Columbus

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Columbus with Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

Axios Columbus

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Columbus. Written by Alissa Widman Neese and Andrew King.

Axios Columbus Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Columbus Partners

Columbus Alerts

Alert

Columbus Members

Membership

Though fairs are synonymous with rows of traveling vendors, I actually didn't visit one during my latest Ohio State Fair trip.

Dining the news: I left stuffed after visiting the new Food Hall on the first floor of the Ohio Showcase building and a couple other stops for local eats.

First, the food hall: It was packed. It feels like an instant staple, with its ideal combination of air conditioning and local restaurants.

Busy indoor food hall with many people seated at long benches, eating. Exposed ceiling with string lights, storefronts and a green wall on the left, and tall gray pillars in the center.

What I ate: A bowl from Sweet Carrot (pictured above) with creamy mac and cheese, smoked beef brisket and coleslaw and corn salsa on top ($15).

I never made it to this popular Grandview spot before it closed and became catering-only — and now I see what I missed.

That mac and cheese is going to be my new summer tradition.

For dessert: Cheesecake Girl's adorable Buckeye shooter ($3) and a cake pop shaped like a corn dog ($6), unique to the fair.

Close-up of a glazed donut inside a container, decorated with red and yellow icing swirls. A small cup holds whipped cream cheese with a Buckeye on top; a blue spoon stands upright beside it on a wooden table.

Yes, but: One does not simply stop at one dessert during the Ohio State Fair.

Next, I enjoyed a deviled egg flight ($18) outside the Ohio Agriculture Center, where the Ohio Poultry Association's quirky tradition now has a permanent stand.

Tray of deviled eggs on a black plate with assorted toppings: a sausage-wrapped egg with mustard, cheese-topped eggs, and a sprinkles-covered egg.

Top, from left: Ranch, hot dog and Cincinnati chili. Bottom, from left: Apple pie, mac and cheese and birthday cake. 

The intrigue: I was fully prepared to hate the icing-topped birthday cake flavor, but it turned out to be a surprisingly tasty, protein-packed treat.

😅 … then I had a third dessert at the Dairy building.

Top-down view of a white cup with scoops of pink, white, and turquoise rainbow ice cream; a hand holds it over a brown napkin with a black plastic spoon nearby.

Velvet Ice Cream's Star-Spangled Swirl, inside the Dairy building, really does taste like a creamy rocket pop ($5).

The bottom line: The midway may get the attention, but some of the best bites are inside the Ohio buildings.

📍 Stop by: Through Aug. 9. Hours, tickets and parking. Daily schedule.

Go deeper: New Ohio State Fair buildings embrace Buckeye pride

New Ohio State Fair buildings embrace Buckeye pride

The Ohio State Fair's new food hall is a hit

Bypass the corn dogs and funnel cakes — eat local instead.

Close-up of macaroni and cheese topped with chopped green onions, diced vegetables, and a dark red sauce, served in an orange-printed paper tray on a wooden table.

Mac and cheese topped with beef brisket, coleslaw and corn salsa from Sweet Carrot at the Ohio State Fair. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese

A corn dog-shaped cake pop with red and yellow icing stripes, next to a small shot glass of cream cheese with layers of whipped cream and chocolate, topped with a Buckeye candy.

Though fairs are synonymous with rows of traveling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/2026-ohio-state-fair-new-foods-schmidts-cream-puff" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/13/2026-ohio-state-fair-new-foods-schmidts-cream-puff" target="_self">vendors</a>, I actually didn&#x27;t visit one during my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest Ohio State Fair trip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/03/ohio-state-fair-new-buildings" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/08/03/ohio-state-fair-new-buildings" target="_self">latest Ohio State Fair trip</a>.Dining the news: I left stuffed after visiting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Food Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/ohio-state-fair-food-hall-vendors-showcase-building" data-vars-content-id="1bdb937e-28d8-4550-bd46-8c93101b0964" data-vars-headline="The Ohio State Fair&#x27;s new food hall is a hit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/06/25/ohio-state-fair-food-hall-vendors-showcase-building" target="_self">new Food Hall</a> on the first floor of the Ohio Showcase building and a couple other stops for local eats.

