neill Swine Building.

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• 1976 - In celebration of the country’s bicentennial, a time capsule was buried in the gardens near the 11th Avenue gate (now known as the OHIO Gate). It holds treasures of the times from the Ohio State Fair: Ohio sports teams, coins and stamps, a T-shirt, Levis and tennis shoes. It will be opened in 2026. • 1986 - A 12-foot tall,16-foot long cardinal sitting atop a 4-foot base was installed at the north entrance of the grounds. The bird, constructed of fiberglass, weighs approximately 500 pounds and still stands today. • 1990 - The condemned Ohio State Fair Grandstand was demolished. The Celeste Center, which opened in 1991, replaced it as the site for the Fair’s big-name entertainment, as well as a venue for many non-fair events throughout the year. • 1995 - The George V. Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center was completed. • 2002 - The 11th Avenue OHIO Gate, originally built in 1966, was torn down and reconstructed using a more contemporary design. • 2003 - The Ohio State Fair celebrated its 150th Fair. The first Fair was held in 1850 and there has been one every year since, excluding 1888 and 1942 to 1945. • 2004 - The length of the Fair was changed from 17 days to 12 days. • 2010 - The Coliseum was rededicated in honor of former Gov. Bob Taft. • 2011 - To recognize a wider range of exhibitors, market meat goats, turkeys and cheese were added to the Sale of Champions in 2011. • 2013 - The 2013 overall Sale of Champions record was broken and reset at $344,950. • 2015 - In an effort to protect Ohio’s poultry industry from the avian flu, all species of poultry shows, as well as displays in the Natural Resources Park, petting zoo birds and any and all other bird exhibits or shows, were not held at the 2015 Fair. The Buckeye Agriculture Complex was completed. The Fair set an overall 12-day attendance record with 982,305 visitors. • 2016 - The modern, 100,000 square-foot Cardinal Hall opened on the former site of DiSalle Center, Heritage Building and Adobe Center. This new building houses the Fair’s Creative Arts and Youth Arts Exhibits, the permanent Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame exhibit, the heritage handmade crafts and the model railroad exhibit. • 2017 - The Sale of Champions livestock auction celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Ohio State Fair. Buyers have supported the Sale of Champions with a total of $6,721,229 in purchases since the first auction in 1968. The total amount of funds awarded from the Youth Reserve Program since its 1995 inception is $3,366,815. • 2019 - Cardinal Hall was dedicated in honor of outgoing Governor John R. Kasich, and was renamed Kasich Hall on January 4, 2019.

Accolades • CityScene Magazine - Best of the ‘Bus Best Annual Event for Out-of-Towners (2016) • Columbus Dispatch CBUS Top Picks - Best Festival/Fair (2016) • Columbus Parent Family Faves Favorite Festival, Honorable Mention (2018) • Family Vacation Critic - 12 Epic State Fairs Every Family Should Experience (2019) • Forbes - America’s Top State Fairs (2012) • Huffington Post - 10 Best State Fairs in the U.S, ranked #5 (2014) • Our Family World - The Best State Fairs to check out this summer (2016) • Reader’s Digest, Best Fair in Ohio (2017) • Travel Magazine - named as one of the “Best U.S State Fairs.” • Travel & Leisure - Best State Fairs (2018) • Uproxx - The Biggest and Best State Fairs For You To Travel To This Summer (2018) • USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice - Best State Fairs (2015) • Vacations Made Easy - The 20 Best State Fairs in America (2015) • Yahoo! Travel - 7 Best State Fairs in America (2014)

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New this year

New Entertainers

The Amazing Giants, Daily Strolling Ranging from stilt walking, acrobats, magicians, caricaturists and everything in between, there’s never a dull moment with The Amazing Giants. Their interactive and fun entertainment includes something for everyone from kids to adults.

Mardi Gras Ramblers, Daily Strolling This group brings layers of jazz, R&B, New Orleans funk and groove sounds to audiences.

Phineas T. Curdlesnoot - World Explorer, Daily Strolling Travel along with our brave and intrepid adventurer as he explores the highways, byways and undiscovered treasures of the Ohio State Fair in his one-of-a-kind flying armchair.

Eric Haines - The One-Man Band, July 24 - 29 Strolling One-man band Eric Haines brings his music, comedy and variety to the Ohio State Fair for the first time! Eric began his one-man band act in 2010, adding it to a 25-year career as a comedian, juggler and variety artist. Highlights of his comedy and one-man band career include having his one-man band featured in Time magazine and appearing on ABC’s “The Gong Show.”

The Flyin’ Hawaiian Show, July 24 - 29 Strolling Born in Kona, Hawaii, Sara Kunz has performed all around the world. After studying Hula Hoops and Contortion at the Beijing International Arts School, Sara began performing her one-woman show “The Flyin’ Hawaiian.” Her joyous energy, corny jokes, hooping, dancing, contortions and amazing stunts will not disappoint.

Kenny Ahern, July 24 - 29 UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Kenny Ahern, a world-class entertainer, has been entertaining families for over two decades. In 1983, Kenny’s college professor suggested that he try out for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the rest is history.

Sideshow Terry, July 24 - 29 Strolling Comedy entertainer Terry DaVolt will have you on the edge of your seat with his high-energy performance with iconic feats including the bed of nails, the arrow of death and more.

Jason D’Vaude, July 30 - Aug. 4 UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Dangerous objects! Perilous stunts! Feats of strength and balance! Jason D’Vaude, a self-taught one- man circus sensation, brings his worldwide comedic juggling and clowning show to the Ohio State Fair, ready to share his charming humor and distinct but refined awkwardness. After seeing Jason juggle sharp objects, climb up precariously balanced objects or ride an extra-tall unicycle, audiences are left speechless except to say, “That was AWESOME!”

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Re-Bot the Recycling Robot, July 30 - Aug. 4 Strolling Re-Bot the Robot makes saving the planet fun with his entertaining message to everyone he encounter to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Street Drum Corps, July 30 - Aug. 4 Strolling A world-renowned drum and percussion show started in Los Angeles, Street Drum Corps has turned into a global movement. The Street Drum Corps has performed for the NHL, NBA and MLB, and they have appeared on “Hell’s Kitchen,” “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” They were even crowned winners of the MTV show, “Amazingness.”

Yo-Yo Guy, July 30 - Aug. 4 Strolling Comedy entertainer and world yo-yo champion John Higby has performed his-energy yo-yo show in 26 different countries and holds four Guinness World Records. He has performed on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” Discovery Channel’s “Time Warp,” Comedy Central and more. Featuring yo-yo unicycles and a giant yo-yo, John Higby’s interactive performance is great for all ages.

New Musicians For full descriptions, see “Free Musical Entertainment” on page 39 • Unlawful | July 24, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • Jay Clark Band | July 24, Main Street Stage • Lisa Mary | July 25, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • This N That | July 26, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • Mitch Kirkpatrick | July 27, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • The Vindys | July 28, Main Street Stage • Dave Hawkins | July 29, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • Renata | July 29, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • JP Chandler | July 30, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • The Enablers | July 31, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • The Troubled Waters Band | July 31, Main Street Stage • Eric Sowers Band| July 31, Main Street Stage • Tyler Stephens | Aug. 1, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • Katie Davis | Aug. 2, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • AC Jones | Aug. 2, Main Street Stage • Glen Shelton | Aug. 3, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • Recess | Aug. 3, Main Street Stage • Los Aztecas | Aug. 3, Main Street Stage • Gina Brooklyn | Aug. 4, UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage • Perfect Timing | Aug. 4, Main Street Stage • Funky Waters | Aug. 4, Main Street Stage

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New Attractions

FLIPPIN- The Aerial and Acrobatic Spectacular South end of Mountain Dew Midway Monday - Friday: 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. First Saturday and last Sunday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. First Sunday and last Saturday: noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. A team of acrobats, comedians and aerialists with five generations of family entertainment experience time travel from the past to bring you flying mechanisms, contraptions and body mechanisms, giving you a peculiar and extraordinary presentation.

Human Cannonball Crusaders Meijer Kiddieland Shows at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. This heart-pounding former Ringling Bros. circus act is loading up the cannon and bringing it to the Ohio State Fair. Human cannonball Brian Miser, who recently appeared on America’s Got Talent, will be shot 40 feet high and 100 feet in distance as fairgoers watch from below.

New Competitions

“A Perspective from Nature” - Fine Arts In celebration of artists’ work inspired by nature, five awards will be designated for those who work with minimally altered natural materials including stone, minerals, wood, botanicals, paper arts, clay and other organic matter. To be considered for the perspective awards, natural materials must be visibly present in the final product. Additional support for these awards is provided by the Ohio Arts Council, Bareclay Studios and The Morgan Conservatory.

Shipbuilding: Wood & Plastic - Creative Arts These new classes, under the Shipbuilding competition, asks competitors to use wood or plastic for the creation of their ships. The ships will then be judged on construction and scale, details and furnishings and overall appearance. The new Shipbuilding competition also offers a free sailboat youth workshop. Sailboat kits will be provided, courtesy of Shipwrights of Central Ohio, and can be used to create a wooden sailboat for the mini sailboat regatta race.

Drawing: Pencil, Charcoal, Pastel & Other - Creative Arts The 2019 Creative Arts Competition will now offer a Drawing competition, which will allow artists to enter their pencil, charcoal, pastel and other creations into their own respectable classes. The classes will be judged based on creativity, originality of the depicted theme, quality of artistic composition and overall design based on the theme.

All Things Wine: Bottle Stoppers, Decorated Wine Glasses, Wine Bags & Recycled Wine Bottles - Creative Arts You better get your wine bottles, bags, glasses and corks ready! This year, artists will have the opportunity to enter their wine-based artwork in classes such as Bottle Stoppers, Decorated Wine Glasses, Wine Bags and Recycled Wine Bottles. Each piece will be judged in regards to its originality and design, presentation, workmanship and creative use of materials.

“Back to Oz” (Themed Entry): Any Item & Brillo Float - Creative Arts The new themed competition for this year’s creative arts exhibit is “Back to Oz.” The competition includes a class for any item and a second class for Brillo Pad floats. The Brillo Pad float dimensions

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may not exceed 5 feet high, 4 feet wide and 4 feet long. The floats must also be securely attached to a wagon that can be easily pulled by a walking adult.

Live Food Blogger Challenge - Culinary Arts Calling all food bloggers! Enter the Live Food Blogger Deviled Egg Challenge to compete with other bloggers and receive great prizes from the Ohio Poultry Association. You must have a minimum of 1,000 followers on social media to be eligible to enter and receive awards up to $400. Registration must be done through Ohio Poultry Association.

Grilling: Chicken - Culinary Arts Chicken grilling is now a part of the Grilling Competition! The Ohio Poultry Association will provide contestants with chicken wings and breast. The plated entry must include both chicken products, along with the contestant’s choice of side or garnish and sauce. Participants are responsible for bringing all ingredients (except chicken) and supplies to grill and must be prepared to present four completed plates for judging. Professional and amateur chefs are welcome to enter.

Pepperoni Pizza Perfection: Recipe Competition - Culinary Arts Professional and amateur chefs are encouraged to enter this awesome new competition! The crust needs to be prepared ahead of time, and you must include your recipe for the crust on the official Ohio State Fair Recipe Form. Toppings may only include real cheese, pepperoni and sauce. Bring an empty package of cheese to turn in with your entry. You must show ingredients as proof that it is real dairy cheese. You may also use any sauce of your choice. Bake time must not exceed 30 minutes and only one entry per person is allowed. Check the official rules and regulations for more information.

Cake Show Wedding Theme - “The Wizard of Oz” - Culinary Arts Hosted by Cakes by Timbo and High-Five Cakes, a fun, new competition in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the classic “The Wizard of Oz” film is here! Participants are asked to create a wedding cake inspired by Oz in any of its forms (i.e. “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz,” “Oz The Great and Powerful,” “Emerald City,” “The Legend of Oz,” etc.). With a beginner level, intermediate level, and advanced/professional level present in this category, this competition is open to all talents and levels of experience!

Crazy Cake Theme - What’s Lurking in Oz? - Culinary Arts Another new competition from The Ohio Cake & Sweets Expo hosted by Cakes by Timbo and High- Five Cakes, “What’s Lurking in Oz?” encourages participants to let their imaginations run wild with their ideas of what could possibly be out and about in the fictional land of Oz. Whether it’s creatures, insects, animals, foods, flowers - the possibilities for inspiration and creation are endless! Judges will be assessing cakes on elements such as overall appearance, techniques and originality. Make sure to review and adhere to all competition regulations and guidelines.

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New Food

Apple Fries – Marshal’s Pastry Mill – West of Kasich Hall entrance Bring some fall vibes to the Fair with apple fries, reminiscent of the autumn days spent at orchards.

Authentic Mexican Food – Ledesma Concessions – Northeast of OHIO gate Break up some Fair traditions by indulging in some authentic Mexican cuisine including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas.

BBQ Chicken Nachos – Dre’s Place BBQ – West side of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building A step up from chips and cheese, these nachos include BBQ chicken to bring a smoky, savory flavor.

Breakfast Wraps – KG Concessions – Near Taste of Ohio Café and ShowPlace Pavilion They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so this is sure to be a hit with early fair visitors. Try any of your breakfast favorites stuffed inside a tortilla for a delicious and easy-to-eat meal.

Brisket Nachos – Dre’s Place BBQ – West side of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building Crispy tortilla chips go from a snack to a meal when they are smothered in cheese, loaded with beef brisket and sprinkled with jalapenos.

Buckeye Funnel Cake – KG Concessions – Near Taste of Ohio Café and ShowPlace Pavilion For years, deep-fried buckeyes have been an Ohio State Fair favorite, but this year, the sweet treat will have a funnel cake to compete with. The delectable mixture of chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar on top of a traditional funnel cake is the ultimate treat for buckeye fans - especially when it’s shaped in the state of Ohio.

