From One Fairgoer to Another

With nearly 200 food vendors, 17 different types of food on a stick, dozens of buildings, attractions, entertainers and rides, where does a fairgoer begin his or her experience at the Ohio State Fair?

After 160 years of tradition, along with a wealth of new attractions and activities each year, the perpetuity of the Fair can be overwhelming, especially for a first-time fairgoer. So we asked our social media followers this question: If you could give a first-time fairgoer one tip (foods to try, shows not to miss, buildings to visit) for their visit to the Ohio State Fair, what would it be?

Things to eat

Of course, we got an abundant amount of feedback regarding food! Whether you’re craving something sweet, salty, sour or spicy, the Fair has a variety of foods and beverages to offer your taste buds. Here’s what our followers had to say about the scrumptious fair food:

“I won’t leave the Fair without Inky Dinky Donuts. Yum-o-rific!” -Kelly S.

“Roasted corn on the cob is a must! Don’t forget the butter plus refillable giant iced tea.”  -Patrick G.

All responses were great, but we especially enjoyed the approach Sara S. takes: “Eat your way from one entrance to the other!”

Other popular responses regarding food included Tracey’s hamburgers, deep fried pickles, cheese on a stick, Schmidt’s cream puffs and ice cream. Fairgoer Andrea J. doesn't wait for dessert to enjoy her ice cream; she suggests eating it for breakfast! Hey, the Fair is a place to eat whatever you want, whenever you want!

Things to do

Although we all love fair food, what good would a fair be without attractions and entertainment? At the Fair, there is something going on all day, every day. How do you decide where to go and what to do? When fairgoers answered this question, it seemed as though a handful of responses were repeated over and over: Ride the SkyGlider, listen to the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir (AOSFYC), as well as the Ohio State Fair Band (OSFB), spend time at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) park and check out the butter cow!

“Ride the SkyGlider first - that way you can view the whole fair and plan out what foods to try on the way back!” - Amy M.

“At the ODNR park, canoeing, fishery, archery and animal shows are all free with admission. It’s the best thing at the Fair.” -Chris W.

In a nutshell

Although these responders specifically expressed their favorite foods and activities, others had general advice to give to first-time fairgoers, such as staying in the shade, buying refillable drinks, not wearing black and remembering where you park! Misty C. had a great tip to offer:

“Download the Ohio State Fair App for maps and go to the webpage to print off coupons for concessions.”

Diane A. added, “Remember to take a break. Grab a drink, find a shady spot and people watch. Then continue to enjoy the best state fair in the country.”

While some fairgoers tried to narrow down the best food to eat and others reminisced on childhood memories with a sense of nostalgia, Stephanie M. summed it all up, by offering three words of advice: “Do it all.”