State Fair

Food and Drink

Things to Do

I'm a lifelong baseball fan, but for me, the sport's biggest stars don't come out till after the sixth inning.

Why it matters: The Clippers' three racing hot dogs are almost as beloved as the team itself.

They've got their own T-shirts, bobbleheads, trading cards and fiercely loyal fans, including me.

So when the team recently approved a request to run the race myself, I was ready to relish every second.

Context: I've been a Rickey Relish fan ever since his brief call up to the major leagues in 2017.

The underdog, wearing a no-frills costume, upset Cleveland's Onion and Mustard dogs, and I was hooked.

What they're saying: For the Clippers' promo team, stepping into a hot dog costume is like briefly becoming a rock star, assistant marketing director Patrick Kenney says.

On big nights, the roar from 10,000 fans is an "energy you can't re-r," he told me ahead of my July 19 race.

Behind the scenes: As I waited in a concealed area under the right-field stands for my moment, the nerves started kicking in.

I ran a couple practice dashes to get in the zone, and got acquainted with my opponents, Kelly Ketchup and Mickey Mustard.

A gif of Alissa running toward the camera in a Rickey Relish hot dog mascot costume, behind the scenes at Huntington Park.

Then the race music started. We cracked the doors. The heat and blinding summer sun hit us — and we were off.

🏃‍♀️ It goes fast. The race was only 30 seconds, but it was quite the adrenaline rush.

🥴 It looks easy, but it's not. The costumes are hot, bulky and awkward, and it's hard to see.

I have serious respect for the promo team members usually behind the buns.

🏆 I won! It was surreal. I honestly think my journalism career has peaked.

The intrigue: If you were wondering, the race isn't scripted, per se, but is intentionally theatrical and involves some planning. Kenney compared it to professional wrestling.

1 fun thing: After I was out of costume and back in the stands, a woman pointed out my Rickey T-shirt and congratulated me on the win.

I smiled. "Well, it's a funny story, actually.…"

When I told her about my experience, she was excited and starstruck.

Yes, but: Regrettably, she informed me she's a Mustard fan. I'll let it slide.

What's next: The Clippers host the MudHens at home all weekend.

For those keeping score: Rickey was the 2025 champ and the dogs are in a three-way tie so far this season.

Alissa smiling with sunglasses on her head, wearing a green graphic t-shirt, standing in front of Huntington Park's seating and baseball field, with a scoreboard and city skyline in the background.

Alissa in her favorite Rickey shirt at the start of the game. The Clippers lost 13-6, but the hot dogs never disappoint.

Alissa in a cartoon hot dog costume with relish on it, smiling and giving thumbs up in a warehouse with tall shelves, boxes, a yellow flammable cabinet, and blue industrial machinery.

What it looks like behind the scenes, under the right-field stands, at Huntington Park.

A gif of Alissa winning the hot dog race, passing through the finish line tape with her hands in the air, and then jumping up and down.

A baseball fan's dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog

The costumes are hot, the race is chaotic, and the crowd makes it unforgettable.

Alissa, in a hot dog costume with relish on it, raises her arms on a baseball field; two staffers clap nearby as a cameraman films, with a full stadium and city skyline in the background.

Frankly, it doesn't get better than this. Photos and videos: Courtesy of Brandon Neese

I&#x27;m a lifelong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baseball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/happy-opening-day-ohio-baseball-fans" data-vars-content-id="4d725e05-c863-43d1-b5e5-32ef90956305" data-vars-headline="A baseball fan&#x27;s dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/03/26/happy-opening-day-ohio-baseball-fans" target="_self">baseball</a> fan, but for me, the sport&#x27;s biggest stars don&#x27;t come out till after the sixth inning.Why it matters: The Clippers&#x27; three racing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot dogs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/07/21/columbus-clippers-let-fans-pick-hot-dog-race-winner-generate-ticketing-leads/" data-vars-content-id="4d725e05-c863-43d1-b5e5-32ef90956305" data-vars-headline="A baseball fan&#x27;s dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/07/21/columbus-clippers-let-fans-pick-hot-dog-race-winner-generate-ticketing-leads/" target="_blank">hot dogs</a> are almost as beloved as the team itself.