Caribbean Noodles and Jambalaya Rice – Guiseppe’s Concessions - West of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building These Caribbean noodles and Jambalaya rice dishes with chicken, pork or vegetables are cooked in large woks in front of the fairgoer for a unique Fair experience. Wash it down with a bubble lemonade.

Chicken Philly Sandwich – Provenzale – WNCI Food Highway on east side in front of WCOL Celeste Center Try this twist on a Philadelphia classic with chicken instead of beef.

Chicken Salad Croissants – KG Concessions – Northwest corner of WCOL Celeste Center A deli classic is brought to the Ohio State Fair. The buttery croissant stuffed with tasty chicken salad creates an enticing and refreshing meal.

Chocolate Candy Bar Shish Kebab – Bulk Candy Store – Near 17th Avenue across from Brown Sheep Building Assorted candy bars are skewered, battered and deep-fried to make an easy-to-hold sweet treat with a surprise in every bite.

Chocolate Deviled Eggs – Ohio Poultry Association – Taste of Ohio Café A lightly smoked hard-boiled egg is filled with a rich chocolate mousse to offer a sweet twist to a traditional snack.

Churros – Casa DeMexico by Neffy’s – Bricker MarketPlace Building

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This traditional Mexican dessert is crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and coated with sweet cinnamon sugar.

Cold Brew Coffee – Sweet Shop - West of Bricker MarketPlace near Gilligan Livestock Building & Bricker MarketPlace Get your caffeine fix with unique cold brew coffee.

Corny-Kabob – AWB Concessions – West of Shoppes at North Commerical Made from alternating layers of hot dog and cheese, this kabob is arranged on a stick, then hand- dipped in fresh batter to create a gooey deep-fried twist on the traditional Fair favorite, the corn dog.

Deep-Fried Charleston Chews – Bulk Candy Store – Near 17th Avenue across from Brown Sheep Building This classic candy with chewy, flavored nougat covered in chocolate is deep fried to add a different dimension to the flavor and take you back to your childhood.

Deep-Fried Corn on the Cob - Glo Concessions (WNCI Food Highway north of WCOL Celeste Center near Main Street Stage) and Marshal’s Pastry Mill (west of Kasich Hall entrance) The marriage of corn on the cob and cornmeal batter tastes like a match made in heaven. The ear of corn is dipped in batter and submerged in hot oil to create a one-of-a-kind Fair treat.

Deep Fried Mac & Cheese Balls – The Tot Spot (Fun Time Foods) – North of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building These gooey, cheesy snacks are perfect for an afternoon at the Fair.

Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese on a Stick – First National Bank of Hot Dogs (S & C Concessions) – East side of Giant Slide This is a comfort food turned Fair food that both kids and adults will love. These cheesy macaroni balls are deep-fried and placed on a stick to make for easy, effortless eating.

Deep-Fried Mini Gummy Burgers – Bulk Candy Store – Near 17th Avenue across from Brown Sheep Building This deep-fried mini hamburger isn't what you'd expect; the itsy-bitsy gummy burger is battered, deep- fried and served with Fruity Pebbles cereal on top. Reviewers say it tastes like a jelly-filled donut!

Deep Fried Tofu – KG Concessions – East of ShowPlace Pavilion This traditional tofu is cut into cubes, deep-fried and served with salsa to become a golden and crispy delicacy.

Edible Cookie Dough – Wonderland Cookie Dough – North end of Meijer Kiddieland near Central Park Channel your inner kid and indulge in M&M, chocolate chip, birthday cake and cookies & cream edible cookie dough.

Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Corn Dog – Tracey Company – At the corner of 17th Avenue The typical corn dog gets a spicy makeover when Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are added to the batter. Dip this spicy snack into hot sauce and nacho cheese to ignite your taste buds, or try the alternate hot dog topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and nacho cheese.

Fried Jalapeño Rings – KG Concessions – Near Taste of Ohio Café and ShowPlace Pavilion Spicy jalapeño rings are coated in batter and deep-fried to a crispy perfection. The union of crunch and heat creates the perfect combination for spicy food lovers.

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Frozen Buckeye Cheesecake – Maggie’s Sundae in a Cone – WNCI Food Highway and southeast corner of Bricker MarketPlace This creamy, signature cheesecake is dipped in chocolate and coated with peanut butter and nuts, representing another take on Ohio’s signature dessert.

Frozen White Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake – Maggie’s Sundae in a Cone – WNCI Food Highway and southeast corner of Bricker MarketPlace This frozen treat is dipped in white chocolate and covered with Oreos, perfect for an evening treat.

Hash Bomb – The Tot Spot (Fun Time Foods) – North of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building Ditch the bread and try a new kind of sandwich. Perfect anytime of the day, crispy bacon and melted cheese are sandwiched between two crunchy hash browns.

Nitro Coffee – Eaton Cookies – West side of Nationwide Donahey Land and Living Building Get your mid-day caffeine buzz with this handcrafted cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen and served fresh from the tap. Coffee enthusiasts will love the naturally sweet flavor and smooth consistency served ice cold, perfect for a summer day.

Philly Style Soft Pretzels – Big G’s – West side of Nationwide Donahey Land and Living Building This twist on a Philly cheesesteak sandwich features a pretzel as the base for the Philly-inspired toppings.

Philly Tots – Donut Burger (Dickerson and Kenna) – WNCI Food Highway on southeast side of Bricker MarketPlace Building Try this new twist on a Philly cheesesteak – with crispy tater tots instead. The tots are smothered with Philly steak, onions and green peppers and topped with melted cheese.

Pigs in a Blanket on a Stick – First National Bank of Hot Dogs (S & C Concessions) – East side of Giant Slide Hot dogs and cheese are wrapped in golden flaky dough, cooked to perfection and served on a stick.

Pork Butt Tots – Donut Burger (Dickerson and Kenna) – WNCI Food Highway on southeast side of Bricker MarketPlace Building Experiment with these smoky “tachoes” topped with pulled pork, green onions, red onions and melted cheese.

Pressed Sandwiches – “Hot Off the Press” Pressed Sandwiches (Hill Concessions) – North of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building Try this new stand that offers tasty pressed sandwiches, including The Big Piggy (grilled ham, bacon, pulled pork and cheddar cheese sauce), the Cuban (pulled pork, pickles, swiss cheese and sauce) and many more!

Puckering Pickle Popsicles – KG Concessions – East of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building near south end of Mountain Dew Midway (Block 26) This summertime treat is throwing everything you know about traditional popsicles out the window. Made from frozen pickle juice, these sour popsicles are sure to satisfy all your pickle cravings.

Pulled Pork and Chicken Sundaes – Famous Gabby’s – West side of Taft Coliseum This variation on a sweet treat is built on a bed of french fries and baked beans and topped with your choice of pulled pork or chicken and coleslaw. Every day is “Sundae” at Famous Gabby’s!

Sake Beef Jerky – iJerky Guy – Bricker MarketPlace Building, Bay 301

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This Japanese-inspired Sake beef jerky has an Asian flair that brings different flavors to the Fair.

S’mOREO Funnel Cake – Made from Scratch Funnel Cakes (Hill Concessions) – North of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building near south end of Mountain Dew Midway This year at the Fair, cookies and cream dominates the funnel cake game. Try a S’mOREO funnel cake topped with powdered sugar, hot fudge, marshmallow cream and OREO crumbles.

Skyline Tots – The Tot Spot (Fun Time Foods) – North of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building near south end of Mountain Dew Midway Fresh tater tots topped with Cincinnati’s famous original Skyline Chili and sprinkled with shredded cheese. Coney lovers won’t want to miss this.

Specialty Grilled Cheese – The Giddy Piggy – West side of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building Specialty grilled cheese is the star at this new stand, which offers flavors like taco, spaghetti, buffalo ranch chicken and jalapeno popper grilled cheeses. Try these melty sandwiches with a side of savory chili, or finish your meal with a sweet s’mores pie griller.

Sriracha Peanut Butter Crunch Donuts – Inky Dinky Donuts – East side of WNCI Food Highway on the corner of 17th Avenue, across from the Sheep Barn A new glaze for the classic Inky Dinky donuts is made up of sriracha nut brittle and peanut butter glaze, topped with a crunchy chocolate and pretzel finish.

Strawberry Lemonade, Cucumber Lemonade and Raspberry Lemonade – First National Bank of Hot Dogs (S & C Concessions) – east side of Giant Slide Whether you choose fruity strawberry, tart raspberry or refreshing cucumber, this variation on traditional lemonade is sure to quench your thirst.

Strawberry Tea, Strawberry Lemonade, Cherry Lemonade – Big G’s – West side of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building Cool down with these refreshing, fruity drinks.

Whiskey BBQ Jerky – iJerky Guy – Bricker MarketPlace Building, Bay 301 The iJerky Guy returns to the Fair this year with smoky Whiskey BBQ jerky that takes Fairgoers back to their favorite summer cookout.

Want to sample one of these deep-fried treats, new foods, food on a stick or another Fair favorite when you visit the Ohio State Fair? Visit ohiostatefair.com/food to search for any food item available for sale at the Fair, and find the exact location(s) where it can be purchased on a GPS map.

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New Rides

The Ohio Expositions Commission recently went through a six-month long selection and vetting process to pick a new ride provider for the Ohio State Fair. Talley Amusements from Fort Worth, Texas, was chosen to be the new ride provider for the 2019 Fair. “We look forward to putting our 200-plus years of combined experience to work, delivering the safest and best-possible entertainment experience, adding another successful chapter to the proud Ohio State Fair tradition. Our commitment to the people of Ohio State Fair is to provide a destination experience, while continuing to set establishing industry best-practices for safety and quality,” said Tom Talley, president of Talley Amusements.

The Ohio State Fair is home to approximately 80 rides, with roughly 40 in the Mountain Dew Midway and approximately 30 in Meijer Kiddieland.

Fast Trax Reach new heights and take 55 steps to the top of this incredible slide. At 200 feet long, riders will enjoy a fast and thrilling ride down to the bottom.

Giant Wheel Enjoy the brand new, brightly colored 108-foot high Ferris wheel at this year’s Ohio State Fair. Take a relaxing ride and enjoy a view.

Skyliner Swing Tower Passengers will get a thrill while riding the Skyliner. These swings will sweep you off your feet for a thrilling ride up to the top. The view of this ride can’t be beat reaching 100 feet and offering fun for the whole family!

Mega Drop Tower This ride will take you higher than ever before. At 120 feet, you will get a bird’s-eye view of the entire Fair, but make sure to look quick before the exhilarating drop.

Wave Swinger The Wave Swinger has a rich history that makes for an exciting ride you won’t want to miss. Created in Italy, this ride looks beautiful and was built for all ages to enjoy. Swinging over the Fair crowd, this ride is known to be the most photographed ride.

Buildings and Stages

Administration Building (1909) 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on July 22 and 8 p.m. on July 23) This building houses many of the Ohio Expo Center staff offices.

AgPro Taft Coliseum (1917) Open all Fair hours This building is the site of many horse shows and events.

Ameripark Open all Fair hours

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This intimate park is home to special events such as the 4-H bicycle competition.

Bricker MarketPlace Building (1966) 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (closes at 8 p.m. on Aug. 4) Visit commercial and informational booths offering a variety of novelties, jewelry, demonstration items, home remodelers, state agencies, attractions, as well as the International Food Court and an Ohio beer and wine sales location.

Brown Building (1930) 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. (closed on Aug. 4) This arena is home to all sheep exhibits and shows, including a store with all things wool.

Buckeye Agriculture Complex (2015) This new building is a 180,000 square foot agricultural facility that features more than 1,000 permanent stalls and an adjacent riding arena.

Buckeye Sports Center (1953) Show schedules available at ohiostatefair.com. Check out the various sporting events held throughout the Fair.

Cardinal Plaza The main entrance from the north parking lot: the Cardinal Plaza contains a sculpture of a giant, 12- foot-tall cardinal and the Cardinal Corridor, a 300-foot-long strip of land containing nine trees that will eventually grow up to 70 feet high and provide up to 70 feet of shade cover each.

Cardinal Shelter Open all Fair hours Enjoy a break at this relaxing picnic area just east of the Cardinal Gate. Interested in reserving it for a family reunion or group outing? Call 614-297-0735.

Central Park Open all Fair hours Relax at the center of the Fair, home to the Monster Mural, Jumbo Tic-Tac-Toe and special activities.

Cooper Arena (1965) 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Swing by this arena for dairy cattle judging during the Fair.

Cox Fine Arts Center (1909) 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4) Home to one of the largest state fair fine arts exhibitions, only the top 359 out of 2,074 art entries are accepted in the 2018 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition and displayed in this beautiful gallery setting. Patrons can also enjoy screenings of Ohio short films.

Dairy Products Building (1925) 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. See the famous butter cow sculpture, a Fair tradition since 1903, while you enjoy your favorite dairy products from Ohio-produced ice cream to the celebrated cheese sandwich.

Denny Hales Arena (2003) Open all Fair hours Dog agility, the general livestock judging contest and select pre-Fair horse shows are held in this open- air pavilion.

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Infant Care and Nursing Stations presented by OhioHealth and Sunny95 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. The Ohio State Fair offers two air-conditioned family care stations, one located in Meijer Kiddieland and the other in the Taste of Ohio Café, at which parents can change their children’s diapers, and mothers who prefer to breastfeed their children in privacy can do so comfortably. Additional nursing stations are located in Kasich Hall and the Bricker MarketPlace Building.

Gazebo Stage Show schedules available at ohiostatefair.com Fairgoers will be amazed and entertained by astonishing jugglers, comedic performers and talented musicians at this stage, located near Central Park in the heart of the Fair.

