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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