Heading to the Franklin County Fair? Here's what to know before you go
With the Fourth of July in the rearview mirror, but the second half of summer still very much on the horizon, what's there left to do? Kids seem to have an unending supply of energy, and it's hard to deal with a little one bouncing off the walls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you need a good outlet to keep the children happy while releasing some of their untamed liveliness, there's a great place for you to go. Beyond giving your kids something to do, it may just put a freshly squeezed lemonade in your hand or a delicious funnel cake on your plate.
The Franklin County Fair will once again be held in the best possible place for the job, the Franklin County Fairgrounds, located at 4951 Northwest Parkway, in Hilliard. The fair will take place from Monday, July 15, to Sunday, July 21.
Each day will have its own sponsor and features different events.
Some notable events include Lots of Tales with Storyteller Terry Lott on July 18, Ohio School of Falconry on July 17 and 19, the Kasey Program on July 20 and Cooking Caravan – Come to Your Senses on July 20 and 21.
What's new?: Animals, rides and more bring visitors to the Franklin County Fair
Additionally, the fair will have events repeating daily, including the Magical Train, Tactical Force Mobile Laser Tag, Thrill Show by Cincinnati Circus, PB & Jammy Glass Blowing, sheep-herding dog demonstrations and Mr. Eric’s Music.
According to Kendra Kane, Franklin County Fair social media coordinator, this year's fair will feature lots of new options, especially in the entertainment department.
"There's Thrill Show by Cincinnati Circus, glassblowing; and something really exciting this year is a sheep-herding dog demonstration," said Kane. "There's tons of stuff to do. Some of it is free with fair admission and then some of the grandstand nights, those are an additional cost."
Here are some things to help you figure out how to navigate this year's fair if you go.
How much does it cost to get in?
Advanced tickets purchased through July 14 are $8. You can also pay cash at the gate when you arrive for $10, or skip the line and buy online for the same price beginning July 15.
Grandstand shows like the truck and tractor pull, A-Bar Rodeo and the demo derby are available online on in-person at 6 p.m. the day of the show for $10.
What are some of the events?
On Monday, the fair will run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is Franklin County Engineer, Brad Foster, Day. Monday's grandstand event, harness racing, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free with admission.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the 107th Franklin County Fair at Historical Village, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday.
On Tuesday the fair will run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is sponsored by LaRosa's Family Pizzeria in Dublin. Tuesday's grandstand event, Jeep Night at the Fair - Show & Shine, 2-5 p.m., is free with admission unless patrons are participating in the event.
On Wednesday, Family Fun Day, the fair will run from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Hilliard. Wednesday's grandstand event, NEO Extreme Games, 1-9 p.m., is free with admission.
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On Thursday, the fair will run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is Farm Bureau Ag Day. Thursday's grandstand event, Central Ohio Truck Pull Circuit (COTPC) Truck Pull and Central Ohio Tractor Pullers Association (COTPA) Tractor Pull, at 7 p.m., costs $10.
Thursday is also Military Appreciation Day at the fair. Those with military IDs will receive free admission and a free ride wristband as a thank you for their service to the country.
Friday, the fair will run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is sponsored by the Sutphen Corporation. Friday's grandstand event, A-Bar Rodeo, at 7 p.m., costs $10.
Saturday, the fair will run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is Market District Day at the fair. Saturday's grandstand event, Smash It Demolition Derby, at 7 p.m., costs $10.
Sunday, the fair will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is Drill Team/Royalty Ride In: Nationwide Children's Hospital Horse Arena Day. Sunday's grandstand event is the "Cone Zone Challenge" from 2-5 p.m. and costs $20.
Sunday is also Cops and Kids Day, where children can learn more about the departments, vehicles and people that make up law enforcement.
When do rides open and how much do tickets cost?
Midway rides open at noon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. They close at 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The rides close at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Unlimited-ride wristbands are $25 and are discounted to $20 on Wednesday, July 19. Presale mega-ride information is available at batesbros.com
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What's the deal with fair food?
Rides are great, but what about hungry guests? Well, you're in luck as this year, the Franklin County Fair has pushed to expand its food offerings.
"We use the Bates Brothers (Amusements) for our rides and attractions," said Kane. "And then for the midway, we are doing some various food trucks. There are a lot more new food items this year than there have been in previous years."
Is there free parking?
There sure is! Free parking is available in lots adjacent to gates three, four and five.
Is anything disability-friendly?
In terms of logistics and accessibility, the Franklin County Fair is offering disability-friendly parking by gate five. "Sensory Friendly Fun" is also scheduled on the midway on Tuesday, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lights and music dimmed/off as much as possible until 2 p.m.
This event is sponsored by the Autism Society of Central Ohio and Boundless Health, featuring low lights and sounds, animal encounters, a train depot, a 4-H mobile-design lab and more.
For those wishing to seek out information and stay up to date, information is available at fcfair.org, and the Franklin County Fair Ohio app is available for download on the app store.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 2024 Franklin County Fair guide: Tickets, food, parking and more