Gilligan Livestock Complex (1872 & 1978) 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. This complex houses the horse and dairy cattle exhibits, as well as a functioning milking parlor. An air- conditioned restaurant, Ranahan’s, is attached.

Kasich Hall (2016) 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (closes at 8 p.m. on Aug. 4) The Ohio Expo Center’s newest building opened in July 2016 to house the Fair’s Creative Arts and Youth Arts exhibits (Hall B), Model Railroad exhibit (Hall C) and various banquets and events (Hall A), as well as the permanent Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame exhibit.

Main Street Stage Show schedules available at ohiostatefair.com Catch a little bit of everything at the Main Street Stage, from free live music performances to amazing hypnosis shows.

Martin Janis Senior Center (1979) 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. This full-service recreation center features daily live entertainment, great food, a variety of activities and demonstrations in stained glass, lapidary, painting and a scenic 15-mile track operating model railroad.

Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living Building presented by the Ohio Farm Bureau (1926) 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Browse beautiful flowers, the interactive Land & Living Display, prize vegetables and more.

Natural Resources Park (1956) 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (times of activities vary) Enjoy free fishing for kids, kayaking and archery at this beautiful eight-acre park maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. There are so many things to observe such as native Ohio wildlife, a log cabin, a geological walkway and a tall grass prairie. The outdoor amphitheater hosts free music and programs throughout the day. Patrons can take a ride on the exciting watercraft simulator and experience the thrill of riding a jet ski firsthand, while staying (mostly) dry.

Ohio Beer and Wine Pavilion (1888) 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. This historic pavilion has been transformed into a relaxing beer and wine garden where you can sample products made here in Ohio in small or full-size portions, learn about brewing and wine-making, and interact with the business owners and operators who make these products. A gigantic map of Ohio breweries and wineries, educational demonstrations and the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales

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area all housed in this building. This building was previously known as the Antiques and Collectibles Pavilion.

O’Neill Swine Building presented by Ohio Soybean Council (1973) 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Check out swine exhibits, a sow and her piglets and the Pork Shoppe, home of the famous “Pigs. The Inventors of Bacon.” T-shirt.

Rabbit and Poultry Pavilion presented by Ohio Soybean Council (1905) 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Roosters crow to wake the grounds at this pavilion, home to rabbits, chickens and educational exhibits.

Rhodes Center (1956) Open during scheduled events only This expansive facility is the home to the All-Ohio State Fair Band presented by Buckeye Health Plan and the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir and rehearsals.

Shoppes at North Commercial (1905) 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (closes at 8 p.m. on Aug. 4) Commercial and informational booths offering a variety of wares from sunglasses to furniture are housed in this open-air shopping mecca.

ShowPlace Pavilion (1992) Open all Fair hours A variety of sporting events, activities and performances will take place at this pavilion.

Taste of Ohio Café presented by Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net (1966) 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sit down for a locally-produced meal or a glass of Ohio beer or wine in this air-conditioned facility and attached patio. Enjoy the chance to learn great recipes from the daily Heartland Cuisine Cooking Demonstrations.

Voinovich Beef Cattle Building presented by Tractor Supply Company (1995) 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. This expansive building is home to beef exhibits and educational activities, as well as a mini putt-putt golf course.

WCOL Celeste Center (1991) Show schedules available at ohiostatefair.com Big-name concerts and free shows are a part of the Ohio State Fair Concert Series held in this air- conditioned arena. Concessions are available for purchase, as well as Ohio beer and wine during select concerts.

Youth Center (1965) 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4) Stop by to view and participate in competitions, demonstrations, projects, displays and fun interactive activities from Ohio youth organizations including Ohio 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, COSI, Girl Scouts, Invention League, The Ohio State University Physics and Chemistry departments and Technology & Engineering Education. The Youth Center is filled with fun and educational happenings!

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Entertainment

WCOL Celeste Center Entertainment Tickets for paid events at the Celeste Center include admission to the Fair when purchased in advance. All free events held in the WCOL Celeste Center are non-ticketed, meaning that tickets are not required for these events.

KIDZ BOP WORLD TOUR 2019 Wednesday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m., $20 KIDZ BOP WORLD TOUR 2019 is the ultimate family concert experience, “sung by kids for kids.” The KIDZ BOP Kids are Billboard Magazine’s #1 Kids’ Artist for eight consecutive years performing kid- friendly versions of some of today’s biggest hit songs. KIDZ BOP holds a nationwide casting call to find the KIDZ BOP Kids, a group of talented young performers to star on albums, TV commercials, music videos, and be a part of the live tour. This fun-loving group performs more than 50 live shows each year and releases three major numbered albums. Their latest release, KIDZ Bop 39, is available now!

Chris Young Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m., $35, $50 Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments and awards throughout his years. These include his membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, 11 career No. 1 singles, 17 R.I.A.A. Gold/Platinum/Multi-Platinum certified projects, two Grammy nominations, three Country Music Association nominations and four Academy of Country music nominations. “Losing Sleep” (2017) and “I’m Comin’ Over” (2015) debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart with “I’m Comin’ Over” becoming Young’s first 2x Platinum single. Young’s “Raised On Country” has been the fastest selling single of his career and is also the namesake of his headlining “Raised On Country World Tour 2019.” The tour is stacked with popular hits including “Hangin’ On,” “Gettin’ You Home,” “You,” “I’m Comin’ Over,” “Think of You” and more.

Lyfe Jennings (performing with Chanté Moore and Carl Thomas) Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., $25 Lyfe Jennings, born Chester Jennings in Toledo, Ohio is an African American R&B and soul singer- songwriter, record producer and instrumentalist. Jennings began singing at a young age in a Toledo church choir. In January 2003, he performed in Harlem at the Showtime at The Apollo. The same year, he also independently released his first EP, “What Is Love.” He signed with Columbia Records and released his debut album “Lyfe 268-192" in August 2004. His first single was “Stick Up Kid,” which didn’t see much success until after the album was released. The album featured his hit single “Must Be Nice.” Jennings’ second album “The Phoenix” was released in August 2006. The first single, “S.E.X.,” features Jennings’ protégé, singer LaLa Brown.

Chanté Moore (performing with Lyfe Jennings and Carl Thomas) Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., $25 Chanté Moore established herself as an R&B singer in the early 1990s. After her rise to fame in the music industry, Chanté also established herself as an actress, television personality and author. Her first studio album “Precious” was released in 1992. The album was certified gold by the RIAA in 1994. In 2017, she released a new single “Real One,” which became the lead single off her album “The Rise of the Phoenix.” More recently, she released a new single “One Love” featuring Lewis Sky, released in April 2018.

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Carl Thomas (performing with Lyfe Jennings and Chanté Moore) Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., $25 Carl Thomas began singing around the Chicago-land area, joining groups, singing in the church choir and doing some recordings in comfortable surroundings. Now, over 20 years later, Thomas has over 4 million records sold, two Grammy nominations, Soul Train nominations and S.C.L.C. Image award. Thomas released a new album entitled “Conquer” in December 2011. The first single was “Don’t Kiss Me,” which featured Snoop Dogg and was written and produced by Rico Love. On the debut of the music video, it reached over 1 million viewers. “What comes from the heart reaches the heart,” Carl says poetically. “In other words, when I’m writing songs I try to capture scenarios that are true. There is a complexity to relationships that many songwriters miss that I try to relate; we all have a lot of drama in our lives and that is what I was attempting to express on Conquer.”

Hank Williams Jr. Saturday, July 27 at 7 p.m., $35, $50 Hank Williams Jr. is an American singer-songwriter. Hank established himself in the country music industry with his unique style combining country, rock and blues. Between the years of 1979 and 1990, he earned 30 Top Ten singles on the Billboard Country charts and eight No.1 singles. His opening themes for “Monday Night Football” earned him four Emmy awards. William’s latest single was released in 2009, “Red, White & Pink-Slip Blues.” In July 2009, “127 Rose Avenue” was announced as his last album with Curb Records.

Gabriel Iglesias: Beyond the Fluffy World Tour Sunday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m., $30, $40 Gabriel Iglesias is one of America's most successful stand-up comedians performing to sold-out concerts around the world. Iglesias was featured in The Hollywood Reporter's Top 40 Comedy Players of 2018 issue alongside comedy giants Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Lorne Michaels. Unlike many in the stand-up world, Iglesias' globally appealing comedy stays mostly clean and his non-controversial material appeals to audiences of all ages and walks of life. Iglesias has also had the distinct honor of being one of the few to headline and sell-out Madison Square Garden, Staples Center and The Sydney Opera House. He is also one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with over 380,000,000 views and has over 14 million followers across social media.

Toby Keith Monday, July 29 at 7 p.m., $55, $65 At the core of Toby Keith’s unparalleled success is his songwriting, which has powered an astounding succession of hit songs to the tune of more than 87 million BMI performances on commercial radio stations worldwide. His albums have sold more than 40 million copies, ranking him among the top- selling all-genre artists on Billboard's Top 200 Artists of the Decade. Keith is also Billboard's No. 1 Country Artist of the Decade and No. 1 Country Songwriter of the Decade. From his first No. 1 smash "Should've Been A Cowboy" to his new album “35 MPH Town,” Toby Keith has been one of the most consistent self-directed hit makers of his era. From one of his previous collections, “Clancy's Tavern,” the lead single, "Made In America," topped the charts as one of the fastest rising songs in a long line of chart burners from Keith's pen. The second hit, "Red Solo Cup," has become the most remarkable and commercially successful country single in recent memory with a viral video with more than 30 million views while having topped the top downloaded country songs charts.

Jimmie Allen (special guest opening for Toby Keith) Monday, July 29 at 7 p.m., $55, $65 From living in his car to becoming a breakthrough country artist, Jimmie Allen is now signed to BBR Music Group/BMG. Kicking off 2018 being recognized on nearly every “Ones to Watch” list, Allen hit a

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turning point in his career this year as he raced through milestones that most only dream of—earning a standing ovation while making his Grand Ole Opry debut, cracking the Top 20 with his first-ever single and checking off many major bucket list items in between.

Matthew West Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m., $25 Matthew West is a four-time Grammy nominee, a multiple-ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner, a Dove Award recipient and was awarded an American Music Award (2013). West has won a K-LOVE Fan Award (2016), a Billboard Music Award (Top Christian Artist, 2014) and was named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year (2016). A recent recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for “The Heart of Christmas” from the film of the same name. Selling more than 1.6 million albums to date (TEA), West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: All In (2017), Live Forever (2015), Grammy nominated Into The Light (2012), The Story of Your Life (2010), Something To Say (2008), History (2005) and Happy (2003).

Matt Maher (special guest opening for Matthew West) Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m., $25 Intrinsically linked to the human condition are the desires to be known, understood, and heard: to count for things that matter. Echoes, the newest studio record from Matt Maher is a collection of declarations in the midst of dealing with human suffering. After writing most of the songs for the record, Maher lost his father, and “Echoes” took on a whole new personal dimension for the artist. “Worship music paints with broad strokes for large groups of people, that stem from intimate stories and experiences; the challenge, as a creator, is to somehow let the former come out of the latter.”

REO Speedwagon Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m., $28, $38 Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon is a band where the main constant over the decades is a never-ending desire to give their all to their fans, year in and year out. Today, fully established with songs on the radio in every city and town they ever set foot in, REO Speedwagon still has that Midwest work ethic. The band has gone on stage and in the studio to work-dozens of albums, thousands of concerts, and countless radio spins. Their eyes have always been on the future and on the road-not a year has gone by where REO Speedwagon didn’t perform live, thrilling fans with hit filled sets.

Night Ranger (special guest opening for REO Speedwagon) Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m., $28, $38 With more than 17 million albums sold worldwide, over 3500 live performances, and a radio audience that exceeds 1 billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. They have earned widespread acclaim that includes multi-platinum and gold album status while leaving their indelible mark on the music charts with a string of best-selling albums “Dawn Patrol,” “Midnight Madness,” “7 Wishes,” “Big Life” and “Man in Motion.” Their popularity is fueled by an impressive string of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks, including legendary titles such as “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes.”

The S.O.S. Band (coheadlining with Midnight Star) Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., $25 The S.O.S. Band is an American R&B and electro-funk group who gained fame in the 1980s. They are best known for the songs “Take Your Time (Do It Right),” “Just Be Good To Me” and “The Finest.” The original band was started in 1977 with seven musicians. The group originally called Santa Monica was soon changed to The S.O.S. Band, with S.O.S. standing for “Sounds of Success.” In 1994, lead vocalist

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Mary Davis reunited with Abdul Ra’oof to reconstruct a new band with the same sound as the original S.O.S. Band.

Midnight Star (coheadlining with The S.O.S. Band) Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., $25 Formed at Kentucky State University in 1976, MIDNIGHT STAR began as a self-contained party band in the P-Funk/Earth Wind and Fire mode and quickly earned a strong live reputation throughout the world. A 1978 New York City showcase inspired Solar Records chief Dick Griffey to sign the group, and early 80s albums like “The Beginning,” “Standing Together” and “Victory” gave MIDNIGHT STAR a chance to hone their chops. Everything clicked together with the Certified Double Platinum Plus “No Parking on the Dance Floor” album that established MIDNIGHT STAR as world-renowned songwriters, producers and entertainers. The group’s passion and love of the music and their strong desire to keep their fans ultimately satisfied has shown up in platinum and gold as they’ve poured out streams of top 10 and No. 1 hits.

Bad Company Friday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m., $40, $55 Bad Company is a hard rock group that was originally formed in Westminister, London in 1973. After their first three albums in the 1970s, Bad Company gained recognition and great success. Their first albums included “Bad Company,” “Straight Shooter” and “Run with the Pack,” which reached top five in the albums chart in the United States and United Kingdom. Their “Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour” will bring you back to the classic rock era.

