The Ohio State Fair -- Yesterday and Today

History

From the very first fair held in Cincinnati in 1850, which lasted only three days, to the 12-day exposition of today, the Ohio State Fair has celebrated Ohio's products, its people and their accomplishments.

How It All Began

In 1846, the Ohio Legislature created the 53-member Board of Agriculture. One of the board's first acts was to establish a district fair. The resulting 1847 District Fair at Wilmington and the 1848 District Fair at Xenia were both successful, thus warranting a state fair.

The first Ohio State Fair was planned for September 1849, but an outbreak of Asiatic cholera forced cancellation of those plans. The following year, later dates were set to lessen the risk of cholera. Even so, Darius Lapham, the superintendent of grounds, died of the disease just a few weeks before the opening date.

Camp Washington (two miles east of downtown Cincinnati) was the site of the first Ohio State Fair, Oct. 2-4, 1850. The site was described as eight to 10 acres with grassy slopes, shade trees and numerous tents. The grounds were enclosed by a 10-foot-high board fence. Cattle were tethered to a railing along the carriage road.

The railroads offered strong support to the early state fairs. Special rates were offered whereby exhibits were transported without charge, and the exhibitor rode for half fare. Several Central Ohioans contributed to the support of the first fair, including Alfred Kelley, owner of the Columbus and Xenia Railroad Company. Cash premiums at the first fair did not exceed $20, with the exception of an award of $50 given to the winning essayists on the topic "Improving the Soil." During the early state fairs, winners received medals, not ribbons, as awards. In 1850, the silver medal was valued at $3.

The public was admitted only on the second and third days of the first fair. Day one was devoted to setting up and judging. Admission was 20 cents, but exhibitors could buy a $1 badge for admission for their families. A visitor could also buy a $1 badge for one gentleman and two ladies.

The two-day attendance was estimated at 25,000-30,000 people.

Transportation around Ohio was difficult. Therefore, the majority of exhibitors came from close proximity to the fair. Officials reasoned that moving the fair should increase interest and attendance.

Over the next 22 years, the fair was held in the following cities -- 1851, Columbus (on the site of Mt. Carmel Hospital); 1852, Cleveland; 1853, Dayton; 1854, Newark; 1855, Columbus (on the site of Mt. Carmel Hospital); 1856, Cleveland; 1857, Cincinnati; 1858, Sandusky; 1859, Zanesville; 1860-1861, Dayton; 1862-1863, Cleveland; 1864-1865, Columbus (on the site of Schiller Park); 1866-1867, Dayton; 1868-1869, Toledo; 1870-1871, Springfield; 1872-1873, Mansfield; 1874-1885, Columbus (on the site of Franklin Park).

Finally, in 1886, the fair moved to its current home at what is now called the Ohio Expo Center. The main entrance to the site was at the southwest corner of the grounds along Woodard Avenue. The Ohio Gate entrance is currently located at 11th Avenue.

Historical Milestones

1853 -- Entertainment crept into the fair programming with pony rides for children and monkeys dressed in hats that danced to minstrel tunes.

1860 -- Fair premiums rose to $200, up from $20 in 1850.

1884 -- In July, prior to the fair's opening, a racing mare kicked over a lantern resulting in 100 stalls being burned. Damages to buildings totaled $1,100. The dead mare was valued at $5,000.

1886 -- The current Ohio State Fair site was dedicated on Tuesday, Aug. 31 during the 37th Ohio State Fair. Gov. Foraker accepted the grounds in front of a crowd of 6,000.

1890s -- At least 16 railroad companies served Columbus and the fair.

1894 -- A college football tournament was held this year. Participating schools included Denison, Miami, Wittenberg, Buchtel (Akron) and The Ohio State University.

1896 -- The Ohio State Fair became the first fair with an electric lighting system. This made it possible to offer nighttime racing. Also this year, horseless vehicles made their first appearance at the Ohio State Fair.

1903 -- The first Butter Cow and Calf were featured at the fair. They were made by A.T. Shelton and Company, distributors of Sunbury Creamery Butter. Additional sculptures were added in the 1960s, the subjects of which change each year.

1916 -- On the eve of World War I, the largest American flag (136 feet by 65 feet) was displayed at the 11th Avenue entrance, now known as the Ohio Gate.

