The Fair to Host STEM Workshop

A three-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Workshop will be conducted for teachers in training and college elementary education majors at the Ohio State Fair starting July 30 and lasting through Aug. 1. Daily sessions are from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm in the Adobe Buildingand focus on K-6 curriculum.

The STEM Workshop is part of the Technology and Engineering Showcase and the Ohio Technology and Engineering Educators Association. It works to help educators apply standards-based science concepts into the classroom by focusing on essential questions and related activities. The STEM workshop also provides hands-on engineering and technological design based lessons using inexpensive materials.

The STEM workshop explores four essential concepts: survival of organisms in their environment, force and motion, the protection of natural resources and the usage of different types of energy. Related activities include butterfly incubators, paper engineering, solar cookers and sail cars!

The Ohio State Fair is proud to be home of the STEM workshop, which helps develop elementary educators from generalists to specialists. 

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17th Annual Pork Rib-Off Sure to be Savory

The napkins will be out for the annual Pork Rib-Off barbecue show-down at the 2013 Ohio State Fair, being held Tuesday, July 30 at 11:30 am in Central Park.

This event will host eight teams showcasing their best pork recipes from across Ohio: Messezz (Westerville), Team Baney-Q / Gallo’s Pit BBQ (Columbus), Oinker Acres (Wapakoneta), High on the Hog (Leesburg), Pizza Mike (Westerville), Wally’s Great American BBQ (Tiffin), Tony’s Restaurant (Findlay), Pit to Plate BBQ (Cincinnati) and Hickory River Smokehouse (Tipp City).

The competing restaurants will prepare both ribs and pulled pork, which will be judged by a panel of five for taste, tenderness and appearance. The Ohio Soybean Council will also be presenting a trophy for Best BBQ Sauce containing soybean oil.

After the judges have sampled the food, fairgoers will be able to enjoy free samples and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award!

The judging panel includes an all-star lineup of well-known Ohioans: emcee Woody Johnson, WCOL; radio host Joe Riley, 610 WTVN; Matt Reese, Ohio’s Country Journal; a representative from the Ohio Soybean Council; and Virgil Strickler, general manager of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.

Awards will be given for Grand Champion Ribs, Reserve Ribs, Grand Champion Pulled Pork, Reserve Pulled Pork, People’s Choice Award Winner and Best BBQ Sauce containing soy. Grand Champion in each category will receive $1,000, a trophy and a banner. Reserve Champion in each category will receive $500 and a trophy. 

Don't miss this perfect opportunity to taste the best ribs in Ohio! 

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Join in on the fun with your favorite mascots!

Looking for some family-friendly fun? Visit the Fair’s Mascot Fun Zone on July 31 for games, coloring activities and live character shows with your favorite Fair mascots. Test your skills in the football throw obstacle course or play corn hole, giant ski-ball, lacrosse toss or Wiffleball.

Need a break after playing games in the warm summer weather? Cool off in the shade and watch some cartoons or one of the live mascot shows. Take photos with the mascots such as Captain Planet and Felix the Cat during meet and greet opportunities throughout the day.

The Mascot Fun Zone is open from 11 am to 7 pm, but it will only be at the Fair for one day! Don’t miss out this opportunity for some Fairtastic family fun on July 31 in the ShowPlace Pavilion!

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Donate food and save at the Ohio State Fair

It's Kroger Feeds Ohio Day! Bring two canned food items per person to the Fair today and receive a voucher good for $3 admission before 4 pm. 

All food donated on Kroger Feeds Ohio Day will go to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and will benefit the numerous central Ohioans who suffer from hunger every day.

Along with hundreds of other state and county fairs in the nation, the Ohio State Fair is proud to be working with the International Association of Fairs and Festivals (IAFE) as a part of a national food drive. IAFE's Festivals' campaign, called "Dream Big," encourages the participation of food drives and collect 20 million pounds of food. 

Kroger Feeds Ohio Day isn't the only  the Ohio Poultry Association has contributed to help fight against hunger. Ohio egg farmers across the state donated approximately 766,800 eggs to hunger relief organizations in May. The giving doesn't stop there; for the fourth year, the Ohio Poultry Association will donate one dozen eggs to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank for every kid’s meal that is purchased at the poultry booth in the Taste of Ohio Café.

