It's Ohio State Fair Time!

I grew up in Columbus, and to me, summer is just not complete without a trip to the Ohio State Fair. One of the largest fairs in the country, the Ohio State Fair offers a sample of all that's best in the "Buckeye" state. There are animals, midway rides, horse events, fair food, live entertainment, and funky quintessentially Ohioan things, like the "butter cow" and the giant cardinal in the center of the fairgrounds.

This year's fair runs from July 30 to August 10 at the Ohio Expo Center (aka the Ohio State Fairgrounds). Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children 5-12. Children under 5 enter free.

Scheduled performers include Melissa Etheridge, Ted Nugent, Chaka Khan, and the Oak Ridge Boys. The concerts carry an additional fee.

To learn more about this year's fair, read the following:

• Official Ohio State Fair Website
• Ohio State Fair Guide from the About Guide to Columbus
• Directions, parking, and nearby hotels from the About Guide to Columbus

^{(logo courtesy of the Ohio State Fair)}