Foghat (special guest opening for Bad Company) Friday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m., $40, $55 Foghat’s live performances show why the band is still around today and why they will be able to keep on rockin’ as long as they want. This band truly is timeless: constant touring is part of their DNA, and the band just loves to play. Not content to rest on their laurels, the band released a new studio album in June 2016 titled “Under the Influence,” and another ‘live’ album in June of 2017 called “Live at the Belly Up.” Both were given great reviews by press audiences alike. As stated by Roger Earl, “we are still a ‘work in progress’, writing and recording, and plan to be until the day we depart this earth!”

Happy Together Tour 2019: The Turtles, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV, The Cowsills Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m., $25 Music fans have been enjoying the hits of the 60s and 70s since the Summer of Love and beyond. They get to relive those moments on the renowned Happy Together Tour 2019, which is going on its 10th consecutive year. This summer, the Happy Together Tour returns with six headline artists who delivered the biggest hits of the era: The Turtles; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; Gary Puckett & The Union Gap; The Buckinghams; The Classics IV and The Cowsills.

Free Shows in the WCOL Celeste Center

All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir Concert Sunday, July 28 at 1 p.m., Free (no tickets required) The All-Ohio State Fair Band, directed by Brian W. Dodd, has been a tradition of the Ohio State Fair since 1925. Their enthusiastic tunes have thrilled thousands of fairgoers each year, including the performance of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever!” at the conclusion of each performance. The Band is comprised of 200 superior musicians from schools all across Ohio.

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The 200-member All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, directed by John C. Peterson, was founded in 1963. The group was organized to provide Ohio’s high school vocalists an opportunity to share a musical experience similar to the All-Ohio State Fair Band.

John Denver Tribute Featuring Ted Vigil Tuesday, July 30 at 1 p.m., Free Ted Vigil was first recognized in 2006 when he took his talents to Laughlin, Nevada to compete in the Talent Quest 2006 involving 28 states, New Zealand, Australia and Canada taking first place. He then went on to win Komo TV 4's NW Afternoon Celebrity Look Alike contest and has played twice for John Denver’s own "Windstar Foundation" in Aspen, CO. In 2012, Ted was awarded the Rising Legend Award by the National Traditional Country Music Association. The most heard comments after a show are "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Denver! It really took us back!"

Sale of Champions Livestock Auction Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m., Free This special event recognizes youth exhibitors who showed the champion of their species at the Ohio State Fair by giving them the opportunity to auction their livestock exhibit. The Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions consistently garners some of the highest bids of any state fair in the nation. For background information on the Sale of Champions and last year’s results, visit the “Sale of Champions” section of the media guide.

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Past and current performers Charlie Puth 38 Special 2015, 2016 1990, 1991, 2017 Cheap Trick Alabama 1984, 1986, 1995, 2001, 2015, 2018 1984, 1995, 1997, 1999-2001, 2015, 2017 Chicago Alan Jackson 1988, 2012 2001, 2003 Chris Young America 2010, 2019 1983, 2006, 2014 Chuck Negron Aretha Franklin 2019 2014 Cole Swindell Bad Company 2017 2019 The Commodores The Beach Boys 2018 1974, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1988, 2014, 2018 The Cowsills Blue Öyster Cult 1969, 2019 2000, 2009, 2014 Dierks Bentley Bob Hope 2008, 2009 1966,1968-1970,1972,1975-1982,1991 Dionne Warwick The Buckinghams 1973,1983 2001, 2019 Dolly Parton Brad Paisley 1977-1979,1982, 2016 2005, 2011 En Vogue Brooks & Dunn 2018 1996, 1999, 2000, 2004 Foghat Brothers Osborne 2014, 2016, 2019 2018 Foreigner Carl Thomas 1993, 2009, 2011 2019 Gary Puckett Casting Crowns 2000, 2019 2005, 2012, 2018 Gabriel Iglesias The Classics IV 2017, 2019 2019 George Thorogood Chanté Moore 2017 2019 36

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Lee Brice Hank Williams Jr. 2018 1993, 2019 Lyfe Jennings Heart 2019 2010, 2014 Mac Davis Jake Owen 1973-1978, 1981 2015 Matt Maher Jeff Dunham 2019 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2018 Matthew West Jimmie Allen 2016, 2019 2019 McGuffey Lane Joan Jett and the Blackhearts 1981,1982, 2017 1989, 2003, 2014 Meghan Trainor Joe 2015 1998, 2004, 2017 Merle Haggard John Kay & Steppenwolf 1975, 1991, 2007, 2012 2000, 2016 Midnight Star Johnny Cash 1982, 1983, 1984, 1989, 2004, 2019 1976, 1978, 1981,1992, 1996 Night Ranger Kansas 1985, 1987, 2011, 2019 1993, 2012 Oak Ridge Boys Keith Sweat 1980, 1982, 1984-1991, 1996, 2003, 2006, 2000, 2009, 2016 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016

Kenny Rogers The Osmonds / Donnie & Marie / Donnie 1972, 1978, 1979, 2006, 2009, 2016 Osmond 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1986, 1990, Kidz Bop 1991 2017, 2018, 2019 Pat Boone Kool & the Gang 1967, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1988, 2002 1981-1983, 1986, 1988 Patti LaBelle Kris Kristofferson 1985, 1991, 2015 1987, 1992, 2012 Pentatonix Lady Antebellum 2017 2014 Rascal Flatts Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers 2002, 2005-2007, 2009, 2010, 2017 1982, 1983, 2013

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Reba 1983, 1989, 1992, 1993, 2015, 2018

REO Speedwagon 1988, 1990, 2006, 2013, 2019

Sonny & Cher 1967, 1973

The S.O.S. Band 2005, 2019

Styx 2013, 2018

Tanya Tucker 1975, 1976, 1992

Ted Vigil 2019

Toby Keith 1998, 2019

Tom Jones 1971

Travis Tritt 1992, 1996, 2002, 2004

TLC 2018

Trevor Noah 2018

The Turtles 1997, 2004, 2019

The Union Gap 2019

Vince Gill 1994, 1995, 1997-1999, 2002, 2004

“Weird Al” Yankovic 1994, 2007

Willie Nelson 1984, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2004 38

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Free Musical Entertainment (listed in chronological order; location is noted if the artist or band is from Ohio)

Unlawful (Columbus, Americana) | July 24 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Unlawful is an American folk rock band from Columbus, made up of vocalist Devin Sahr, guitarist Jeromy Sahr and cellist Kyle Chatfield.

Sterling Bluegrass Jamboree (bluegrass) | July 24, noon – 9 p.m. Showplace Pavilion Ohio bluegrass bands will perform throughout the day including the SBJ House Band, Rated BG, Evan Lanier and the Bluegrass Express, Open Highway and a jam session.

Jay Clark Band (Springboro, country rock) | July 24 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage The Jay Clark Band burst into the music scene in 2017 when they released their first album, “Cocked & Loaded.” Their unique, rowdy blend of country and metal will leave fairgoers rocking!

The Mighty Troubadours (Columbus, bluegrass) | July 24, 4:30 p.m. Natural Resources Park Amphitheater The Mighty Troubadours is a collaboration of local performers in Columbus with a combination of original music and covers, they play a few different styles of bluegrass music. This eclectic mix of styles is unified by the common threads of acoustic settings on mandolin, banjo, guitar, and bass. Their soulful harmonies and “grassy” instrumentation encompass a true Americana style.

Kazual (a capella) | July 24 - July 29 UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage This Georgia-based a cappella family band, comprised of three brothers and a cousin, is known for their distinct blend of R&B, hip hop and pop they call the “Kazual experience.” Kazual’s national spotlights include NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” BET and MTV. Kazual has opened for Beyoncé and Nelly.

Lisa Mary (country) | July 25 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage As a young country singer-songwriter from the Detroit area, Lisa Mary has captivated audiences all across the United States for six years with her four and a half octave vocal range and electric stage performance. She has opened for some of the biggest names in the industry including Toby Keith, LOCASH, Uncle Kracker, Eric Paslay, Chris Janson, Love and Theft and more.

This N That (Toledo, pop, rock, country) | July 26 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Toledo-based This N That performs a unique set list of classic rock, folk rock and country rock all from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Dean Simms Centennial Band (Springfield, pop/funk/R&B) | July 26 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Main Street Stage Dean Simms Centennial Band is a dynamic show band specializing in music over the last 100 years, all the way up to today’s pop music.

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Shriners Care Fair Fest (Columbus, variety) | July 27 at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ShowPlace Pavilion Enjoy a wide mix of music with musical performances by the Aladdin Shriners including the Aladdin Pipes & Drums by Highland bagpipe music, Aladdin Concert Band, Aladdin Dixieland Band and Enjoy the Swing Machine.

Mitch Kirkpatrick (Lancaster, country) | July 27 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Mitch’s passion for music began at an early age as he listened along to legendary artists spinning on his father’s record player: Waylon Jennings, Marty Robbins, George Jones, David Allan Coe and Hank Williams. He learned to play acoustic guitar at the age of 10, and joined his first band as a guitarist and lead vocalist when he was just a teenager. His early beginnings and country roots have led him to opportunities to open for Jake Owen, Brett Eldridge and more.

Veteran’s Day Variety Show | July 28 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Main Street Stage This USO-style tribute pays honor to our veterans and military with a group of patriotic performers that offer entertainment for almost any musical interest. The diverse show includes award-winning dance group MMDance from Zanesville, patriotic country singer Ami Lemaster from Austintown, American Crossroads Song and Dance Company, vocalist Jeannette Harvey from Sandusky and a performance by former Miss Ohio Sarah Clapper. This year will even feature Steven Moore, the two-time National Banjo Champion from St. Clairsville.

The Vindys (Youngstown, pop/rock) | July 28 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage Since 2013, The Vindys have become one of the most sought-after bands in the Northwest Ohio with their unique blend of pop, jazz and rock. Through the incorporation of multiple genres into one incomparable cohesive style, The Vindys are a rarity with the ability to appeal to a wide audience.

Dave Hawkins (Newark, Americana folk) | July 28 at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Singer-songwriter Dave Hawkins has been touring and recording professionally since 1976. Since his early career playing college folk clubs around Columbus, Dave has expanded his core repertoire to Americana - an amalgam of “non-corporate” country, roots rock, folk and other styles - and Celtic- crossover tunes.

Renata (country/rock) | July 29 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage "Renata” is an American country/rock trio composed of siblings, Collin (19), Adrienne (16) and Benny (12). Despite their young ages, these talented siblings are no strangers to the music business having toured full time for the past eight years. Their musical tastes vary so their live show includes everything from Johnny Cash to John Mayer, not to mention fantastic original music. With strong vocal and instrumental skills far surpassing their young ages, these three amaze audiences with their unique sound every time they step onstage.

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The Southern Cross Band (Streetsboro, classic rock and country) | July 29 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Main Street Stage Formed in 2017, this six-member group is native of Northeast Ohio. The Southern Cross Band performs covers of some of the biggest country artists ranging from Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Johnny Cash and more.

JP Chandler (singer-songwriter) | July 30 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Parkersburg, West Virginia native and musician JP Chandler started playing music at the age of 13 and began writing his own songs just three years later. This skilled musician plays guitar, bass drums and sings. His songwriting and acoustic talents will shine through on the Gazebo Stage.

The Enablers (Warren, pop/rock duo) | July 31 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Founded by Domingo Magana, The Enablers play covers from an electric mix of Top 40 songs including rock, grunge, punk, blues, alternative, rap and more.

The Troubled Waters Band (Clayton, electric blues) | July 30 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage This blue-playing duo from the Dayton, Ohio area is made up of father and son, Jack and Joe Waters. They both found music at a young age and have never stopped playing. Troubled Water is sure to rock the house.

Eric Sowers Band (Tiffin, country) | July 31 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage Combining energy, relentless determination and commanding stage presence, this four-member band has caught the attention of many Ohio country music fans, and has opened for numerous big acts including Jon Pardi, Eric Paslay, Brothers Osborne and more.

Bohemian Highway (Columbus, folk) | July 31, 4:50 p.m. NEW! Natural Resources Park Amphitheater This multi-instrumental indie folk band is known for fine vocal harmonies and lyric-driven tunes.

Tyler Stephens (country) | Aug. 1 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Tyler is a country music singer and songwriter from Eastern Kentucky. Tyler’s interest in music started at just 3 or 4 years old, but now at 24, Tyler is hoping that this is just the beginning of his music career.

Katie Davis (Columbus, singer-songwriter) | Aug. 2 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Katie’s debut EP “Steal My Heart” includes seven of her original songs inspired by the likes of legendary country crooners Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, LeAnn Rimes, Johnny Cash and Jewel.

AC Jones (Youngstown, country) | Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage She may be an Ohio native, but AC Jones has Nashville running through her veins. After four years of balancing a musical career and a college education in biochemistry, Jones signed to an independent country music label and her first single was released to country radio in November 2017. Her debut single “Buses and Trains” climbed to #33 on the Music Row Breakout Chart and earned a spot on their “Most Added” list on many occasions.

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Glen Shelton (country) | Aug. 3 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage Positive country music singer Glen Shelton covers popular country music as well as some of his own songs. His high energy and entertaining show is great for all ages.

Recess (North Royalton, pop/rock) | Aug. 3 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage In 2008, when Vincent, the band’s lead vocalist, was only 8 years old, Recess began performing cover songs in the basement of a small three-bedroom house on Boundary Lane in Parma, Ohio. As they improved and grew musically, performing at numerous venues and festivals across the States, Recess began to create and write their own music. These songs can be found on Recess’s first EP intentionally named “Boundary Lane.”

