The Ohio State Fair
has been a family tradition of ours for years and years. The sounds of the carnival ride bells and whistles; the smell of the animal manure as we walk past the barns; the sight of the butter cow exhibit and the taste of the candy apples and sweet treats brings wonderful memories year after year.
The Ohio State Fair
Circa 1971
Photo courtsey of Graham Photography
One of the Largest Fairs
The Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs, opened its door in 1850 in Cincinnati. Since then the Ohio State Fair takes places in Franklin County at the Ohio Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. From 1981 to 2003, the state fair lasted a whooping 17 fun filled days; however since 2003, the fair now is only ten days long. The long standing Ohio State Fair has hosted concerts, exhibitions, horse shows, natural resources park, the midway and a plethora of food stands.
In addition to all the above listed activities, the Ohio State Fair also offers creative and fine arts exhibitions; including but not limited to Fashion & Sewing Art.
Quilt Entries into The Ohio State Fair
I love this time of year when all the quilt makers from all around the state of Ohio great to showcase their creative sewing. It is so fun to see the latest designs and the trending quilt fashions. I even entry several of my own quilts for judging.
My mom and I with our Quilt entries, July 2022. To read more about my Quilt, click here.
Inspiration & Creativity
Walking into the Kasich Hall located on the fairgrounds, there is wall to wall crafts and art displayed. It is so exciting to witness all the creativity and gain inspiration for future projects. One cannot help but be inspired as you walk through all the exhibits. I do especially love the Quilt section and have such a sense of pride seeing my own project hanging with all the other quilters’ works of art.
Butter Cow Reveal & Exhibit
Synonymous with the Ohio State Fair is the Butter Cow display featuring this time honored tradition. Permanently housed in the Dairy Products Building (next to the Dairy Barn), every year in addition to the butter cow is a life size butter figure or sculpture depicting recent cultural trends in Ohio. A visit to the Dairy Products Building is a must; not just to see the butter cow and snap a few pictures of the unveiled butter sculpture but also to purchase a Swiss cheese and rye bread sandwich and hard dipped ice cream. Besides, who doesn’t like eating a scoop or two of ice cream during an fair visit?
The Christmas Story
Over the years, the butter sculptures have included the scene from the Christmas Story (Circa 2018); the commemorating of the moon landing (Circa 2019) and a salute to chocolate milk (Circa 2016).
Family Traditions
So, no matter your interest or entertainment need, the Ohio State Fair has something for everyone. Whether continuing your family traditions or making new ones, be sure to visit the Ohio State Fair this year beginning July 26th through August 6th, 2023. For additional information about the fair, visit their website here.
Explore on and Sharon the Moments
