One Fair Scarecrow

This morning, I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Nationwide Donahey Ag & Hort Building presented by Ohio Farm Bureau, home to a giant Corn Cob climbing wall, mouthwatering produce displays, an interactive Land & Living agriculture display and of course – the $9.95 all-you-can eat Smorgasbord.

One of the many staples to this educational building is the annual Scarecrow Contest. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this year’s contest features local celebrities including NBC4’s Tom McNutt, who was filming his regular Saturday news segment nearby. He was, of course, happy to pose for a photo alongside his scarecrow likeness. Despite the fact that I snapped shots of all the scarecrows, I won’t spoil the surprise for you. But since I know you’re curious, here are a few hints about a few of the other celebrities featured: one is wearing a pink wig, another is committed to being fit, one will advise whether or not you need an umbrella on a given day.

So go ahead, go to the Fair and see these imaginative creations for yourself. Once you make your way through the display, be sure to vote for the People’s Choice Fair favorite scarecrow – I’m sure your favorite local celebrity would love your support!

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Seriously … sculptures made with a chainsaw?

Maybe it is because I’m not particularly coordinated, but I was in disbelief when I heard about the Wood B Creations Chainsaw Carving at the Fair. I could hardly imagine making a masterpiece out of a chunk of a log - especially when the tool of the trade is a chainsaw. Obviously, I had to carve some time out of my busy schedule to check out this mysterious art, aptly placed just north of the Cox Fine Arts Center, at one of its daily times – 1 pm, 3 pm or 7 pm.

I have to say, I was both shocked and impressed when master-of-all-things-sharp-and-scary Burt Fleming revved his chainsaw into gear and swiftly crafted a beautiful sculpture. Between shows, I stole a moment to snap some photos of Burt’s intricate creations – a gnome, an eagle, Brutus the Buckeye (O-H!), a horse, and too many other sculptures to name. Luckily, I can come back tonight at 5 pm to bid on my favorite. If you aren’t able to make it this evening to put in your offer, come back for auctions on Wednesday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 8. Let the bidding war begin!

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Kid's Tour -N- More Recycling Mural: Interview with Chaz O'Neil

This year the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, Kid's Tour -N- More is featuring an interactive Recycling Mural. Fair-goers are invited to glue various, recycled caps and lids to a mural in the shape of the universal recycling symbol.

We interviewed Assistant Director of the exhibition Chaz O'Neil for more on the mural:


OSFFAE: Hey, Chaz! How's it goin'?
Chaz: I'm good, thanks.
OSSFAE: That's great. So, could you tell us a little about yourself?
Chaz: Yeah. My name's Chaz O'Neil. I'm a graduate of Otterbein College. Art Major. I've been working with the fair for five years. I'm assistant director of the show this year.
OSFFAE: That is awesome, Chaz!
Chaz: {Chuckles} Thanks.
OSFFAE: Sure. So... Could you tell us about this HUGE mural?
Chaz: Yeah.
OSFFAE: Would you care to share how you came up with the idea for this mural?
Chaz: Well, it was kind of a collaborative effort.
OSFFAE: Don't be modest, Chaz. I heard it was totally your idea. Haha! Just kidding.
Chaz: Haha! No, I suggested the design but, the fine arts staff and I kind of collectively came up with the whole scheme of it.
OSFFAE: Okay. What was the inspiration for the mural? It seems like the theme we've adopted has something to do with recycling...? I'm assuming... based on the rather large recycling symbol.
Chaz: Well, our goal is to promote recycling awareness. We're using recycled materials and we've collected a few thousand bottle caps.It's an interactive piece, and we're allowing fair-goers to contribute by helping to glue the caps to the mural. It's kind of like a free-for-all as you can see.
OSFFAE: Yeah, it's pretty wild, but it looks so cool thus far.
Chaz: Yeah, and, it especially gives the kids an opportunity to get involved and to be creative, and also to learn a lot. The mural is just our way of giving back to the community on behalf of the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition.
OSFFAE: Well, I'm excited to see how it turns out.
Chaz: Me too.



Want to contribute? Stop by the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition while your enjoying the fair!

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Day 4 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am- 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

10am- 4pm-- Street Art Demonstration

10am-- Mural Demonstration with Andrew Neyer

11am- 1pm-- John Lafollette

4pm- 6pm-- The Music of Brian Griffin

4pm- 8pm-- Body Painting Demonstration

6pm- 8pm-- Mixed Bag with The Recreational Folk Dancers of Columbus


And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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That's SOOOOOME Pig!