Los Aztecas (Millbury, Tejano) | Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage Los Aztecas is an authentic Tejano band with a modern twist, made up of five brothers from Toledo. Started by their father, Reyes Longoria Sr. in 1975, the band was created as a way to give Midwest audiences a taste of authentic Tejano music from Texas and Mexico. Fusing tradition, cumbia beats and electronic music, Los Aztecas will keep you dancing all night.

Gina Brooklyn (Wadsworth, singer-songwriter) | Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. NEW! UnitedHealthcare Gazebo Stage At just 18 years old, Gina Brooklyn is already an award-winning singer-songwriter and instrumentalist. After co-writing and recording her first song “From The Outside,” with multi-platinum songwriters Mike Shimshack and Stephanie Lewis at 15 years old, her song was nominated in the 2016 Hollywood Songwriting Contest, won a bronze medal at the 2017 Global Music Awards and was a finalist in the 2017 John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

Perfect Timing (Pataskala, classic rock) | Aug. 4 at noon and 2 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage It was indeed Perfect Timing when three men and three women, all vocalists, musicians and friends, were ready to put a band together and realize their passion. The result was the creation of the band, dedicated to bringing fan favorites to music lovers. Their classic rock, country, R&B and pop are emphasized by vocals and harmonies that few other bands can deliver.

Funky Waters (Dublin, funk, blues) | Aug. 4 at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage Funky Waters is a Central Ohio based rhythm and soul band specializing in blues, funk and rock. They bring their funky energy to every performance.

Big Free Concerts For the second year in a row, the Ohio State Fair is adding big-name artists to the roster of talented musicians performing throughout the grounds. Traditionally featuring Ohio-born musicians and up-and- coming performers from around the country, the Fair has added nationally-recognized groups including Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers, Confederate Railroad, Parrots of the Caribbean and Casee Allen to its line-up of free entertainment for 2019. Tickets will not be required to attend the four “big free concerts,” which are included with Fair admission.

Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers | July 25 at 4:30 p.m. NEW! National Resources Park amphitheater Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers, Grand Ole Opry regulars, will head to Mullins’ home state for a special performance under the shade in the Natural Resources Park amphitheater. The banjo, fiddle,

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mandolin, guitar and vocals combine to create an energetic mix of authentic bluegrass and gospel music.

Confederate Railroad | July 25 at 8:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage As the former backup band for both David Allen Coe and Johnny Paycheck, Confederate Railroad has chart-topping hits including “Jesus and Mama” and “Queen of Memphis.” From rowdy country to raw emotion, the Fair’s Confederate Railroad concert will have people rocking and singing along.

Parrots of the Caribbean | July 27 at 8 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage The excitement, energy and musicianship of the Parrots of the Caribbean are representative of their couple centuries of combined performing experience. Made up of five musicians, this group performs a variety of original tunes, Zydeco, rock country, blues and buffet tunes.

Casee Allen | Aug. 1 at 8:30 p.m. NEW! Main Street Stage Coshocton, Ohio native Casee Allen has a family history rooted deep in music and is known for his uniquely edgy, country-infused sound. Now living in Nashville, he has captivated audiences across the country with his performances alongside Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Brad Paisley, Neal McCoy and more.

Free Non-musical / Strolling Entertainment

The Amazing Giants | Daily NEW! Strolling Ranging from stilt walkers, acrobatics, magicians, caricaturists and everything in between, there’s never a dull moment with The Amazing Giants. Their interactive and fun entertainment includes something for everyone.

Butters D. Cow and his Character Ambassadors | Daily Strolling Mingle with Fair mascot Butters D. Cow and his gang of fun and furry mascots as they stroll around the Fair. Be sure to stop them for a photo!

Phineas T. Curdlesnoot-World Explorer | Daily NEW! Strolling Travel along with our brave and intrepid adventurer as he explores the highways and byways and undiscovered treasures of the Ohio State Fair in his one-of-kind flying armchair.

David Anthony | Daily Gazebo Stage Cleveland native David Anthony found a love of magic when he got his first magic set at the ripe age of five, and he has been performing since he was 12. This award-winning magician will mystify fairgoers with familiar objects, leaving them laughing and impressed after this up-close and personal encounter.

Drew Murray | July 30 - Aug. 4 Gazebo Stage Ohio’s top magician blends today’s best music with hilarious comedy and unbelievable magic, creating an unforgettable, interactive experience.

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Eric Haines - The One-Man Band | July 24 - July 29 NEW! Strolling Guitar-slinging comedian Eric Haines brings pure entertainment to the world of comedy with an act that is part rock concert, part comedy show and part twisted, bizarre circus. Whether it’s stand-up comedy, unforgettable characters, original music, a six-foot unicycle routine or amazing variety acts, Eric Haines puts on a spectacular show that truly has something for everyone.

The Flyin’ Hawaiian Show | July 24 - July 29 NEW! Strolling Born in Kona, Hawaii, Sara Kunz has performed all around the world. After studying hula hoops and contortion at the Beijing International Arts School, Sara began performing her one- woman show “The Flyin’ Hawaiian.” Her joyous energy, corny jokes, hooping, dancing, contortions and amazing stuns will not disappoint.

Groovy Guy Show | Daily Main Street Stage “Groovy” Guy Collins has been entertaining on land and sea for more than 20 years with cheeky humor combined with awesome juggling and magic tricks. His comedy rope-walking routine was judged by Penn Jillette, where he was crowned winner of the Travel Channel’s TV talent show “Street Cred.” Whether he is making a banana magically appear while riding his six-foot unicycle, rolling a crystal ball on his head, or juggling deadly sharp knives, the Groovy Guy is sure to create laughter. Groovy Guy

Jason D’Vaude | July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW! Gazebo Stage Dangerous objects! Perilous stunts! Feats of strength and balance! Jason D’Vaude, self-taught one- man circus sensation, brings his comedic juggling, fire and clowning shows to audiences around the world, delighting them with his charming humor and distinct but refined awkwardness. After seeing Jason juggle sharp objects, climb up precariously balanced objects, ride an extra-tall unicycle or manipulate fire like a master, audiences are left speechless except to say, “That was AWESOME!”

Kazual | July 24 - 29 NEW! Gazebo Stage This a cappella family band, comprised of three brothers and a cousin, is known for their distinct blend of R&B, hip-hop and pop they call the “Kazual experience.”

Kenny Ahern | July 24 - 29 NEW! Gazebo Stage Kenny Ahern, a world-class entertainer, has been entertaining families for over two decades with his performances. In 1983, Kenny’s college professor suggested that he try out for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the rest is history. Now, he not only performs but is also an educator at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.

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Great Lakes Timber Show | Daily Natural Resources Park This entertaining act offers a glimpse into the life of a lumberjack including numerous demonstrations such as ax throwing, chainsaw carving and log rolling.

Mardi Gras Ramblers | Daily Strolling This group brings layers of jazz, R&B, New Orleans funk and groove sounds to audiences.

Re-Bot the Recycling Robot | July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW! Strolling Re-Bot the Robot makes saving the planet fun with his entertaining message to everyone he encounters to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Rock-It Robot | Daily Strolling Get ready for the most impressive robot you’ve ever seen! Standing at nine feet tall and featuring an animated face with moving eyes, brows and mouth, this lifelike character will entertain crowds with humor, dancing and serenading.

Ron Diamond | July 24 - 29 Main Street Stage A master at all levels of magic and hypnosis, Ron Diamond will entertain you with his talent and humor. He is an expert in hypnotherapy and promises each show will bring unique, memorable experiences to be retold for years to come.

The Rudos | July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW! Strolling The Rudos, father and son duo who perform crazy and fun acts. With six acts never performed by anyone else in the world and their crazy antics, this duo is sure to entertain your whole family.

Sideshow Terry | July 24 - 29 NEW! Strolling Comedy entertainer Terry DaVolt will have you on the edge of your seat with his high-energy performance. You won’t be able to stop watching as he performs everything from fire eating, the bed of nails, the arrow of death and more.

Street Breakz | July 24 - July 29 Strolling These performers combine hip-hop, street dancing, impossible stunts, acrobatics and comedy at this pop-up breakdancing show.

Street Drum Corps | July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW! Strolling The Street Drum Corps is a world-renowned drum and percussion show started in Los Angeles, California and turned into a global movement. They have performed for Glee, MTV, NHL, NBA, MLB, Hell’s Kitchen, American Idol and America’s Got Talent and were crowned winners of the MTV show Amazingness.

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Terry DaVolt | July 30 - Aug. 4 Main Street Stage Terry DaVolt’s exciting, high-energy hypnosis show gives volunteers the opportunity to relax and enjoy an “imagination vacation” as they become the stars of the show! You’ll be on the edge of your seat!

Yo-Yo Guy | July 30 - Aug. 4 NEW! Strolling Comedy entertainer and world yo-yo champion John Higby has performed his high-energy yo-yo show in 26 different countries, and he holds four Guinness World Records. He has performed on the “Late Show With David Letterman,” Discovery Channel’s “Time Warp,” Comedy Central and more. Featuring yo-yo-unicycles and a giant yo-yo, the interactive performance is great for all ages.

Natural Resources Park Free shows are offered daily in the Natural Resources Park Amphitheater from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. For a complete list of shows, please check the daily schedules or go to ohiodnr.gov/statefair.

Special Attractions and Displays

Daily attractions Listed alphabetically

All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir Performance times vary The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir and All-Ohio State Fair Band arrive just days before the Fair opens, learning all of their music in a limited time. They perform daily at various times and locations, with nearly 200 total performances held during the 12 days of the Fair.

Budweiser Clydesdales 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Ohio Beer and Wine Pavilion The Budweiser Clydesdales have been the symbol of Anheuser-Busch for more than 85 years. They were formally introduced on April 7, 1933, to celebrate the repeal of prohibition for beer. The Clydesdale hitches travel thousands of miles each year, and with each mile they cover, so continues the Anheuser-Busch tradition.

Camel Rides 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Meijer Kiddieland Every day can be “Hump Day” during the Fair! Camel rides are offered for $7 per ride.

Butterfly House 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park Step inside an enclosed garden filled with fluttering wings of dazzling color. See a butterfly magically emerge from a chrysalis, dry its wings, and then feed on nectar provided by flowers.

Central Ohio Model Railroad Club Exhibit 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4), Kasich Hall, Hall C Fairgoers of all ages will love the elaborate, functional model railroad exhibit including a special just-for- kids Thomas and Friends section.

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FLIPPIN - The Aerial and Acrobatic Spectacular South end of Mountain Dew Midway Monday - Friday: 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. First Saturday and last Sunday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. First Sunday and last Saturday: noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. A team of acrobats, comedians and aerialists with five generations of family entertainment experience time travel from the past to bring you flying mechanisms, contraptions, body mechanisms and much more, giving you a peculiar and extraordinary presentation.

Human Cannonball Crusaders Meijer Kiddieland Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. This heart-pounding former Ringling Bros. circus act is loading up the cannon and bringing it to the Ohio State Fair. Human cannonball Brian Miser will be shot 40 feet high and 100 feet in distance as fairgoers watch from below.

Invention League 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4), Lausche Youth Center Kids can be inventors! Youth in grades K-12 and their families can learn about applying STEAM skills through inventing.

Kayak Pond 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park Grab a life jacket and try out kayaking in a shallow pond, free during Fair hours.

Monster Mural, Central Park 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Closes at 4 p.m. on Aug. 4) Kids will jump at the chance to make their artistic mark on a giant Fair mural each day (with washable paint, of course).

Natural Resources Park 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (times of activities vary) Enjoy free fishing for kids, kayaking, archery, a butterfly house, a watercraft simulator and so much more in this beautiful eight-acre park maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Enjoy native Ohio wildlife, a geological walkway, a camping village and a tall grass prairie. The outdoor amphitheater hosts free music and entertaining programs, such as the popular lumberjack show, each day of the Fair.

Ohio Farm Bureau Land & Living Exhibit 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living Building presented by Ohio Farm Bureau This highly interactive exhibit is packed with agricultural education activities the whole family can enjoy. Visitors will see, experience and learn about caring for animals on the farm, how science and technology are helping farmers produce safe food while enhancing our environmental resources, how scientists are researching solutions to our biggest food and farming challenges and how young people can have careers in agriculture. Visitors can experience planting crops in a tractor simulator, shopping in an interactive grocery store and recording their State Fair memories with a free photograph before leaving the exhibit.

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OVMA Veterinary Education Center 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Wick Pavilion (closed on Aug. 4) Witness the miracle of birth and visit new and expectant farm animal mothers and their young at this educational exhibit near the Dairy Products Building. You can even milk a real cow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Parade 4 p.m. (no parade Aug. 4) Fair mascot Butters D. Cow will be joined by local celebrities, honorees, costumed characters, entertainers and special guests in this tour through the Fair featuring the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir. The parade begins just north of Natural Resources Park and continues up the WNCI Food Highway, ending just north of 17th Avenue.

Pig Races presented by 99.7 The Blitz Monday - Friday: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Meijer Kiddieland Saturday - Sunday: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Three different breeds of swifty swine race around the track for a prize. Cheer on your favorite little porker!

Petting Zoo 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday), Meijer Kiddieland The free Petting Zoo features more than 50 animals from around the world including goats, llamas, zebras, antelope, camels, kangaroos and much more.

Pony Rides 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Meijer Kiddieland Pony rides are offered for $5 per ride.

Limited-time attractions Listed by date

ACTOhio Construction Demo Days and Little Builders Zone July 24 - 26, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Cardinal Patio ACT Ohio and the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council are hosting a family-friendly Building Trades Demo Showcase at the 2019 Ohio State Fair. Skilled tradespeople from 10 construction trades will stage live demonstrations with building activities for children, young people and adults!

Operative Plasterers’ & Cement Masons July 24 - 26, Cardinal Patio Check out the various skills of plasterers and cement masons, enjoy an activity or two and ask questions.