Raid your pantry and head out to the Ohio State Fair today, before 4 pm to save! 

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Youth Exhibitor Spotlight

Youth exhibitor Maria Burger, age 18 from Licking County, has been showing animals for 11 years. She currently works with goats, chickens, market lambs and market hogs. Maria begins preparing her animals for the Fair the day she receives them and works with them day in and day out.

“I have to form a relationship with the animals so they trust me. Trust is very important in order for the animals to behave in the arena in front of the judges,” she says.

Months before the Fair, Maria is spending every day with the animals - petting them, feeding them, keeping them in shape and toning their muscles. She examines her animals and understands when it’s necessary to increase or decrease their food intake.

As the Fair approaches, working with the animals becomes increasingly critical.

“I need to get the animal used to walking with me. I shear the sheep and I put baby oil on the chickens’ toes to make them red. I wash them and make them look as pretty as possible,” she explains.

When the Fair arrives, Maria’s schedule is very busy, as she competes in multiple contests. Over the months, she becomes extremely attached to her animals due to the energy and commitment she puts forth into preparing them, as well as the relationship she forms with them.

Maria says, “It’s really hard selling them at the end, but it’s also very rewarding. Ohio is known for agriculture. There is a need for meat and it’s satisfying knowing I’m contributing to that.”

Maria will continue her passion for animals when she begins studying veterinary technology at Columbus State Community College in the fall.

She commented, “It’s a lot of work and preparation, but it’s all worth it.”

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Win tickets to see Martina McBride!

Want to see the legendary country crooner live in concert? Now is your chance! We're giving away one pair of tickets to see Martina McBride when she performs at the Ohio State Fair on Friday, July 26 at 7 pm. 

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Martina McBride with special guest Angie Johnson, simply comment on this blog post before 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26!

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Win tickets to see Eric Benet, Noel Gourin & K'Jon today only!

That's right. We're giving away a pair of tickets so that you can come and enjoy the "Ladies Night Out" Tour at the Ohio State Fair.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Eric Benet, K'Jon and Noel Gourdin when they take the stage this Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m., simply comment on this blog post before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23. We'll check back and post the name of the winner and how to claim tickets!

Good luck!

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Butter sculpture unveiling to take place

Nearly 2,000 sticks of butter make up the butter cow, calf and surprise sculpture at the Ohio State Fair. The surprise sculpture will be unveiled on Tuesday, July 23 at noon and has been kept top secret leading up to the Fair. 

The butter cow and calf will also be revealed on Tuesday, July 23. The impressive sculptures are kept at a cool 45 degrees and reside in the newly renovated Dairy Products Building. Renovations in the building mean a new home for the butter sculptures. For the first time in years, the display will reside in a new cooler, keeping the sculptures in top shape during the 12 days of the Fair.

The display is visited by approximately 500,000 people each year and has become a beloved attraction of the Fair. After seeing the butter sculptures, fairgoers can also enjoy their favorite snacks, including milkshakes, cheese sandwiches or even maple bacon flavored ice cream. Last year, the display honored the Columbus bicentennial with a sculpture of a giant birthday cake.

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Ways to Save at the Ohio State Fair

With advance sale tickets, special discounts on admission prices nearly every day, mobile discounts and more,

there are plenty of ways to save money at the Ohio State Fair this year!

