Fair entertainer has famous history

A huge staple of the Ohio State Fair are the several roving entertainers and performers that perform at various times throughout the Fair’s run. From magic acts, to hypnotists, to puppeteers, there is quite the variation. One of those roving entertainers happens to have worked in Hollywood.

Scott Land, celebrity puppeteer, performs at the 2012 Fair and is not a stranger to show business by any means. His puppets were featured in the Paramount Pictures’ 2004 film “Team America: World Police.” How cool!

Your last chance to see Scott perform is today at 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm at the Gazebo Stage. You don’t want to miss out on these Fairtastic puppets!

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Country, Comedy and Concerts - Oh My!

The time has come - the first of the Ohio State Fair concerts have been announced and we can't believe we have to wait 138 days until the shows begin!

Comedians Jim Gaffigan (known for his hilarious, why-is-the-middle-still-frozen-and-the-outside-scorches-my-mouth "hot pocket" bit) and Billy Gardell (the star, Mike, of Mike & Molly) will kick off the Fair with some laughs on July 25.

As we run through the 12 days of the Fair, we'll take a tour of the nation, welcoming Chicago (co-headlining with The Doobie Brothers) on July 27 then visiting Boston (with special guest Kansas) on Aug. 1. Really, at how many fairs can you experience two other cities and a state? Make the trip complete with a trip to the International Food Court in the MarketPlace Building and you'll be set.

The legendary Isley Brothers, featuring the talented Ronald and Ernie Isley, will grace the stage on July 28. At the young age of 11, Ernie was taught how to play the guitar by former Isley Brothers touring guitarist Jimi Hendrix - how cool is that?!

Ohioans Sanctus Real will open for Christian chart-toppers the Casting Crowns on August 1 for a fun, feel-good show.

The next day, visitors can enjoy a free show by the Cab Calloway Orchestra during the afternoon. That evening, Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson will join together for an amazing 90-minute set of pickin' singin' and storytellin'.

Siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil (better known as The Band Perry) will perform their chart-topping, Grammy-nominated hits on Aug. 2 following an opening performance by breakthrough country duo The JaneDear Girls.

Aug. 4 brings teen queen Victoria Justice, star of VicTORious, to the WCOL Celeste Center stage with her first-ever tour.

And what Ohio State Fair wouldn't be complete with performances by the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir, the Sale of Champions and a free OSU Buckeye Sports Fest?

Don't think we forgot about the closing-night tradition of a concert in Crew Stadium! This year, Jason Aldean will be joined by Luke Bryan in this stadium-sized country jam fest.

We don't know about you, but we can hardly wait. See the full line-up and when tickets go on sale at ohiostatefair.com.

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