1922 -- Just days before the scheduled opening of the fair, fire raced across the grounds. Six buildings were destroyed including the central group, the Horticulture Building and the East and West Buildings. Loss was estimated at more than $800,000.

1924 -- Earliest records of the Ohio State Fair Queen contest date back to this year.

1925 -- The Diamond Jubilee Spectacle saluted the 75th anniversary of the fair. More than 2,000 participants enacted the evolution of the fair in three 25-year periods on three stages; and

The All-Ohio Boys Band was first mentioned in historical accounts this year. It is now called the All-Ohio State Fair Band and includes both boys and girls.

1928 -- The renowned John Philip Sousa Band performed twice daily at the 1928 fair.

1929 -- The junior fair was formed. Today, Ohio is proud to host one of the nation's largest junior fairs with more than 17,000 youth participating.

1941 -- A sign of the times found 150 female fair ticket takers hired in place of men for the first time.

1942-1945 -- The Board of Agriculture canceled the Ohio State Fair and allowed the War Department to use the grounds and buildings for handling airplane parts and equipment. The Army Air Corps rented the facility for $1 per year. A similar fate befell fairs in Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania.

1957 -- The first female livestock judge, Mrs. Maurice Neville, judged the Yorkshire Swine Show.

1963 -- The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir was established.

1966 -- At the 11th Avenue Gate, the new Ohio entrance was built at a cost of $40,000.

1968 -- The first Sale of Champions Livestock Auction was held with sales amounting to $22,674.

1969 -- The first portion of the SkyGlider was built this year. It was extended to 11th Avenue in 1984.

1972 -- Fire struck the Ohio Expo Center in October during the American Dairy Show. Three connected barns were burned, killing three head of cattle and destroying virtually all the exhibitors' belongings. These buildings have since been replaced by the Gilligan Complex and the O'Neill Swine Arena.

1976 -- In celebration of the country's bicentennial, a time capsule was buried in the gardens near the 11th Avenue Gate (now the Ohio Gate). It holds treasures of the times from the Ohio State Fair, Ohio sports teams, coins and stamps, a T-shirt, Levis and tennis shoes. It will be opened in 2026.

1990 -- The condemned Ohio State Fair Grandstand was demolished. The Celeste Center replaced it as the site for the fair's big-name entertainment, as well as a venue for many expo events throughout the year.

1995 -- The George V. Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center was completed. It is the newest facility at the Ohio Expo Center.

2000 -- The Ohio State Fair celebrated its 150th anniversary with a new exhibit, "History in the Making."

2002 -- The 11th Avenue Ohio Gate, built in 1966, was torn down and replaced with a redesigned, contemporary Ohio Gate.

2003 -- The Ohio State Fair celebrated its 150th Fair. The first fair was in 1850 and there has been one every year since, excluding 1942-1945.

2004 -- The length of the fair was modified from 17 days to 12 days.

Agricultural Exhibits

Butter Cow -- In the early 1900s, The Ohio State University and the dairy processors of Ohio sponsored butter sculpting contests at the Ohio State Fair. The subjects of these contests were not restricted to specific themes.

Eventually, the butter cow, and later the calf, found a permanent "home" in the Dairy Products Building which was built in the 1920s. New cow and calf sculptures are sculpted each year, and have become a fair tradition.

A temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit is maintained inside the cooler.

Each year, approximately 500,000 people visit the Dairy Products Building to see the butter sculptures and enjoy dairy products. Fairgoers look forward to seeing the featured butter sculptures that are unveiled at the fair.

Some previously featured butter sculptures include Neil Armstrong, Jack Nicklaus, Darth Vader, a tribute to the arts, a Furbee, Mr. Monopoly, a Hasbro Tonka Truck, Bobby Rahal, a tribute to the Columbus Zoo, the modern dairy farmer, Buster Douglas, a salute to the armed forces, a tribute to the Olympics, a tribute to 4-H, the 90th anniversary of the ice cream cone, Dave Thomas of Wendy's, astronaut John Glenn, a tribute to the Ohio State Buckeyes, a tribute to the Columbus Crew, the liberty bell, a bald eagle and a tribute to frontier explorers Lewis and Clark. Last year, the butter sculpture paid tribute to Ohio's Dairy Industry for being the number one supplier of Swiss cheese in the nation with a 2,000-pound Swiss-cheese wedge.