Special Days: All discounts not valid with other offers

• Wednesday, July 24 is WBNS 10 TV Opening Day. Fairgoers receive $3 admission until 3 pm.
• Thursday, July 25 is Kroger Feeds OhioDay. When Fairgoers bring two canned food items per person to a booth outside the gates, they’ll receive a voucher good for $3 admission before 4 pm. All food donations will go to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
• Friday, July 26 is Meijer Day. Fairgoers who purchase two pairs of Falls Creek jeans at Meijer will receive a Catalina coupon printed after their in-store purchase good for free admission for up to two people.
• Saturday, July 27 is AEP Ohio Day. Fairgoers who present a bill at a booth outside entrance gates receive $5 admission vouchers for everyone in their party before 5 pm.
• Sunday, July 28 is Veterans & Military Day. Veterans and active military are given free admission with appropriate identification.
• Monday, July 29 is NBC4 Family Value Day. Until 6 pm, 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 pm with a hand stamp.
• Wednesday, July 31 is QFM 96 Fair Attitude Wednesday. Fairgoers will enjoy $5 admission all day. It’s also Mattress Firm Day. Fairgoers can pick up a voucher at any participating Mattress Firm store throughout the state and receive one free admission with the purchase of one $5 admission.
• Thursday, Aug. 1 is AAA “Show Your Card and Save” Day. AAA members can show their current membership card at a booth outside entrance gates to receive $4 admission vouchers for each member in their party. Also, one free scoop of ice cream will be given at the social tent from 2 - 4 pm in Central Park for AAA members!
• Friday, Aug. 2 is Ohio Lottery Day. Fairgoers can present a non-winning Ohio Lottery ticket at a booth outside entrance gates to receive a $4 admission voucher.
• Saturday, Aug. 3 is Ohio Soybean Day. One Ohio soybean farmer or Ohio Soybean Association member will be given free Fair admission, with each member in their party receiving $4 admission with a voucher from Ohio Soybean magazine.
• Sunday, Aug. 4 is Pepsi-Cola Day.Fairgoers can bring any empty Pepsi-Cola brand product to a booth outside the entrance gates for a $3 admission voucher for every member in their party before 3 pm.

Advance Sale Tickets and Coupons:

Tickets are just $6 at Kroger, participating AAA locations with AAA membership and Ticketmaster outlets through Aug. 4. Printer-friendly vendor coupons can be downloaded from ohiostatefair.com prior to visiting the Fair for discounts on everything from food to merchandise.

Free Entertainment / Activities:

The Fair also offers a variety of free entertainment. There will be free live music daily at various locations across the grounds with genres ranging from bluegrass and gospel, to country and pop.

There are also free educational activities at the Fair. Families can visit the Agriculture is Cool interactive education stations where they are able to milk a real cow, compare their weight to animals, spin wool and more. As a bonus, exiting fourth grade students and one chaperone can attend the Fair for free any one day July 24 through Aug. 4 to enjoy the Ag is Cool program by presenting a valid report card at the entrance gates.

No matter how families choose to spend the day, the Ohio State Fair is sure to supply hours of entertainment for only the price of admission! For one last way to save, text FAIR to 88588 for exclusive text-only discounts. 

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Exiting fourth graders get free admission to learn why agriculture is cool

From July 24 through August 4, exiting fourth grade students (2012-2013 academic year) and one chaperone can attend the Fair for free any one day, upon presentation of a valid report card. Students can learn firsthand from interactive stations and find out what makes agriculture cool from 10 am – 6 pm.

The Agriculture is Cool program will include a variety of hands-on activities hosted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio’s agriculture commodity groups. The program has been recognized by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions as the "best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event or program for the fairgoing public" for fairs with annual attendance between 500,001 and 1 million.

Fourth grade teachers are also welcome to attend the Fair for free after filling out a form through the Ohio Agriculture website.

Students will be able to take part in numerous agriculture adventures, such as milking a cow and even having the opportunity to see a farm animal's live birth.

Agriculture is Cool aims to teach students the importance and excitement of agriculture in Ohio.

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Countdown: The Fair is one week away

The Fair is place enrooted in tradition. There’s something so sweet about grabbing a familiar funnel cake or a classic corndog. However, the sweet familiarity of the Fair is complemented by the new and thrilling features the Fair offers each year.

With only seven days until the Fair begins, we wanted to let you in on seven new items the Fair is featuring in 2013. Maybe it’s time to start a new tradition!

1. Giant Deep-Fried Gummy Bear - The Fair is a place to eat all foods fried - and without a twinge of guilt. Be sure to taste this five inch cherry gummy bear on a stick, deep-fried with your choice of vanilla or chocolate batter. Yum!

2. The Moonraker - This new ride takes you to heights over 70 feet. With 90 degree angles, exhilarating speed and oscillating action, the Moonraker is the only ride of its kind in North America! Care for a preview? Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pycnFmlm9M&feature=em-share_video_user

3. Sea Lion Splash presented by The CW - Watch as these sea lions and their handlers perform amazing tricks in this educational, family-friendly show. When they aren’t performing, the sea lions are blowing bubbles and playing with their toys in the underwater viewing tank. The Sea Lion Splash is the only traveling sea lion show in the United States, so don’t miss out! 