WOSU Kids Day July 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Central Park Join WOSU Public Media from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Central Park for a chance to meet your favorite PBS KIDS® characters including Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, Jet Propulsion, Nature Cat and Luna from Let’s Go Luna! Enjoy family-friendly activities and check out a live radio broadcast.

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Mid-Ohio Marauders Cowboy Mounted Shooting July 26 – 27, Taft Coliseum Watch as cowboys hop on their horses and participate in his fast-action event in which they shoot specially-formulated blanks at targets, like balloons.

Back to the Wild July 27, 4 p.m., Natural Resources Park See all kinds of different animals, like a barred owl or bald eagle, who make Ohio their home. Did you know that there are 286 nesting pairs of bald eagles now in Ohio? The animals you see on display are overseen and cared for by the Back to the Wild Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Education Center.

Fun with Columbus Zoo Animals! July 26, Aug. 1 - 2, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., Nationwide® DonaheyLand & Living Building presented by Ohio Farm Bureau Get up close and personal with animals at the Columbus Zoo Live Animal Show presented by Nationwide.

July 27 - 28, Aug. 3 - 4, 11 a.m., Natural Resources Park amphitheater Jack Hanna’s crew will have audiences of all ages captivated with the Columbus Zoo Animals show.

4-H Spelling Bee July 27, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. (grades 3 and 4), 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. (grades 5 and 6), Martin Janis 50+ Center Ohio students will spell their way to the top at the Ohio State Fair 4-H Spelling Bee! Participating schools may recommend two students in each grade level, third through sixth (for the 2018-2019 academic year). The competition is open to both 4-H and non 4-H members.

Columbus All-Breed Dog Agility July 27 - 28 (11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.), Rhodes Center Lawn Watch as these local pups strut their stuff with as-seen-on-TV style agility!

Ohio State Beekeepers Association July 28 - Aug. 4, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Kasich Hall Patio Learn how to start and maintain your own beehive, as well as the importance of bees to our ecosystem, while having fun! Don’t miss the exciting “Beard of Bees” demonstrations (yes, it is exactly what it sounds like!), held at the following times. • Monday, July 29, 1 p.m. • Friday, Aug. 2, 1 p.m. • Saturday, Aug. 3, 1 p.m.

Zumba Hip-Hop Fitness Extravaganza July 27, 7 - 9 p.m. (registration from 6 - 7 p.m.), ShowPlace Pavilion This exciting two-hour fitness event will give fairgoers the opportunity to try out Zumba for free, burning major calories while dancing to the latest Latin, R&B, hip-hop and pop music. Stick around after the fitness fun for social time with dancing and music.

Buckeye FPV Drone Racing Cup July 28, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., ShowPlace Pavilion Team drone pilots will navigate through obstacle courses in the Fair’s timed drone racing competition coordinated by Buckeye FPV Drone Racing.

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Sunburst Beauty Pageant July 28, 1 - 4 p.m. (registration noon - 1 p.m.), Martin Janis Senior Center Contestants 27 years of age or younger are invited to participate in this annual pageant judged based on beauty and personality.

Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Competition July 28, Kasich Hall, Hall A Ohio’s young talented inventors and entrepreneurs from kindergarten through eighth grade will have the opportunity to be recognized and awarded with educational scholarships and prizes.

50 Year Club Meeting July 29, 8:30 a.m., Rhodes Center Auditorium Did you attend the Ohio State Fair in 1969 or earlier? If you answered yes, you’re automatically a member of the 50 Year Club! The club’s annual meeting will feature the presentation of the esteemed Giant Step Award, exclusive historical video and an interview with “A Fair to Remember” podcast host Vince Tornero.

Old Familiar Beard Bash Competition July 29, 2:30 - 4 p.m. (registration from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.), ShowPlace Pavilion The most mustachioed and best beardsmen in the Midwest will gather to show off their fancy follicles in this impressive and wacky hair-raising competition, now in its fourth year! Participants will compete in categories for mustaches, partial beards, full beards and even fake facial hair where absurdity reigns king (or queen)! In addition to the competition, visitors can peruse the mustache inspired art gallery, enjoy live performances by unshaven entertainers and don a mustache to see how they would look in the Hall of Hirsute photo area.

UnitedHealthcare Talent Show July 30, Martin Janis 50+ Center presented by National Church Residences Do you have a talent? If so, join us for the talent show presented by UnitedHealthcare! Sing a song, play an instrument, do your dance or whatever your talent may be. Win prizes, enjoy live entertainment! It’s fun and free! Don’t miss it!

Dean’s Charity Steer Show July 30, 2 p.m., Voinovich Beef Cattle Building Join Cathann Kress, Vice President for Agricultural and Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, along with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Telhio Credit Union, for an event featuring local celebrities showing 4-H steers to raise funds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Ohio.

M. Nicholson Hip Hop Showcase July 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m., ShowPlace Pavilion Join us for a fitness experience like no other – exciting dance fitness program M. Nicholson Hip Hop Fitness will be having an event filled with fitness, fun, music, friends and surprises.

Joint Legislative Agriculture Committee Meeting July 30, 9:30 a.m., Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living Bldg. Join the Ohio House of Representatives Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee as the bicameral group showcases the work they’ve accomplished and interact with the public.

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Ohio Pork Council Rib-Off July 30, 11:30 a.m., Central Park Pork and barbeque lovers alike are invited to join the Ohio Pork Council for their 23rd Annual Rib-Off at the 2019 Ohio State Fair. Central Ohio’s finest chefs will compete to be honored for the best ribs, pulled pork and barbeque sauce in the state. After celebrity judges sample the food, fairgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy free samples and cast their vote for the highly sought-after People’s Choice Award.

Sensory-Friendly Morning NEW! July 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We’ve turned down the lights and volume to make the Ohio State Fair more sensory-friendly in partnership with OCALI. Ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s many educational and sensory activities, take a break in a quiet room, or use our sensory accessibility guide to find a Fair opportunity that suits you.

Ohio Lottery Cash Explosion Cash Fest Aug. 3, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Central Park Meet the co-host of the Ohio Lottery TV game show for your chance to win cash and prizes! Get there early-registration for your chance to play starts at 11 a.m.

Rides

SkyGlider 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Friday and Saturday; closes at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4) Get a slow-paced, bird’s-eye view of the Fair when you hop on at one of the access points in Meijer Kiddieland or near the Cardinal Gate. Sit back, relax and enjoy the half-mile journey across the Fair. The price is $3 for a one-way ticket.

Giant Slide 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Friday and Saturday) Grab a burlap mat, hike up the 105 steps and take an exciting trip down this 144-foot long slide! The Giant Slide has been an iconic part of the Ohio State Fair since it was constructed at the facility in 1969.

Mountain Dew Midway 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Friday and Saturday) Dozens of exhilarating rides from the ferris wheel to free-fall drops will twist, turn, plunge, spin, shock and excite fairgoers!

Meijer Kiddieland 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (open until midnight Friday and Saturday) Parents and children alike can enjoy a visit to Meijer Kiddieland with approximately 30 fun rides developed just for kids and their families, including mini-coasters, a kiddie carousel and bumper boats.

New Rides Detailed descriptions of the new rides are available on Page 20. • Fast Trax, family-friendly mobile slide • Giant Wheel, ferris wheel with gondolas seating four-six adults • Wave Swinger, swings built for riders of all ages • Mega Drop, 140-foot drop tower • Skyliner Swing Tower, swings spin all the way up the 100-foot tower

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History - Talley Amusement Company Talley Amusement Company has more than 200 years of experience providing amusing rides to parks and fairs across the United States. It all started in 1908 when Mary Talley’s great grandfather started with just one piece of equipment to create a real-life merry-go-round. He eventually started charging Texas residents one dollar per ride. “My dad used to walk from town to town booking his one show.” said Mary’s grandmother. Soon, he saw potential for the amusement business and the rest was history.

The amusement company was created by husband and wife, Tom and Mary Talley. The two have known each other since they were just children, both of their parents were presidents of the Lonestar Showman Club in Texas. Tom and Mary became friends and eventually got married later on in life. Both coming from family backgrounds of the amusement business, they used their combined knowledge of the industry to create Talley Amusement Company in 1995.

Their commitment to safety and attaining quality equipment is the reason for their astonishing safety record since the company began. Talley Amusements takes their equipment through an aggressive preventative maintenance program and extensively trains all personnel in house.

Food

Notable and Interesting Vendors

Schmidt’s of German Village Schmidt’s celebrates their 105th year as an Ohio State Fair vendor this summer. Famous for Bahama Mamas and cream puffs, Schmidt’s is the oldest continuous restaurant participating at the Fair, and the oldest continuous restaurant participating at a state fair in the nation. The All-Ohio State Fair band played birthday tributes to founder George F. Schmidt for nearly 80 years and now continues the tradition by playing a birthday tribute to his son, John Schmidt.

Concessions by Cox This vendor provides all meals for the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir during their stay at the Ohio State Fair. Over the past five years, the concessionaire has served up some pretty amazing statistics: • Chicken tenders - 72,000 • Hot dogs - 44,000 • Hamburger/cheeseburgers - 32,000 • Chicken breasts - 9,000 • Ham & cheese omelets - 5,500 • Pancakes - 8,000 • Bacon - 3,000 pounds • Milk - 11,000 pints

Tracey Concessions This concessionaire is family-owned and operated and has been a part of the Ohio State Fair since 1956. They will celebrate their 64th anniversary at the Ohio State Fair this summer. Originally started as a way to make the family a little extra money, the business began as a Fair location. Today, the Ohio State Fair is home to four Tracey concession locations, known primarily for their secret-recipe root beer, fried cheese and coney dogs. The members of the family, young and old, all work at the Ohio State Fair - there are a total of four generations working at the Fair.

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Rutana’s Hot Apple Dumplings These apple dumplings are homemade from scratch, and the vendor has been family-owned and operated for more than 30 years.

Ohio Cattlemen’s Association During the Ohio State Fair, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association sells more than four tons of beef.

Taste of the Fair In an effort to allow food lovers to sample multiple items at the annual Ohio State Fair, a “Taste of the Fair” program was implemented in 2013. Vendors who choose to partake in this program are asked to offer a smaller size of their signature item for a reduced rate (ideally $2 - $5). Examples of these menu items include: a rib sampler, slider sandwich, mini funnel cake, itsy-bitsy order of French Fries and more. Participating vendors have a sign at their booth and are listed as a “Taste of the Fair” participant on the Food Finder at ohiostatefair.com/food.

MarketPlace International Food Court Chinese, Mexican, Italian and other international cuisines, as well as an Ohio beer and wine sales location, are housed in the center of the Bricker MarketPlace Building, a 3.5-acre air-conditioned facility.

WNCI Food Highway Located under the SkyGlider, the WNCI Food Highway features plenty of delicious foods ranging from barbeque to sausage sandwiches to deep-fried treats.

Sanfillipo Cooking Demonstrations Kasich Hall, Hall B Fairgoers have the chance to learn from the best during these live cooking demonstrations, featuring topics such as flaming desserts and quick and easy pasta meals. These demonstrations will take place at various times throughout the Fair. For more information, please reference the daily schedules.

Farm to Fork

Taste of Ohio Café - Sit down for a locally-produced meal or a glass of Ohio beer or wine in this air- conditioned facility and attached patio. Meals are served by the Ohio farmers who raise and grow the food that feeds our world. Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups housed in the building include: American Dairy Association Mideast, Ohio Cattleman’s Association, Ohio Grape Industries Committee, Ohio Pork Producers Council, Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio Craft Brewer’s Association.

Ohio-grown produce - Plenty of produce sold at the Ohio State Fair is also grown right here in our home state. For example, Ohio Roast Corn gets deliveries almost daily from Sanfilippo, a wholesale distributor who brings the corn from Fulton Farms in Troy, Ohio. Fried pickles often hail from Herman Pickle Company in Garrettsville, Ohio, and locally-grown veggies like zucchini go from farm to plate at the Ohio State Fair.

Wild and Wacky Foods With 186 vendors, there’s something for every appetite at various locations across the grounds. Special dietary options are also available.

Food on a stick - Among the hundreds of food options, the Ohio State Fair sells more than 35 different types of food on a stick ranging from Fair favorites like corn dogs and cotton candy to more adventurous options like frozen key lime pie and deep-fried ravioli!

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Can it be fried? Here are some of the dozens of deep-fried food items available at the Ohio State Fair: • Brownies • Buckeyes • Butter • Candy bars (Snickers, Three Musketeers, Milky Way) • Cheese • Cheese curds • Cheesecake • Cinnamon rolls • Cookies (Oreo, Nutter Butter) • Cookie dough • Grilled cheese sandwich • Gummy bears • Mashed potatoes • Macaroni and cheese • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich • Pickles • Ravioli • Strawberries and cream puffs • S’mores • Sweet corn • Tacos • Twinkies • Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, okra, onion rings/blossoms, peppers)

Gluten-Free at the Fair For anyone following a gluten-free diet, there are plenty of options you can still enjoy when you visit the Ohio State Fair. Don’t forget to ask individual vendors about the risk of cross contamination or gluten exposure for kitchens that may serve items that do contain gluten. Fairgoers with gluten sensitivities and intolerances should use judgment in consuming Fair foods. • Corn and corn products - Roasted sweet corn and other products made with corn (Such as tacos, nachos and taco salad) can be safe bets when avoiding gluten. • Dole Pineapple Whip - This favorite treat has the smooth taste of soft serve ice cream with no dairy and no gluten. • Dippin’ Dots - Dippin’ Dots ice cream is gluten-free, but some of the add-ins do contain gluten. All of their products are made in a facility that also contains milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, soy and peanut products, so be aware of cross contamination and avoid flavors with add-ins. • French Fries - French fries are usually gluten-free, so if you’re looking for a yummy fried option at the Fair, this is a great bite to try! However, make sure you ask vendors about cross contamination. If french fries share a fryer with gluten containing foods, those with serious gluten intolerances or celiac disease should avoid this option. • Frozen Drinks - Most syrups for slushies, snow cones and Kona Ice are gluten-free. • Ice cream - Ice cream is a great option for those with gluten intolerances. Many vendors at the Fair serve delicious flavors that can help you cool down in the hot Ohio sun. Make sure to ask vendors about cross contamination and avoid flavors like cookie dough. • Iced Tea - Ohio summers are warm, so cool off with this gluten-free beverage. • Meat - Whether you love special-recipe steak on a stick, chicken, mouthwatering ribs (including those sauced up by Famous Gabby’s Inc.), slow-cooked pulled pork, turkey legs, sausage or moist tenderloin, meat options are usually safe bet for those avoiding gluten.