News

Sports

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.

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.

Inside a bright museum hall, a suspended vintage airplane hangs from a high white ceiling. Visitors walk past blue panels reading "COMMUNITY" and "INNOVATION" with a large arched window behind.

The Shaping Ohio museum's centerpiece: photos of county courthouses, separate pieces that form the shape of Ohio when viewed from the center.

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.

Hand holding a green cup with a red straw in a busy expo hall; blurred crowd at tables, a large "EXPOSITION HALL" sign, and a colorful "imAGine" logo on the wall.

🎠 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.

Indoor carousel with ornate animal figures; a beige deer with antlers beside a red cardinal, both mounted on poles. Bright string lights, blue trim, and decorative paneling in the background.

Deer and cardinals aren't typical carousel seats, but make perfect sense in Ohio.

The bottom line: The fair has always celebrated the Buckeye State, but it's now easier than ever to leave feeling proud of it.

Brick Ohio Agriculture Center building with a large arched glass entrance under a bright blue sky and fluffy clouds. Outdoor tables, banners, and people walking toward the entrance.

The new Ohio Agriculture Center includes the new Taste of Ohio Café, an exhibition hall and an Ohio Proud gift shop.

Indoor exhibition hall with a large green and yellow tractor on the left, curved teal banners overhead, and people walking past colorful farm booths and plant displays on the right.

Milk a cow, meet other animals and learn about farming inside the Ohio Agriculture Center's exposition hall.

Inside a bustling hall with a large crowd, white brick walls, black steel trusses, and white ceiling ducts; a sign reads Presented by Ohio Dairy Farmers.

The newly renovated (and air-conditioned) Dairy building, home of the Ohio State Fair's famous butter cow.

Brick building with a tall vertical sign reading "OHIO SHOWCASE" beside large glass windows. A blue sky with white clouds, and people walking outside near umbrellas and trees.

The new Ohio Showcase building includes a 360-degree theater, a second-floor museum and a food hall. 

Indoor science-innovation exhibit with blue and gray geometric walls, a large "INNOVATION" sign, visitors browsing displays, a Superman cutout on the right, and shelves of objects.

The Shaping Ohio museum's "innovation" section features Ohio-made things — including Wendy's in Columbus.

Inside a bright room with large grid windows and dotted glass, two people stand by the pane, overlooking a sunny outdoor fairground with rides, tents, and a distant city skyline.

Guests enjoy the view of the downtown Columbus skyline from the second-floor windows of the museum.

Curved beige translucent canopy with black steel frame arches over a brick building. Wide concrete steps, outdoor seating with umbrellas, and a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

The Ohio Showcase building also includes a large, shaded seating area outside the food hall. 

Crowds gather outside a glass-front carousel pavilion with a tall conical metal roof and statue on top, beneath a blue sky with white clouds.

The new, permanent carousel is just outside the Ohio State Fair's southern gate. 

Carousel animals: a large white cow in front with detailed saddle, harness, and carved features; other animals and riders visible behind, under string lights in a glass-roofed pavilion.

Brick dairy storefront with a large white DAIRY sign over glass doors. Wall mural reads BUTTER COW with a cow image. Outdoor picnic tables and people sit outside under a blue, cloudy sky.

Where the real butter cow lives — new and improved.

New exhibits and local food put Ohio on the main stage.

Inside a dark room, three large angled screens show left a sunflower field, center two smiling girls, and right a packed OSU football stadium with Script Ohio; audience sits on benches.

The 360-degree theater inside the new aptly named Ohio Showcase Building. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios

The biggest additions to this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/27/ohio-state-fair-2026-guide-tickets-schedule" data-vars-content-id="8bca1f43-9afa-470e-9ab8-e1176c2198d2" data-vars-headline="New Ohio State Fair buildings embrace Buckeye pride" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2026/07/27/ohio-state-fair-2026-guide-tickets-schedule" target="_self">Ohio State Fair</a> 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.<ul><li>Honestly? It works.</li></ul>

You don't need to cross the Atlantic for an Irish getaway — just head to Dublin this weekend.

