Over 1 Million Attend Ohio State Fair: Fun Facts After the Event

Ohio State Fair 2025 Attracts Nearly a Million Visitors

The 2025 Ohio State Fair, which officially ended on Sunday, welcomed nearly 1 million visitors over its 12-day run. The event provided a platform for attendees to celebrate the state's agricultural heritage while enjoying a wide array of entertainment, educational activities, and live music.

Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the significance of the fair in bringing people together. “The 2025 Ohio State Fair welcomed thousands of guests this year to celebrate all things Ohio,” he said. “Ohio is the heart of it all, and the Ohio State Fair brings families and friends together to celebrate the best of what Ohio has to offer.”

Strong Financial Performance

The fair generated impressive revenue through various activities. Midway rides and games brought in over $3 million, while vendors reported more than $8.4 million in concession sales across the fairgrounds. Additional highlights include:

• $498,000 in sales at the Sale of Champions, with $372,000 allocated to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program to support Ohio youth exhibitors.
• $47,500 awarded in scholarships to young participants.
• Exhibitors from all 88 counties participated, showcasing the widespread involvement across the state.

Visitors came from all 50 U.S. states and 26 other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, and Mexico.

Popular Food Items and Visitor Numbers

Fairgoers enjoyed a variety of food items, with some of the most popular choices being:

• 90,146 lemonades of all varieties
• 55,806 orders of fries
• 53,030 foods on a stick
• 28,699 corn dogs
• 27,863 deviled eggs
• 22,897 funnel cakes
• 14,755 bourbon chicken orders
• 13,053 turkey legs
• 10,695 cream puffs
• 52,586 water bottle refills

These numbers reflect the popularity of the fair’s food offerings and the high volume of visitors.

Diverse Attractions and Community Impact

Beyond food and rides, the fair featured numerous attractions and events that catered to a wide range of interests. Some notable facts include:

• Over 60,000 rides on the SkyGlider.
• 52,862 concert tickets distributed for shows at the WCOL Celeste Center.
• 30,662 free admission tickets given to community and charitable organizations.
• 25,889 animals exhibited during livestock events.
• More than 13,500 visitors used the free park-and-ride program.
• Over 9,300 guests visited the Nature Center.
• Approximately 6,000 youth anglers participated in fishing events.
• 3,255 kayakers took part in the Natural Resources Park Kayaking Pond.
• 421 free shows or events included ASL interpretation, with all paid shows also offering this service.
• 362 professional and amateur artworks displayed in the Fine Arts Exhibition.
• 358 total vendors, with about 56% based in Ohio.

Future Plans for the Ohio State Fair

Looking ahead, the 2026 Ohio State Fair will introduce several new features, including a revamped Dairy Products Building, a new Ohio-themed carousel, and the brand-new Ohio Showcase Building and Ohio Agriculture Center.

The 2026 event is scheduled to take place from July 29 through August 9, promising even more excitement and opportunities for visitors to experience the best of Ohio.