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• Pizza - Select pizza vendors can make gluten-free crusts upon request (bonus: they also use as much organic produce as possible, making it easy to top your pizza with fresh ingredients).

Either by choice or requirement, there are many dietary restrictions: gluten-free, low calorie, keto, etc., and our vendors have diet-friendly options available for you. Search our food options at the ohiostatefair.com/food to find options that work for your diet either before you visit or while you’re at the Fair.

New Food

• Apple Fries - Marshal’s Pastry Mill - In front of Kasich Hall • Authentic Mexican Food - Ledesma Concessions - Northeast of OHIO • Brisket Nachos - Dre’s Place BBQ - West side of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building • Buckeye Funnel Cake - KG Concessions - Northeast of OHIO • Chocolate Candy Bar Shish Kebab - Bulk Candy Store - East side of Sheep Barn • Corny-Kabob - AWB Concessions - West side of the Ohio Beer and Wine Pavilion • Deep-Fried Corn on the Cob - Glo Concessions #2 (south of Main Street Stage) and Marshal Pastry Mill (in front of Kasich Hall) • Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Corn Dog - Tracey Company - Southwest side of Kasich Hall off of 17th Avenue • Hash Bomb - The Tot Spot - Northeast corner of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building • Philly Tots - Donut Burger - Southeast of Bricker MarketPlace Building • Pork Butt Tots - Donut Burger - Southeast of Bricker MarketPlace Building • Puckering Pickle Popsicles - KG Concessions - Northeast corner of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building • Pulled Pork and Chicken Sundaes - Famous Gabby’s - East of the AgPro Companies Taft Coliseum • S’mOREO Funnel Cake - Made from Scratch Funnel Cakes - North of Nationwide Donahey Land & Living Building • Sriracha Peanut Butter Crunch Donuts - Inky Dinky Donuts - East of Sheep Barn on 17th Avenue

Want to sample one of these deep-fried treats, new foods, food on a stick or another Fair favorite when you visit the Ohio State Fair? Visit ohiostatefair.com/food to search for any food item available for sale at the Fair, and find the exact location(s) where it can be purchased on a GPS map.

Detailed descriptions of these new foods are available on Page 19.

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Youth

Whether as participants in the Band and Choir, youth organization exhibitors or competition participants, youth from all of Ohio’s 88 counties are represented at the Ohio State Fair.

All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir and All-Ohio State Fair Band arrive at the Ohio Expo Center on July 18 and July 20 respectively, learning all of their music in a limited time. They remain housed on- site throughout the duration of the Fair and perform daily at various times and locations. In full, they perform nearly 200 times during the 12-day Fair.

All-Ohio State Fair Band directed by Brian W. Dodd www.aosfb.com

The All-Ohio State Fair Band has been a featured attraction of the Ohio State Fair since 1925. Their enthusiastic tunes have thrilled thousands of fairgoers each year, including the performance of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever!” at the conclusion of each performance.

The Band was known as the All-Ohio Boys’ Band until 1975 when young women were invited to participate. Today, the Band is composed of 200 superior musicians from schools all over Ohio. High school students apply for membership in the All-Ohio State Fair Band through their local school band director. Membership is determined by student ability, instrumentation needs of the band and geographical consideration. This year’s All-Ohio State Fair Band members come from 54 counties and represent 98 schools.

All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir directed by Dr. Jon C. Peterson www.aosfyc.org The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, founded in 1963, was organized to provide Ohio’s high school vocalists an opportunity to share a musical experience similar to the All-Ohio State Fair Band.

The 200 members of the Choir are selected each spring by the director on the basis of their ability and experience, the recommendation of their high school choral director, geographical considerations and the consent and promised support of their parent or guardian. This year’s Choir members come from 58 Ohio counties and represent 98 schools. For more information on the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, visit aosfyc.com.

Junior Fair Board The Junior Fair Board (JFB) comprises youth, between ages 16 and 20, who represent various youth organizations that participate in the Ohio State Fair each year. Youth organizations with representation in the JFB are actively involved with the annual Ohio State Fair. In most cases, organizations will select members for a two-year term. Smaller organizations select one person every other year and large youth groups will select yearly to ensure continuity of operation.

Responsibilities of the JFB vary from year to year, but each member serves as an ambassador between their youth organization, the Fair and the Fair-going public. They assist in the WCOL Celeste Center and with various competitions for youth. They deliver and present awards, and assist with the daily parade, as well as many other programs and activities throughout the 12 days of the Fair. Their office is located in the Conference Center.

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Officers are selected by their peers at the completion of their first year on the board and oversee JFB activities during their second year.

2019 Junior Fair Board Members: • Andrew Moyer, FFA, President (Wilmington) • Brendan Kleman, Boy Scouts, Vice President (Circleville) • Kamala Sweeney, 4-H (Canal Winchester) • Rachael Herring, Girl Scouts (Harpster) • Kaitlin Willi, Tech Ed (West Lake) • Jackie Brandon, Tech Ed (Dublin) • Jason Shiltz, Grange (Troy) • Carly Fitz, FFA (Glenford) • Aden Newman, FFA (Seaman) • Madelyn Smith, 4-H (Columbus) • Laura Wood, 4-H (Georgetown) • Mickey Hamila, Tech Ed (Westlake) • Hunter Shane, Tech Ed (Pickerington) • Caleb Durheim, Farm Bureau (Sunbury) • Abby Thiel, Girl Scouts (Upper Sandusky) • Jacob Smith, Boy Scouts (Rushsylvania) • Hope Shiltz, Grange (Troy) • Sydney Sharp, At-Large (Stoutsville)

Youth Organizations

4-H 4-H creates positive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, caring and contributing citizens. The organization helps to teach today’s youth through a variety of special days focused on health, communications, woodworking, engineering, leadership, natural resources, creative arts and home decorating. 4-H will also be hosting a spelling bee competition that is open to both 4-H and non 4-H youth.

Boy Scouts of America Boy Scouts of America aims to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the Scout values through character building, citizenship and personal fitness. The Scouts’ booth features a fun lineup of activities including: a climbing wall, the Pinewood Derby, Fitness Day and a popcorn sample and sales day.

Invention League The Invention League’s Professor Prototype will be appearing in the Invention League booth and hosting the interactive hands on game, “Think Inside the Box” to help all activate the invention powers within them. She will be talking about and sharing inventions from student inventors throughout Ohio who have participated in Invention Convention, along with sharing how all in grades K-12 can participate in the STEAM program.

Girl Scouts For more than a century, the Girl Scouts have played a pivotal role in America’s history with a focus on developing young women with the necessary skills to be go-getters, innovators, risk-takers and leaders to make a difference in the world. The Girl Scouts have several fun activities planned for fairgoers, including STEM Day, Art Day, Girl Scouts World Tour, Dairy Detective, Ready, Set, Go Camping, G.S.I.

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Detective and SWAPS Day. Fair attendees are also welcome to watch various Girl Scout competitions including talent, flag ceremony, speech, the ugly cake contest and Cupcake Wars.

Technology and Engineering Education The Ohio Technology and Engineering Educators Association (OTEEA) invites participation by K-12 technology education teachers, interested individuals, businesses and industries and other organizations concerned about the technological literacy of Ohio citizens and society. The OTEEA Technology and Engineering Showcase provides youth, their parents, educators and other Fair visitors a variety of unique opportunities to engage in hands-on technology activities, demonstrations and to view exhibits of elementary, middle and high school students' technical design problem solving projects.

Across the 10,000 square-foot Technology and Engineering Showcase visitors of all ages will: • Experience technology and see how it works • Better understand standards-based technology education programs • Have opportunities for student/school awards recognition • Have hands-on experiences with designing and building • Encourage support of local district technology education programs • Participate in and promote technological literacy competitions and events

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Livestock

More than 20,000 animals are exhibited each year at the Ohio State Fair. Show dates are listed below: • Beef cattle: July 24 - Aug. 4 • Dairy cattle: July 25 - Aug. 4 • Boer Goats: July 17 - 20 • Dairy Goats: July 19 - 20 • Dogs: Aug. 3 (agility), July 29 - Aug. 1 (junior) • Horses: July 15 - 19 (junior), July 29 - Aug. 2 (draft) • Llamas: July 18 - 20 • Poultry: July 27 - 28 (open), August 1 - 4 (junior) • Rabbits: Aug. 4 (open), Aug. 1 - 4 (junior) • Sheep: July 23 - Aug. 3 (open), July 23 - Aug. 3 (junior) • Swine: July 24 - Aug. 4

Sale of Champions Livestock Auction Sun. Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. WCOL Celeste Center

This 2019 Sale of Champions Livestock Auction is free and open to all fairgoers, and tickets are not required. The Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions consistently garners some of the highest bids of any state fair in the nation. Last year, the Sale of Champions raised $252,500 for livestock exhibits.

Established in 1968, the Sale was created to encourage more young 4-H and FFA members to bring livestock projects to the Ohio State Fair. The champions of the market beef, market barrow, market lamb, meat chickens, market goat, turkey and Swiss cheese exhibits are auctioned off in this special event.

Since 1995, the Ohio State Fair has placed caps on the amount exhibitors can earn from their exhibits’ sale. Money from sales over the cap amount is distributed among other youth exhibitors through the Youth Reserve Program. The program allocates funds for scholarships, the Outstanding Market Exhibitor Program, FFA, 4-H and other Fair competition winners. To date, the Youth Reserve Program has awarded $3,533,315 to approximately 40,000 youth exhibitors since its inception.

Sale of Champions - Facts and Figures • Total amount of sales since 1968: $6,962,229 • Total amount collected for the Youth Reserve Program: $3,442,300 • Total youth champions honored: 456

Youth Reserve Program Established in 1995, the Youth Reserve program’s purpose is to reward junior exhibitors who participate in the Ohio State Fair. Program funds come directly from winning bids in excess of the cap placed on the amount an exhibitor can receive from the Sale of Champions. The funds are then distributed among carcass contests, scholarships, the Outstanding Market Exhibitor program, the Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor program, showmanship, skillathons, FFA and 4-H.

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2018 Sale of Champions Results

Exhibit Price Exhibitor Cap Grand Champion Market Beef $41,000 Caden Jones, Allen County $22,000 Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef $20,000 Carver Gostomsky, Darke County $11,000 Grand Champion Market Barrow $48,000 Matthew Butterfield, Butler County $10,000 Reserve Grand Champion Market Barrow $33,000* Grant Adams, Mercer County $7,000 Grand Champion Market Lamb $21,000 Grant Johnson, Wayne County $10,000 Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb $14,000 Bailee Amstutz, Union County $7,000 Grand Champion Meat Chickens $14,000 Allison Davis, Carroll County $6,000 Reserve Grand Champion Meat Chickens $10,000 Meghan O’Reilly, Geauga County $4,000 Grand Champion Market Goat $11,000 Ava Shroyer, Logan County $5,000 Grand Champion Turkey $14,500 Myah Jones, Clinton County $3,000 Grand Champion Swiss Cheese* $28,000* Pearl Valley Cheese Co., representing the seven dairy champions and $3,000 supreme dairy showmen Exhibited by: Grand Champion Ayrshire: Marissa Topp, Auglaize County Grand Champion Brown Swiss: Keaton Topp, Shelby County Grand Champion Guernsey: Abigayle Dicke, Mercer County Grand Champion Holstein: Kristopher Ackley, Logan County Grand Champion Jersey: Drake Tompkins, Morgan County Grand Champion Red and White: Madeline Topp, Auglaize County Grand Champion Milking Shorthorn: Aubree Topp, Shelby County Supreme Showman, Week 1 - Exhibited by: Madeline Topp, Auglaize County Supreme Showman, Week 2 - Exhibited by: Kinley Topp, Shelby County *indicates new record

2018 total sale: $255,000 2018 amount earned for Youth Reserve Program: $167,000

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Sale of Champions All-Time Records

Animal Price Current Cap Buyer Year Grand Champion Market Beef $85,000 $22,000 JD Equipment, S&S Volvo 2011 Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef $55,000 $11,000 Meijer 2014 Grand Champion Barrow $64,000 $10,000 Big Bear Stores 1996 Reserve Grand Champion Barrow $33,000 $7,000 Bob Evans Farms, Kale Marketing, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s 2019 Association, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Huffman's Market, and Event Marketing Strategies Grand Champion Market Lamb $46,500 $10,000 Mark and Megan Kvamme 2014 Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb $25,500 $7,000 The Kroger Company 2013 Grand Champion Meat Chickens $30,000 $6,000 Kale Marketing, AG Boogher & Sons, Burkhart Farm Center 2012 Reserve Grand Champion Meat Chickens $21,000 $4,000 Kale Marketing, Burkhart Farm Center, Parrott Implement, Fisher 2013 Excavating, Harsh Farm Services Grand Champion Meat Goat $20,000 $5,000 Mark & Megan Kvamme 2013 Grand Champion Turkey $16,000 $3,000 Cooper Farms, Weaver Brothers, Trillium Farms, Hillandale Farms of 2016 Ohio, Hemmelgarn & Sons, Hertzfeld Poultry Farm, Cal Maine Foods, RW Sauder, Midwest Poultry Service, Prairie Star Farms, Wendel Poultry Service Grand Champion Swiss Cheese $28,000 $3,000 AG Boogher & Sons, S&S Volvo and GMC Trucks 2018

