The Ohio State Fair, a beloved annual tradition, has been capturing the hearts of visitors for over a century. Established in 1850, the fair began as a modest agricultural exhibition aimed at promoting Ohio’s farming industry.
Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest state fairs in the United States, drawing crowds from all over to experience its unique blend of entertainment, education, and community spirit. Held at the expansive Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, the fair offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including thrilling rides, diverse food vendors, live music, and the ever-popular agricultural displays.
Throughout its history, the Ohio State Fair has been a reflection of the times, evolving with changing trends and technologies while maintaining its core mission of celebrating Ohio’s rich agricultural heritage. From the early days of horse-drawn plows and prize-winning livestock to today’s high-tech exhibits and celebrity performances, the fair has remained a beloved summer destination for families and friends.
Ready to take a fun-filled stroll through the history of the Ohio State Fair? These old snapshots and postcards are like time capsules filled with the sights of fair days gone by.
The fair’s history isn’t just about fun and games.
In 1906, Augustus Roy Knabenshue took to the skies in his Toledo II airship, circling the Administration Building and mesmerizing early 20th-century fairgoers.
A charming postcard from 1911 shows patrons paying their fifty-cent admission fee, a quaint reminder of simpler times.
Another postcard from 1907 features the Cattle Pavilion, later renamed in honor of Vic Donahey. Unfortunately, this building was lost to a fire in 1972, resulting in over $4 million in damages.
The Grandstand, pictured in a 1906 postcard, and the Art Gallery from the 1908 State Fair, offer glimpses into the fair’s architectural history. These structures provided spaces for gathering and celebrating Ohio’s artistic talents.
Over the years, the fair adapted. These 32-foot-tall, 100-foot-wide letters were put up in 1966, costing a cool $40,000. They stood proudly until their demolition in 2002, but their larger-than-life presence remains unforgettable.
Next, check out the flags waving in the breeze, each one representing an Ohio county.
They proudly display the slogan, “Ohio State Fair, the heart of it all!” This catchy phrase, born in 1984 from the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, kept the fair’s spirit alive for decades.
Now, who could forget the thrills of the Giant Slide?
This towering yellow slide, standing three stories high, made its debut in 1968. The photo perfectly captures the joy and excitement as both kids and adults zipped down this iconic ride.
T-shirt vendors were always a hit, and this snapshot shows visitors browsing through a sea of tees, including gems like Andy Gibb and Grease shirts. Oh to be a fly on the wall of a booth of the fair in the 1970s.
The Sky Glider offered a bird’s-eye view of the fairgrounds, and this photo captures a unique perspective.
Spot the McDonald’s Grandstand, sponsored by the fast-food giant from 1986 to 1989, as well as the bustling activity below, with crowds weaving through food trucks and vendor booths.
A particularly vibrant aerial shot shows the Midway in 1979, with vendors offering everything from lemon shakes to steak burgers. The Grandstand and a Kentucky Fried Chicken sign add to the fair’s nostalgic atmosphere, making us wish we could step right into the scene.
One of the more unusual attractions was the horse diving show.
Imagine a horse, sometimes with a monkey on its back, diving from a 30-foot platform into an 8-foot tank of water. This act, part of Hall & Christ Showtime, sparked quite a bit of controversy and eventually led to scrutiny by the Capital Area Humane Society.
No trip down memory lane would be complete without Smokey the Bear, star of the Natural Resources exhibit in 1972. This beloved character reminded visitors of the importance of forest conservation and left a lasting impression on many young fairgoers.
The fair has been a quintessential experience in Ohio for well over a century. As you head out to the fair this year, be sure to stop by some of the exhibits and rides that have stood the test of time, like Smokey the Bear and the big yellow slide. And most importantly, have a ton of fun!
To start planning your trip to the Ohio State Fair, head over to ohiostatefair.com.