I had a great pork tenderloin sandwich today at the Ohio Pork Producers Council booth inside the Taste of Ohio Café. It’s nice to be able to get a healthy sandwich every once in a while, amongst all the great “deep fried and sweet-i-fied” stuff you can find all over the grounds. I feel like I did my diet some justice today!

AND, not only was this tenderloin cooked to perfection, it was a 100% Ohio-grown pork loin. There’s just something about Ohio-grown food that makes it taste so much better at the Ohio State Fair!

Drop by the Taste of Ohio Café today and grab you one – you won’t be disappointed!

Fair Food Frankie

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Day 3 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibition and Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am and 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

11am-- Mural Demonstration with Andrew Neyer

2pm- 3pm Wexner Center For The Arts presents 2010 Ohio Short Film And Video Showcase, Youth Division


And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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Community Street Art Project

The Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition would like to thank the Greater Columbus Arts Council on behalf of the Community Street Art Project. This program has been brought to you, and made possible by the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts Grant funded by Franklin County Board of Commission.

The Community Street Art Project provides an opportunity for local artists to collaborate with community summer camps/programs in the Columbus area, teaching children basic design concepts and techniques, promoting the Ohio State Fair in doing so.The final street painting project will be presented July 30th to August 1st and again August 6th to August 8th.


For more information on GCAC and the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts (FCNA)grant please visit:

www.gcac.org

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Day 2 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:

9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits and Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am- 4pm- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm Desdemona's Body Arts


And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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Legair Brand at the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition

Coming Soon to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

The Cox Fine Arts Center presents...

A Legair Brands Fashion Show, featuring Arthlene Laudat Legair of Legair Brand, Ltd.


The Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition is proud to present Legair Brand Ltd fashion on Sunday, August 1st, 2010 at 5pm and 7pm.

Admission is free!

Please come and support another local artist, and extraordinary designer Arthlene Laudat Legair.

For More information please visit the Legair Brand, Ltd website and facebook page!


legairbrand.com

http://www.facebook.com/alegair?v=info


*** CASTING CALL INFO!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=443972562596&id=1606112323

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Sheep Show!

Have you seen all the animals at the Fair today? The horses are here, and there are plenty of cattle, but I’ve spent most of the day near the sheep barn. With the junior market lamb show going on, they sure are busy over there. It’s one of the biggest shows at the Fair and I love to see the young exhibitors so excited to show off their animals. There are so many things they must do to prepare for the show. Wool is flying everywhere over there as the exhibitors trim and wash the sheep. It reminded me that the sheep shearing contest is coming up on Friday as well, another competition I’ll be sure to catch. For now, I’m just trying to wait patiently until they announce the Grand and Reserve Champions tonight at 7 pm!

Agriculture Alex

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Today at the Ohio Stat Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

Opening Day at the Ohio State Fair!


After last night's very successful Opening Ceremony, we are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:

9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits and Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude & Status Dudette

10am- 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's BodyArt

2pm- 3pm-- The Wexner Center For the Arts presents 2010 Ohio Short Film And Video Youth Showcase, Youth Division


Once again, welcome to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

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Shining a Light on Che' Marie

We would like to extend a special thank you, and shine a light on songstress Che'Marie.

It was our great pleasure to present songstress, Che'Marie, as the entertainment for our Opening Ceremony last night. However, she did much more than entertain. Most were captivated by her melodious nature, and charmed to stay for a listen. Her soulful style and poetic voice are undeniable, and it was an honor to serve as a unique platform for a truly revolutionary artist.

Che'Marie Guy is a native of Chicago, Illinois, but has been a Columbus resident for over ten years. As part of the Fly Mental family she, along with her label mates, represents a "No box, no limits..." mentality. For more information, and booking, check out the Fly Mental website and facebook page!


http://www.facebook.com/FlyMental

Steve Carmona- Booking Agent, Fly Mental
stevencarmona@gmail.com


***FYI: THE VENUE FOR THE FLY MENTAL "FIRST IMPRESSIONS" LISTENING PARTY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE RIVER CLUB 679 W. SPRING STREET

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2010 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibiton Awards