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Livestock Terminology Barrow: a young, neutered male pig Boar: male pig that has not been neutered Bovine: scientific name for cattle Broilers: chickens that are 6-13 weeks of age Buck: an adult male rabbit Bull: a mature adult male bovine Calf: a mature young bovine Colt: a young male horse (usually under four years of age) Cow: a mature female bovine Doe: an adult female rabbit or goat Equestrian: one who rides horseback Ewe: a female sheep Filly: a young female horse (usually under four years of age) Foal: a young horse or mule of either sex Gelding: a neutered male horse Gilt: a young female swine Heifer: a female bovine less than three years of age which has not borne a calf Hen: an adult female chicken or turkey Jack: a male donkey that has not been neutered Jenny: a female donkey Kid: a young goat Lamb: a sheep less than one year of age Livestock: domestic farm animals kept for production purposes Mare: a female horse (usually more than four years of age) Market Animal: livestock bred and produced for food consumption Pig: a young swine (usually weighing less than 120 pounds) Polled: a naturally hornless animal Ram: a male sheep Ratite: a species of bird consisting of rheas, ostriches and emus Rooster: an adult male chicken Sow: a mature female swine Stallion: male horse of four years or more that has not been neutered Steer: a neutered male bovine Wether: a neutered sheep or goat

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Competitions

The Arts

Fine Arts Celebrating artists’ work inspired by nature, the 2019 Fine Arts Exhibit will include a new perspective focusing on individuals who work in minimally altered natural materials including stone, minerals, wood, botanicals, paper arts, clay and other organic matter. All competitors are still encouraged to enter their own unique styles and pieces, but artwork portraying a perspective from nature will be eligible for additional awards. Join artists and other fairgoers in the Cox Fine Arts Center to view this year’s exhibit.

Cox Fine Arts Center View the 361 pieces of art that have been accepted in the 2019 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, as well as live music performances that will take place throughout the duration of the exhibit. The Cox Fine Arts Center, formerly known as the Woman’s Building, has hosted the Fine Arts Exhibit since 1932. Arts have been a part of the Fair since the very first Fair in 1850.

In 1977 The Columbus Citizen Journal reported that an unknown source said, “One of the best places to rest your feet and ears… is the Cox Building… where the fine arts exhibit is housed. Good place to treat the eyes, rest the soul and revive the spirit away from midway clatter.”

Creative Arts A variety of competitions and demonstrations take place throughout the Fair during the Creative and Youth Arts Exhibit in Kasich Hall, which covers a diverse range of talents and hobbies. Some activities include: a Sanfillipo’s Culinary Event of the Day, cooking competitions and Brillo pads. Below are some of the hundreds of Creative Arts activities:

• Baked Arts, Culinary Arts and Food Preservation • Brillo® Art • Cake Decorating • Fashion Arts • Honey and Bee Items • Jewelry • Knitting • Leather • Needle Arts • Origami • Painting • Photography • Stained Glass • Upcycling • Woodworking

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Cooking and Baking Competitions There are 106 culinary and baking arts competitions at the Fair, which include: • Baked pies • Cakes • Candies • Cookies & pastries • Honey & bee items • Quick breads • Yeast breads • Cake decorating • “Chopped” Cook-Off • Deviled egg live challenge • Grilling • Chili Cook-Off • Pepperoni pizza • Jams and marmalades • Jellies • Pickles & relishes • Preserved fruits & vegetables • Sauces

Youth Arts The Youth Arts Center can be found in the Kasich Hall B. This exhibit features artwork by students in grades 1 through 12 in mediums such as: • Abstract • Acrylic • Ceramics (hand-built and wheel-thrown) • Charcoal • Collage • Mixed Media • Oil Painting • Original Cartoon/Comic Character • Painting (tempura and watercolor) • Pastels • Pen/Ink • Pencil • Photography • Sculpture

Sports

Pickleball July 26, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ShowPlace Pavilion Come out and watch some pickleball through competitions or try your hand at it through demos. Both kids and adults can participate in this game, which is played on a badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches high at the center. It is easy for beginners to learn and can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

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Wrestling Tournament - Folkstyle / Freestyle / Greco July 27 – 28, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Buckeye Sports Center With a large number of age divisions for men, women and children, there’s no match for this folkstyle and freestyle competition. Fairgoers will be pinned to their seats while watching the excitement.

Baton Twirling July 28, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Buckeye Sports Center Since 1966, baton twirlers have brightened up the Fair. Competitions include solo baton twirlers, duets/pairs, parade corps, twirling teams, dance twirl teams and show teams.

Columbus Recreation & Parks Amateur Boxing Tournament Aug. 1 - 2, 6 - 11 p.m. ShowPlace Pavilion Held under sanction of the Ohio Association of United States Amateur Boxing, this is sure to be a big hit. Please note: Per USA boxing rules, all boxers must have pre-bout physical prior to registration.

New Ohio Wrestling (NOW) Matches Aug. 2, 1 - 3 p.m.; Aug. 3, 7 - 11 p.m. ShowPlace Pavilion This WWE-inspired wrestling company is new this year, showcasing family-friendly, professional wrestling matches.

Cheerleading & Dance Competitions Aug. 4, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Buckeye Sports Center Cheerleaders from all over Ohio perform routines of cheers, gymnastics and dance to compete for top titles in this AmeriCheer/AmeriDance event.

Slinging Aces Cornhole Tournament Aug. 4, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Buckeye Sports Center This doubles competition will allow teams to go head-to-head in a double-elimination tournament.

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Entry Statistics (2018)

In 2019, there are a total of 6,857 different classes of competitions that individuals can enter - from cooking and baking to gardening and livestock. Entry deadlines vary annually, with many competition entry deadlines falling on June 20. Below are the total number of entries received in 2018.

Livestock categories 2018 Entries 2018 Exhibitors Junior Fair Beef 614 373 Junior Fair Dairy 738 300 Junior Fair Goats 577 219 Junior Fair Sheep 1596 437 Junior Fair Swine 1635 560 Junior Fair Poultry 865 120 Junior Fair Rabbits 514 129 Junior Fair Horse 2535 964 Junior Fair Skillathon 1436 1426 Junior Fair Dogs 1455 343 Showmanship 1869 1903 (Total Junior Fair) 14,012 6962

Open Livestock 2018 Entries 2018 Exhibitors Open Beef 967 465 Open Dairy 1038 275 Open Goats 845 190 Open Sheep 3357 661 Open Swine 2405 869 Open Poultry 2671 52 Open Rabbits 412 87 Llamas 270 81 Open Horse 1190 109 (Total Open) 13,115 2,790

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Non-Livestock Categories 2018 Entries 2018 Exhibitors Fine Arts 2142 664 Creative Arts 2779 524 Youth Organizations 8006 8444 Spelling Bee 130 130 Sports Competitions 671 1215 Ag & Hort 579 48 Youth Gardens 8 1 Home Brew 539 153 Youth Art 668 201 Cheese 29 8 Severe Weather Poster Sunburst Beauty 58 58 Kiddie Tractor Pulls Tattoo Competition Old Familiar Beard Bash 33 33 Total Non- Livestock 15,642 11,479

Judges’ Credentials The more than 500 judges chosen to officiate the Ohio State Fair competitions are highly accredited individuals with higher education degrees, previous judging experience, expertise in their fields and certification by various boards. Many judges have participated as competitors and are chosen to serve in this role by notable organizations as part of a selective process. These individuals have collectively put in hours of coursework, testing and competition judging to get to the Fair.

Arts

Fine Arts • Jurors for this division are sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council and are professionals in the art world, holding positions such as professor, educator, administrator and curator.

Creative Arts • There are approximately 80 judges, some of whom are certified by applicable organizations including the National Quilting Association, National Ice Carvers Association and the World Food Sculptors Association. • Most judges for the culinary competitions are college graduates trained in food and nutrition, and some are employed by The Ohio State University’s Food Science and Technology Department in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). • Sewing and fashion-related competition judges have included fashion designers from the Columbus College of Art and Design. • Some judges are recommended by many of the esteemed local arts organizations and guilds who partner with the Ohio State Fair. • Some judges have been involved in the arts for decades through their organizations, county fairs and state fairs.

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• Food sculpting judges are qualified through judging and competing in other food art competitions. • Judges represent a variety of backgrounds and have collectively worked for commodity groups, Fortune 500 companies and media outlets.

Youth Arts • Judges possess arts education degrees and certifications. • The Ohio Alliance of Art Educators assists by making judge recommendations and assignments.

Homebrewed Beer • More than 70 judges participated in this year’s competition. • Approximately 80% of judges are sanctioned through the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), having passed standardized exams and joining a community that evaluates beer internationally. • The remaining judges consist of professional brewers and experienced homebrewers.

Livestock

Horses (open and junior) • Judges are accredited by various organizations including the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), Ohio 4-H, American Belgian Horse Association, Percheron Breeders of America, American Clydesdale Association, Shire Association of America and American Horseshow Association (AHSA). • Judges are required to apprentice, attend clinics and complete testing to judge specific events. • Many judges are owners or breeders of the specific breed or discipline they judge. • Junior horse judges are certified by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) through recommendations, courses and exams.

Dogs • There are approximately 29 judges. After completing hours of work, along with written and oral testing, each judge is certified by American Kennel Club (AKC).

Rabbits • Judges are licensed by American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and have met the following criteria: • Judges must work with four judges and pass a test to become an ARBA Registrar. • Judges must register 30 rabbits and have registrar’s license for two years. • Judges must pass written and oral test for judge’s license. • Judges must work with eight judges and be endorsed by six of them to receive a license.

Llamas • Judges are approved by the International Llama Registry, show division, judges committee. • Judges must pass an annual test.

Dairy cattle • All judges in this category have college experience and/or have attended national judging conferences. Beef cattle • All judges in this category have college experience and/or have attended national judging conferences.

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Poultry • Judges are licensed by either or both the American Bantam Association and the American Poultry Association after a written and oral/hands-on exam by an accredited judge. Sheep • Judges have experience in other fairs and sheep shows across the United States. Dairy Goats • Judges must have served an apprenticeship, completed an American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) ADGA training conference and be at least 18 years of age. A personnel file on each judge is maintained at the ADGA office. • Judges must meet all of the standard of the ADGA license regulations maintain their license by paying a ADGA judges license fee each year. Boer Goats • Judges must have served an apprenticeship, completed an American Dairy Goat Association (ABGA) ABGA training conference and be at least 18 years of age. A personnel file on each judge is maintained at the ABGA office. • Judges must meet all of the standard of the ABGA license regulations maintain their license by paying a ABGA judges license fee each year.

Youth Organizations

4-H Spelling Bee • Judges are experienced writers and editors with degrees in higher education. 4-H Non-Livestock • Judges have expertise in the corresponding areas they are evaluating, such as natural resources, woodworking or engineering. • Many judges are employed in the field in which they are judging and have previous judging experience. Girl Scouts • There are approximately 35 judges, most of whom are teachers or practitioners in the subject matter being judged. Boy Scouts • To ensure accuracy, the Pine Wood Derby is judged by an electronic timer and computer. Technology Education • All judges have professional certification in the field of technology education or are industry experts in the particular field or content being judged.

Sports

Cheerleading • Judges are certified by AmeriCheer and AmeriDance through annual courses and testing. Baton Twirling Competition • Judges are certified by the National Baton Twirling Association, United States Twirling Association, World Twirling Association and Twirling Unlimited. Boxing • Approximately 100 judges are certified by USA Boxing, Inc. Judges complete recertification courses every two years and take a test every four years. Wrestling • There are 25-30 referees; all folkstyle officials are certified by the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) to officiate in Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) sanctioned competitions, and all freestyle officials are certified through USA Wrestling.

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Podcast

“A Fair to Remember” ohiostatefair.com/podcast

“When you have a treasured event like the Fair that’s been around this long, there are so many stories that have built this great tradition” explained host Vince Tornero, founder of Wessler Media. “I’ve had the honor of hearing and producing these stories firsthand and I’m so thrilled we’ve had the ability to share them with the world.”

Now entering its second season, the Ohio State Fair’s official podcast introduces topical episodes centered around a particular area - history, arts, food and entertainers. Tornero has spent hours chatting with dozens of competitors, entertainers, vendors and musicians, talking about their relationship with the Ohio State Fair.

Catch up now on Season 1 and hear from Clintonville native C. LaVon Shook, the man who literally wrote the book on the Ohio State Fair, or Dave Tracey of Holland, near Toledo, a vendor whose family has been selling root beer floats at the Ohio State Fair since 1956.

“The Fair is so important to so many people. It honestly transcends tradition. It’s deeper than that. One night, I’m talking to a professional juggler who’s dropped chainsaws on stage. The next morning, I am sitting at the breakfast table with a farm family as they share the intense ups and downs of farm life,” said Tornero. “It’s my goal for the listener feel as if they went through that experience, too. The stories are exciting, amusing and even a little scary at times, too.”

Tornero isn’t new to podcasts. He’s been hosting Columbus music podcast “In The Record Store” since 2015, is a former broadcaster from iHeartMedia including 610 WTVN, and even hosted Columbus by the Slice, a video quest for the best pizza in Central Ohio.

Listen to the Ohio State Fair podcast on your favorite podcasting platform: Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google Play, iHeartRadio or SoundCloud, or visit ohiostatefair.com/podcast to listen to all available episodes.

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