🇮🇪 Our pick: The Dublin Irish Festival.

Zoom in: Try hash and haggis, enjoy dozens of music and dance performances and witness Celtic feats of strength.

With over 100,000 attendees, it's billed as "the largest three-day Irish Festival on the planet."

We're not sure who's keeping track, but we'll raise a pint to that. Sláinte!

Stop by: Friday-Sunday at Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Parkway. Hours & FAQ. Tickets.

🎡 The Ohio State Fair is in full swing.

🖼️  It's also a new month, which means there's a Gallery Hop in the Short North on Saturday.

🌰 TBDBITL plays its yearly Picnic with the Pops shows with the Columbus Symphony Friday and Saturday.

🤠 Braxton Keith performs at the Bluestone Friday.

🎤 Barry Manilow takes the stage Sunday at Nationwide Arena for his final Columbus performance.

Weekend picks: Raise a pint at the Dublin Irish Festival

Plus: Pelotonia, Barry Manilow and the Ohio State Fair.

an illustration of an Axios A logo wearing a bopper style headband with two shamrocks 

You don&#x27;t need to cross the Atlantic for an Irish getaway — just head to Dublin this weekend.🇮🇪 Our pick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dublin Irish Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://dublinirishfestival.org/" data-vars-content-id="92b0cd40-4552-4387-9f7e-215871bcfb30" data-vars-headline="Weekend picks: Raise a pint at the Dublin Irish Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dublinirishfestival.org/" target="_blank">The Dublin Irish Festival</a>.

Culture

Summer is winding down, but the news cycle isn't. 

🗳️ What's on the ballot: Wednesday is the deadline for placing local issues. Some are already approved for the ballot, including a South-Western City Schools levy and a statewide constitutional amendment regarding voter ID requirements.

Plus: Ohio is of national importance this November, so get ready for ads.

🎓 What's not: After backtracking on plans for a Franklin County property tax levy to fund a free tuition initiative, we're curious what Columbus State Community College plans to do next.

🎒 Back to school: Several local districts head back to class next week.

📹 Flock cameras: Columbus City Council meets next Monday to review an audit into the controversial license plate readers' role in federal immigration enforcement.

Flock representatives were invited to answer public questions.

🛃 Haitians in Ohio: Thousands of Haitians living in Columbus and Springfield lost their Temporary Protected Status last week.

Immigrant advocates are bracing for raids, but Gov. Mike DeWine says he hasn't heard of any plans yet.

Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival, Aug. 13-15.

Columbus Food Truck Festival, Aug. 14-15.

The stories we're watching in August

On our list: Flock cameras, election deadlines and back to school.

Illustration of a chalkboard with a waving hand emoji drawn on it.

Summer is winding down, but the news cycle isn&#x27;t. 🗳️ What&#x27;s on the ballot: Wednesday is the deadline for placing local issues. Some are already approved for the ballot, including a South-Western City Schools <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="levy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/south-western-city-schools-no-new-millage-bond-issue-november-ballot/530-6220e808-88dd-4272-afcc-b5740b77421f" data-vars-content-id="c1ae48d9-d81b-4daa-a23d-8a7cfbd40133" data-vars-headline="The stories we&#x27;re watching in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/south-western-city-schools-no-new-millage-bond-issue-november-ballot/530-6220e808-88dd-4272-afcc-b5740b77421f" target="_blank">levy</a> and a statewide constitutional amendment regarding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voter ID requirements" data-vars-click-url="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/politics/ohio-politics/what-is-issue-3-on-the-ohio-ballot" data-vars-content-id="c1ae48d9-d81b-4daa-a23d-8a7cfbd40133" data-vars-headline="The stories we&#x27;re watching in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/politics/ohio-politics/what-is-issue-3-on-the-ohio-ballot" target="_blank">voter ID requirements</a>.

Alissa Widman Neese

Featured stories

New Ohio State Fair buildings embrace Buckeye pride

The Ohio State Fair's new food hall is a hit

The stories we're watching in August

A baseball fan's dream: I raced as a Clippers hot dog

Weekend picks: Raise a pint at the Dublin Irish Festival