Professional Juror’s Choice AWARDS

Tamara Jaeger –Two Women in Tea Room

2^nd Best of Show

Ardine Nelson –City Center Mall # 871

3^rd Best of Show

Lynda McClanahan – Buckeye Necklace, In Love With & Grandmother Holds a Mirror

Amateur

Best of Show

Sarah Ockuly – Siren

2^nd Best of Show

Eunsil Drew – Young Man

3^rd Best of Show

Christian Pierce – Texture #1 and Texture #2

Film

Best of Show

Matt Meindl - Inside Out/Side One

2^nd Best of Show

Christopher Westfield - Storybook Ending

3^rd Best of Show

Eric Homan – Garage Sale

Juror’s Choice Award’s

Professional

Josh Foy – In the Red

Dale Johnson – Ship of State

Paul Wilbur – Danielle With Rat

Amateur

Ruth Finley – The Book of Ruth: Ruth and Naomi

Virginia Kistler - Untitled

Richard Sharpe – Chromatic Crossword

Film

Beijing Charlie - technEart@dada.wave

Michael Drap Cortlander - Game Night

Christopher Westfield - Outside Candy

OHIO ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS

Professional

Ohio Arts Council

Awards

Simona Aizicovici – Waterfall

Laura Alexander -Tempest

Diana Bjel - Prayer

Helen Hoffelt - Untitled II Frozen in Time Series

Julie Byrne - Be Kind

Jonah Jacobs - Polyp #1

James Pate - KKK - Kin Killin Kin

Daniel Schreiber - Pig Goblets

Doug Taylor - Green Room

Ryan Walters - Verb

AMATEUR

OHIO ARTS COUNCIL

AWARDS

Bryan Heyward - Who's Foolin' Who?

Paul Kramer - Tower Over the Thames

OHIO ARTS COUNCIL

PURCHASE AWARD

Robert Colgan - Last Winter

People’s Choice Award (TBA)

Greater Columbus Arts Council

Professional

Jules Knowlton – Circus

Lexie Stoia Pierce – Noise

Amateur

Melissa Ayotte – Waiting

Luciano SerragLio – Bridge of Sighs

FILM

Jennifer Deafenbaugh - Strawberry Jam Session

Sean McHenry - Stauf’s Mission

ARTS COUNCILS AND SPONSORED AWARDS

City of Upper Arlington

Rachel Heberling – World Champion Typists

The Collage of Women Artist

Pam Adams – Still Water River

Ryan Walters – Verb

New Albany Arts Council - $100.00

James Cox – Lincoln Theatre

Hazen /Taft - $100.00

Monica Achberger – Peonies in Vase

Westbridge Camera Club

Ellen Libertini – Irish Heather

Sydney Schardt – Circles of Confusion

Raven’s Glenn Winery and Italian Restaurant

Lloyd Greene – Santigo Fisherman, Atitlan

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Strolling Entertainment

I'm a huge fan of strolling entertainers (who doesn't love it when entertainment comes right to you!) and there's some really cool new ones coming to this year's Fair. Below are my personal top 3 that I think you should watch out for...
The Wacky Wheeler - You literally can't miss this guy: he performs crazy tricks and stunts on top of a huge wheel and always includes the audience
The Procrastinators - They take everything you can think of - water jugs, stools, pots and pans and more - and turn them into drums. Very cool!
Mr. Pedalsworth - A former Ringling Brothers performer. Need I say more?
I can't wait to catch these and there's plenty more where they come from - musicians, jugglers, comedians and more. Hope you get a chance to see their shows!



What's New Wendy

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Lamp Chop at the Fair this year!

This is the song that doesn’t end….yes it goes on and on my friends….some people started singing it not knowing what it was…but they’ll continue singing it forever just because this is the song that doesn’t end.

How many times have I sung this throughout my life? Probably more than could ever be necessary. One of the most effective ways to annoy someone, this song has been a staple in my repertoire for years. Of course I learned this song from Lamb Chop’s Play Along—one of my favorite shows as a child!

Imagine my delight when I discovered Lamb Chop is coming to the Fair! Mallory Lewis is the daughter of Shari Lewis, the woman who created the world-famous puppet Lamb Chop. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mallory is partnering with Lamp Chop to entertain a new generation, as well as bring nostalgia back to those who grew up loving Lamp Chop.

If you want to pass on memories through generations, check out Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop at the Fair July 28 – August 1. They have shows in the Gazebo Stage at 3:30, 6:00 and 8:00 pm everyday except July 30 there is no 3:30 pm show.

Check back for more family friendly entertainment the next time I post!

Kidding Around Kayla

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Llama-Luv

Last night I stopped by the pre-Fair “An Evening with a Llama” Activities and it was seriously awesome. When I arrived everyone was playing “musical rugs” with their llamas. Kids of all ages were leading llamas around a circle and when the music stopped they had to get the llama to stand on one of the rugs. It was hysterical!

