New Ohio State Fair buildings embrace Buckeye pride
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The 360-degree theater inside the new aptly named Ohio Showcase Building. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
The biggest additions to this year's Ohio State Fair are a collective statement about Buckeye State identity.
Why it matters: Together, the renovations reflect a coordinated effort to make Ohio one of the main attractions.
- Honestly? It works.
Case in point: The aptly named Ohio Showcase building towering in the center of the grounds.
- Inside, guests are greeted with a 360-degree theater with Ohio-shaped screens.
- A 14-minute film narrated by OSU legend Archie Griffin recaps our state's history, from Indigenous settlers to the industries, attractions and achievements of today.
On the second floor, the giant windows of a Shaping Ohio museum offer a free bird's-eye view previously only possible on the SkyGlider.
- Columbus is well-represented in the exhibits and artifacts — and if you're from somewhere else, odds are you'll see that place too.
- Alissa beamed at a large photo of Gemini, her first "big kid" coaster at Cedar Point and a reminder of her hometown of Sandusky.
Zoom in: Inside the Ohio Agriculture Center, a massive new Taste of Ohio Café serves Ohio-raised pork, chicken, beef and more.
- In its exposition hall, visitors can meet the animals that make it possible.
- Yes, it's a little morbid, but, hey, we've all gotta eat.
An Ohio Proud gift shop offers local goods and cooking demonstrations.
🍷 Pro tip: There's also beer, wine and air conditioning. We don't blame you if you stay all day.
🎠 Our recommendation: After touring the two new buildings, cap an Ohio-centric visit with a free spin on the new carousel.
- The queue shares facts about the local wildlife featured, and the canopy showcases iconic scenes, from the 'Shoe to Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon.
The bottom line: The fair has always celebrated the Buckeye State, but it's now easier than ever to leave feeling proud of it.
📍 Stop by: Through Aug. 9. Hours, tickets and parking. Daily schedule.