Junior Fair Board

The Junior Fair Board (JFB) comprises youth between 16 and 21 years of age who represent the various youth organizations that participate at the Ohio State Fair each year.

Youth organizations with representation on the JFB are actively involved with the annual Ohio State Fair. In most cases, organizations will select members for a two-year term. Smaller organizations select one person every other year and large youth groups will select yearly to ensure continuity of operation.

Responsibilities of the JFB vary from year to year, but each member does serve as an ambassador among their youth organization, the fair and the fair-going public. They assist in the WCOL Celeste Center and with various competitions for youth. They deliver and present awards, conduct kids games and assist with the daily parade and many other programs and activities throughout the 12 days of the fair. Their office is located in the Conference Center.

Officers are selected by their peers at the completion of their first year on the board and will oversee JFB activities during their second year.

The 2008 members are Andrea Blamble, New Albany, first year, 4-H; Ashlea Hull, Hilliard, second year, 4-H; Kaleb Kohler, Baltimore, second year, 4-H (vice president); Joshua Pinkerton, Wilmington, first year, 4-H; Josh Roe, Leesburg, second year, Boy Scouts; Kevin McCollum, Columbus, first year, Boy Scouts; Christa Lierer, Okeana, second year, Farm Bureau; Kristina Moff, Berlin Center, first year, Farm Bureau; J.D. Bethel, Mechanicsburg, second year, FFA; Tyler Church, Oakwood, first year, FFA; Maria Gobeaux, Versailles, second year, FFA (president); Lyndsey Murphy, Mechanicsburg, first year, FFA; Angel Davis, Columbus, second year, Girl Scouts; Meghan Dodson, Tiffin, first year, Girl Scouts; Andrew Rohr, Navarre, first year, Grange; Kayla Rohr, Navarre, second year, Grange (secretary); Courtney Beltz, North Caledonia, first year, Technology Education; and Rachael LeFever, Orrville, second year, Technology Education.

Participating Youth

Center Organizations

4-H -- 4-H comprises youth ages five to 19 participating in developmental, hands-on learning programs across the country. 4-H will host numerous 'days' at the fair to introduce the public to topics ranging from photography to family life.

Boy Scouts -- Visit the Boy Scouts display to see live demonstrations by units from across the state. Fairgoers can try racing on a pinewood derby track.

Camp Fire Boys and Girls -- Camp Fire USA exposes both girls and boys to new environments and people to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. At the fair, Camp Fire USA will host competitions within the organization, with all entries on display.

FFA -- FFA is incorporated with a systematic instruction course in agricultural education. FFA helps integrate life skills with the association and school instruction. Current FFA members will be submitting entries for competition and display at the fair.

Girl Scouts -- For nearly a century, the Girl Scouts have played a pivotal roll in America's history with a focus on developing young women with the necessary skills to be leaders who make a difference in the world.

National Grange -- National Grange is the nation's oldest national agriculture association with active members in 37 states. Grange members will partake in culinary, craft and talent competitions at the fair, along with hosting a make 'n' take craft table for the public.

Ohio Junior Horticulture Association -- Horticulture Association (OJHA) is dedicated to helping young people understand and develop skills in horticulture. They will be holding numerous informative horticulture competitions including illustrated talk, general speech and extemporaneous speech.

Tech Ed -- Youth demonstrate their skills in the areas of woodworking, metal craft, industrial crafts, photography, energy / power, drawing, drafting and technology.

Ag and

Hort Attractions

Amateur Floral Design / Extemporaneous Design Contest -- The display and contest on both Aug. 6 and Aug. 7 will be intriguing to flower lovers of all ages.

Gladiolus and Rose Display -- Come check out a gorgeous exhibit of roses, on Aug. 9, and gladiolus' on both Aug. 2 and Aug. 3.

Homebrewed / Homemade Beer and Wine Competitions -- More than 28 different categories of lagers, ales, mixed-style beers, meads and ciders that will be judged. Ribbons or medals will be awarded to first through third place winners in each category. The Homemade Wine competition will feature 16 classes of wines.

Land and Living Display -- How does agriculture impact your daily life? You'll see, hear and feel the answers at this display. This interactive agriculture exhibit is available all day, every day, and is sure to have you enthralled with all things agriculture.