At 7:30 pm, the Llama Open Costume contest began. The costumes were out of this world. I was expecting a hat or perhaps even just a tie on these llamas, but they were wearing full-out, carefully constructed costumes! Annie the llama was a campsite and Bam-Bam was a pirate ship. I learned that the more covered the llama is – tail, eyes, legs, etc—the better the costume score will be. It is important for the llamas to react well to the costumes too!

Not being a llama connoisseur, I asked a few of the folks exhibiting at the Fair to explain why one would have a llama or a llama farm. It turns out, llama fibers are very valuable and make great fibers for knitting, crocheting and felting. I saw some of the pieces made out of the fibers, such as a bag, hat, gloves and scarf, and they looked beautiful and soft.

Another reason for keeping a llama is companionship! There are “PR” or public relations llamas that visit nursing homes, children with developmental disabilities and daycares. These llamas are incredibly well-behaved and know how to avoid obstacles on the ground and little toes.

While llamas can be sweet and gentle, they are also really good at protecting herds of sheep and other livestock. Some farmers keep llamas to protect their livestock from wolves, foxes and other predators. I certainly wouldn’t want a llama to get angry with me!

I spent about 3 hours at the show in all! Check out some of the videos of my new best friends and their owners. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly; most offered to let me “lead” the llama or take the llama out so I could get a better picture with the llama.
This free pre-Fair event should definitely be listed as a “do not miss” activity for your plans next summer! Who knew llamas would be such a hoot?

For Now,
Agriculture Alex

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Butter Is Better!

When I think of the Ohio State Fair, there’s always ONE thing that comes to mind first. Butter cow.

Maybe it’s my obsession with popcorn, lathered in butter, or maybe its my childhood history of eating margarine straight from the tub (when mom wasn’t looking, of course.) I always have had a bit of an obsession with the stuff. Or maybe it’s my history with cattle, showing all around the state and waking up at the wee hours of the morning to feed and chore (something a lot of my friends don’t know about me, now that I’m a city kid and all).

But whatever the reason, I always get excited when it’s butter cow time. Can’t wait to see what the sculpture is this year! Might bring some popcorn, just in case it gets hot enough to melt.

Traditional Tammie

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Welcome to the 2010 Ohio State Fair!

Welcome to the 2010 Ohio State Fair official blog where we are excited to share some Fairtastic aspects of this year's Fair. To do this, we've enlisted the help of some friends who are interested in different parts of the Fair to blog about their experiences. You can pick and choose the areas in which you are most interested, but we encourage you to read them all.

Use this resource to plan your trip to the Fair and discover something that you may have not previously known. Check back daily for the latest information about what's happening at the 2010 Fair.

Meet the bloggers:

Traditional Tammie will help you find exhibits, events and everything that would typically come to mind when you think of the Ohio State Fair!

Want to try out a new attraction or catch a show? What's New Wendy will update you on all things new at this year's Fair.

Fair Food Frankie is always hungry and will be roaming the Fair finding the best spots to grab a bite to eat. Check out these posts for the inside scoop!

If you are interested in one of the most well-known aspects of the Ohio State Fair - agriculture - Agriculture Alex's posts are definitely for you!

Kidding Around Kayla is really in tune with what kids and parents want. She'll give you the 411 on kid-friendly activities and other insider tips for bringing the little ones along.

Other guest bloggers will also join the team from time to time to spice things up! Let us know if there is something else you want to know about and we'll find an expert to guide you in the right direction.

Until then, see you at the Fair!

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2010 Fair

Yay! 2010 Fair is coming in two weeks. Can't wait!

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FILM ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED

***** OHIO STATE FAIR *****
Fine Arts Exhibition Film Division

FILM ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 11th!!!!!

EMAIL Quicktime Files, Vimo or links to entries located online
(no cd's or dvd's unless work accepted)
email to: p.oloughlin@expo.state.oh.us

Entry Form MUST be submitted (form located online ohiostatefair.com, competitions, Fine Arts, Prospectus - page 8 needed only). Two films may be entered for the $25.00 entry fee (late fee waived). Mail entry form with check for $25.00 to:

Entry Department - Film Entry
Ohio State Fair
717 East 17th Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43211

Jurors:
Susan Halpren
Jim Higgins
Tim Portlock

AWARDS:
Best of Show - $1,000.00
2nd Best of Show - $ 500.00
3rd Best of Show - $ 200.00
Juror’s Choice Awards (Three - $100 each)
GCAC Awards - (Two - $250.00 each)

Email your entry today!!!

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