2014 Ohio State Fair July 23-Aug. 3

From The Ohio State Fair
http://www.ohiostatefair.com

With only a few days separating us from the first day of the Ohio State Fair, we are checking things off of our to-do list to make sure everything is ready for opening day.

We are bringing back some Fair favorites, but also introducing some fun, new attractions.

The 2014 Ohio State Fair is July 23-Aug. 3, and is often on families’ “Summer Bucket List,” so we decided to create a Fair-only bucket list specifically for visitors this year! The Fair lasts 12 days, so we compiled a list of 12 things you won’t want to miss for each day of the Fair.

Fair Bucket List 2014:

• Bubba’s Bacon—This all-bacon vendor offers a bacon ball on a stick, 1/4 lb. bacon on a stick, bacon popcorn, chocolate-covered bacon and a bacon burger, all hand-sliced on site.

• Natural Resources Park—Enjoy free fishing for kids, kayaking, archery and more at this beautiful eight-acre park maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. There are so many things to observe such as native Ohio wildlife, a log cabin, a geological walkway and the famed lumberjack shows. The outdoor amphitheater hosts free music and entertaining programs throughout the day.

• Giant Slide—Grab a burlap sack, hike up 105 steps and take an exciting trip down the 144-foot long Giant Slide!  Since 1969, the Giant Slide has been a Fair tradition for all to enjoy.

• Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus—Known for the “Bahama Mama” and “Jumbo Cream Puffs,” Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus is celebrating 100 years at the Fair. Owner George L. Schmidt opened a booth at the Fair in 1914. Today, Schmidt’s food booth is the oldest food concessionaire at the Fair and is still a Fair favorite. Stop by Schmidt’s and celebrate their anniversary with some traditional German food!

• Dino Walk—Have you seen the viral videos of a dinosaur roaming offices and malls? Now you can see the dino in real life! Get up close and personal with this 8-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. You’ll be amazed by your prehistoric, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with this unbelievably realistic dinosaur! 

• Livestock—See animals of all shapes and sizes at the Fair! With shows for horses, cows, pigs and more daily, check out some of these classic Fair activities and see the hard work of young 4-H and FFA members. Don’t miss the culmination of these shows - the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction - on the last day of the Fair, Aug. 3.

• Ice Cream—Stop by the Dairy Products Building for a scoop of a brand-new flavor you can only get at the Fair, blueberry sweet corn!

• SkyGlider—One of the world’s longest portable sky rides is right in your backyard at the Ohio State Fair.  Hop on and enjoy a relaxing bird’s eye view of the Fair in a half-mile journey across the grounds. 

• Welde’s Big Bear Show presented by Printing Industries of Ohio · N. Kentucky—Enjoy the natural beauty and sometimes comical antics of a family of majestic bruins, all while learning about these beautiful bears in an exciting educational show. This show is presented daily in Kiddieland at 1 pm, 3 pm and 7 pm.

• All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir—The band and choir are composed of more than 200 members each from schools all over Ohio. They both have free performances throughout the Fair, so make sure to catch a show during your visit!

• Sloppy donut—This year’s newest concoction is sure to have people talking! It is a donut sandwich stacked high with BBQ pulled pork, deep-fried pickle chips, bacon and cheese.

• Butters D. Cow—Your favorite, friendly Fair mascot will be making rounds daily to do all kinds of Fair activities and taking pictures with friends! Butters is a beloved tradition at the Fair, making all feel welcome.

Can you check all of these off during your trip to the Fair?

For more information, go to http://www.ohiostatefair.com.