Vegetable, Floral, Scarecrow, Nuts and Christmas Tree Displays -- Feast your eyes on this exhibit, available daily in the Ag and Hort Building.

Natural Resources Park

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources maintains an eight-acre park on the south end of the grounds. Activities include free kiddie fishing and archery. There are many things to observe such as Ohio wildlife, a log cabin and the butterfly house. The amphitheater hosts music and informative programs by the Division of Wildlife. Also located at the Natural Resources Park is the Great Lakes Lumberjack Show. This amazing show uses natural resources in a unique and exciting way with talented craftsmen who spin and balance themselves on logs floating in water.

Displays

* Dairy Goats, O'Neill Building, July 23-27 (pre-fair)

* Llamas, Brown Arena, July 24-26 (pre-fair)

* Boer Goats, O'Neill Building, July 24-26 (pre-fair)

* Sheep, Brown Arena, July 29 (pre-fair), July 30-Aug. 10

* Beef Cattle, Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center presented by Ohio's Country Journal, July 30-Aug. 10

* Dairy Cattle, Gilligan Livestock Complex / Cooper Arena, July 30-Aug. 10

* Swine, O'Neill Swine Building, July 30-Aug. 10

* Horses, JD Equipment Coliseum presented by 95.5 The Hawk / Cooper Arena / Scottsdale Pavilion. Open Horse Show, July 22-26 (pre-fair); Junior Horses, July 28-Aug. 1, Gilligan Livestock Complex, July 30-Aug. 10

* Poultry, Rabbit and Poultry Pavilion, July 30-Aug. 10

* Rabbits, Rabbit and Poultry Pavilion, Aug. 6-10

* Junior Fair Dog, Buckeye Sports Complex, Aug. 4-8, Coliseum, Agility, Aug. 2

* OVMA Veterinary Education Center inside the Wick Building, daily

Sale of Champions

Each year, the sale boasts some of the highest bids of any state fair in the nation. In 1996, the Sale of Champions made Ohio State Fair history with bids totaling $212,000 for eight livestock exhibits. The sale was created in 1968 to offer more incentive to young 4-H and FFA members bringing livestock projects to the Ohio State Fair.

Since 1995, the Ohio State Fair has placed caps on the amounts exhibitors can earn from their exhibits' sales. Money exceeding the cap amounts is distributed among other youth exhibitors through the Youth Reserve Program. The program allots funds for scholarships, the Outstanding Market Exhibitor Program, FFA, 4-H and other fair competition winners.

Note -- The first amount is the winning bid. The second amount is the price cap. *Indicates new record.

Grand Champion Meat Chickens, Lindsey Voge, Preble, $9,500, $5,000.

Reserve Grand Champion Meat Chickens, Kara McCarthy, Wyandot, $7,500, $3,000.

Grand Champion Market Lamb, Amber Shoemaker, Stark, $20,000, $9,000.

Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb, Madison Banbury, Knox, $12,500, $6,000.

Grand Champion Barrow, Alex Vaughan, Clinton, $23,000, $9,000.

Reserve Grand Champion Barrow, Kurt Seeley, Logan County, $20,000, $6,000*.

Grand Champion Market Beef, Zach Grauer, Ashland, $42,500, $21,000.

Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef, Jacque Knipe, Muskingum, $17,500, $10,000.

Total sale -- $159,500.

Youth Reserve Program earned -- $90,500.

Total money Youth Reserve Program has earned since its inception -- $1,319,950.

All-Time Records for the Sale of Champions

Grand Champion Market Beef, $75,000, The Kroger Company, 2001.

Reserve Champion Market Beef, $25,150, The Kroger Company, 2003.

Grand Champion Barrow, $64,000, Big Bear Stores, 1996.

Reserve Champion Barrow, $20,000, Meijer Inc., 2007.

Grand Champion Market Lamb, $30,000, The Kroger Company, 2001.

Reserve Champion Lamb, $17,500, Kale Marketing, J.D. Equipment, Burkhart Farm Center, 2006.

Grand Champion Meat Chickens, $18,000, The Kroger Company, 2001.

Reserve Champion Meat Chickens, $10,100, Amusements of America, Concessions by Cox and Event Marketing Strategies, 2004.

There are activities for everyone in the family. Come join us in the fun at the 2008 Ohio State Fair.