This week is the week many of my students have looked forward to all year–the annual Ashtabula County Fair. Yesterday, I was able to take my *almost* two-year-old granddaughter for her first time. There’s so many fun things to see and do at the fair.
Ashtabula County Fair: Know Before You Go
Where and When
The fairgrounds are located in the heart of Jefferson, Ohio, at 127 N. Elm Street. While different activities are take place throughout the year, the annual county fair runs from Tuesday, August 7, 2018, until Sunday, August 12, 2018.
Admission
Gate admission is $8.00 per person, ages five and up. It does include rides. Children ages four and under are free. However, if they want to ride, you will need to purchase them a ride wristband for $5.00. I opted not to buy a ride wristband for Belle because the rides don’t start until 1:00 p.m., which was nap time for my little princess. Senior citizens can enter for $1.00 on Tuesdays and Fridays, but pay full price on the other days.
4-H and Animal Exhibits
The largest club in my school district is the FFA, so many of my students are involved in 4-H. I enjoy heading to the fair and seeing them with their projects. They really work hard, and it’s great to be able to support them outside of school.
Princess Belle is a city girl, so farm animals are not something she sees on a regular basis. We visited the pigs first. Belle wasn’t impressed when one tried to eat her stroller. After the pigs, we headed over to the cows. The massive dairy cattle were a little large for her, but a former student invited Belle and her friend Mason to pet her calf. They were hooked and didn’t want to leave the dairy barn.
We also visited the goats. Belle wants one now. She loved the pygmy goats and probably would have hidden one in the bottom of the stroller if she could have. Next up was the poultry barn. Little Miss Belle was not as impressed with the chickens, but loved the baby chicks. If you’ve ever thought about getting chickens, check out this Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chicks. It can be a lot of fun! Our tiny princess thought the turkeys were a little scary. But the bunnies were right up her alley!
Food
After visiting the animals, we decided to get some lunch. Belle and Mason had corn dogs (the $5 meal included a corn dog, small fries, and a small drink), while I had cheese on a stick. There were several different varieties–I chose pepper jack, and it was delicious. Mason’s mom and grandma had milkshakes from the dairy bar and stromboli.
Rides
There were several rides for younger children. However, they weren’t open when we were there in the morning. The kids did ride the pony rides ($5.00). It was longer than I expected, and the ponies walked along at a pretty good clip. Belle grinned ear to ear the entire time and wanted to go again.
Exhibits
In addition to the animal exhibits, there are art and horticulture exhibits as well. I’m always amazed at the area talent.
Grandstand Shows
Each night, there is something new to see at the Ashtabula County Fair Grandstand. Tuesday and Thursday are the Demolition Derby. Wednesday is Fast Traxx Motocross, and Friday is the rodeo. There are also daytime events, including harness racing and a children’s Power Wheels competition. Saturday is KOI drag racing, while Sunday hosts the Truck and Tractor Pull. Many of these grandstand shows do require additional admission.
Other Entertainment
Visit the University Hospital Stage for live music each evening, including School Girl Crush on Friday night and Hill-Top Honey on Saturday.
Kids of all ages will enjoy K9s in Flight, a dog show, and Jungle Terry’s animal show. There are also Fire Fighters Training Shows and magic shows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ashtabula County Fair provides entertainment for the whole family. If you live nearby, you should definitely check it out. If you live farther away, visit your local county fair and view the exhibits. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at the variety of things to see and do at your county fair.
For more information, visit the Ashtabula County Fair’s official site here.
If you are interested in other places to visit in Northeast Ohio or Western Pennsylvania, check out these links.
So fun! What a great history and tradition.
It looks like you had fun at the fair this year i had fun as well i spent the whole week there in my camper. And i showed my Dairy Beef Feeder as well. I also raced my 4 wheeler as well but when i was doing my practice laps my 4 wheeler broke so i was not able to race. Also me and my cousin Justin went and raced around on the track later that night and we raced on golf carts and hit the jumps i had really fun at the fair and i hope you did to. !!!!
I camped at fair the whole week and I didn’t see you. I like that Belle liked the rabbits I will be doing Rabbits next year. Hopefully I will see you there.
I had an amazing time at fair! It looks like you did also.
i went to the fair a showed my quilt, horse, chicks, and turkeys
i was there i seen you guys
Mrs. Cleland the little ones are so adorable! I love this. Your information is very accurate and your pictures are so cute.
I went to the fair two days in a row and i enjoyed it as much as you have. I really liked the drag racing.
I went there too, though it was later when the rides were open. I loved the animals too and I’m glad Belle had fun!
Looks like great fun there. I missed going to countryside.Children looks excited.
Your grand kids are so adorable, looks like a lot of fun. And nice tips
-Savanna M
That’s so cute. i am amazed how similar your fair pictures look to the one we had two weeks ago in our county
Sounds like a really fun day out for all the family!
Enjoy the country fair. I miss the countryside at times.
How fun!!!!the children look so adorable love it!
Awe! Looks like you had a wonderful time at the fair! I thinks its great that the rides are included it the admission price, makes life a lot easier for parents!
How fun, this does look like a fun experience for the whole family. It is also very affordable too, for a full day of fun.
Looks like you had a great time, nice review 🙂
How fun! I love that the kids got to experience it!
It looks like you had a fun day! My daughter would be very happy to have interaction with the animals. Lovely post!