4. Those Funny Little People - From July 24 through 29, Billy Bob and Loretta of “America’s Got Talent” performing group, Those Funny Little People, will dance and mingle their way through the Fair. 

5. Camel rides - Have you ever ridden a camel? Now is your chance! Every day, camel rides are offered for $5 to children and $7 to adults at the Kiddieland pavilion.

6. Monster Arm Wrestling - This contest of strength, endurance and strategy slightly modifies traditional arm wrestling by employing a patented Monster Arm Wrestling Table equipped with elbow pads, handles and a hinged simulated arm - making the competition safer for both players and easier to detect cheating.

7. Catherine Hickland - She may best be known for her role as Lindsey in “One Life to Live,” but she is also an acclaimed hypnotist and hypnotherapist who can put on a powerful, entertaining, family-friendly, hilarious show. Be sure to catch one of her shows on July 30 or 31.

Whether it’s trying a new food, enjoying a new ride or watching a new performer, we have an abundance of options to make your Fair experience unique and exciting!

Get your tickets now

With only one week until the Fair, don’t forget to purchase advance-sale tickets at Kroger stores, AAA and Ticketmaster locations for $6. Be sure to text “FAIR” to 88588 for exclusive text-only discounts or visit ohiostatefair.com to download and print cost-savings coupons on food and other Fair goodies.

See you in a week! 

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Butters D. Cow Is On the Mooove!

Ohio State Fair's beloved mascot, Butters D. Cow, will be out on the town this week!   

He'll be making his first appearance at Sunny 95's neighborhood block party on July 16. Butters D. Cow will be giving away four free Fair tickets and a free parking pass at the block party, so be sure to come out and sign up for the contest! If you live in Gahanna, keep your eyes peeled for details about the party's location.

Grab a bite to eat with Butters at the Columbus Commons on Thursday, July 18 from 11 am until 1 pm. You can meet your favorite mascot and enjoy a delicious lunch from the Food Truck Food Court at the Commons in downtown Columbus.

Of course, you can always catch Butters at the Ohio State Fair from July 24 – August 4. While you're there, keep an eye out for strolling performers, comedians, musicians and more!

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Win a Fairtastic family getaway!

There are still a few days left to enter to win a Fairtastic family getaway. Head over to our Facebook page and click on the "contest" tab to enter!

What's the big prize? A package of Fair goodies valued at more than $300!

• Four (4) tickets to the WCOL Celeste Center concert of your choice
• Parking pass
• Your very own copy of the brand-new Fair board game, "The Fairtastic Express"
• A voucher good for a one-night stay at the Hampton Inn Downtown 

So, hurry up. The deadline to enter is this Sunday, July 14! Enter now.

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Behind the Scenes: Cox Fine Arts Center

Though the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair’s parking lot is fairly empty during most days in the early summer, inside the Cox Fine Art Centeremployees are busy sorting through and setting up hundreds of pieces of artwork.

From early May to July, a dozen gallery assistants arrange and rearrange artwork as the pieces are delivered by Fair exhibitors. The building begins as a bare white space. Walls are then arranged and the team creates a mock layout of the exhibition using printed thumbnails of the works of art. When a piece is delivered, the crew might discover that it is not the same size or shape as they imagined, or perhaps it doesn’t look right in a certain space. Because of this, gallery assistants move 75 percent of the pieces between the time they are assigned a spot during the original mock-up and the time of the exhibition.

Larger pieces tend to serve as “pivot points” in the gallery, earning specific works of art a particular spot in the room. This year, “The Details II” a 16-foot sculpture of clothing is one of the gallery’s main pivot points. Positioned in the center of the room mainly because of its height, the piece serves as a tribute to the artist’s late grandmother. According to the artist, her memory was so detailed she could remember the exact clothes people were wearing in her stories. Originally, the piece was several feet taller but layers were omitted to prevent the sculpture from scraping the building’s 18-foot ceiling. A forklift helped the artist assemble the sculpture in small chunks.

This year, the Fine Arts Exhibition features 282 entries, 72 by amateur artists and 210 by Ohio professionals.  The exhibit also received 19 film entries, 12 of which will be screened at the Fair. The team will preview the films prior to the Fair to determine which select films will be shown.

Visitors can view the Cox Fine Arts Center exhibit at the Ohio State Fair between 9 am and 9 pm, July 24 - August 4.

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