Some people may have the opportunity to attend the annual Ohio State Fair for free.
The fair, featuring food, carnival-style rides and a butter cow, will run from July 29 to Aug. 9 at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, located at 717 E. 17th Ave.
During the fair's run, admission will be free for children ages 5 and under, as well as for veterans, military personnel and first responders. Additionally, there are a few special events where select people can expect savings.
Discounts and free days at the Ohio State Fair
NBC4 Family Discount Day on Aug. 3 allows adults to attend the fair for the price of kids' admission of $10, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free all day. Additionally, ride-all-day
wristbands will be sold at a discounted rate of $20 until 5 p.m.
The Ohio Department of Aging will hold a Healthy Aging Expo during Senior Day on Aug. 4 at the fair, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. That day, admission will be free for fairgoers over 60.
People who bring a "wish list" item to a booth outside the admission gates Aug. 7 will receive a voucher good for a buy-one-get-one-free admission ticket before 6 p.m. for Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charity Day.
"Wish list" items include:
- Canned chicken, tuna or vegetables
- Pasta
- Salad dressing (ranch, Italian, French, balsamic)
- Barbecue sauce
- Paper towels
- Resealable plastic bags
- Aerosol disinfectant spray or disinfectant wipes
All donations will support families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
College and post-secondary career or technical school students will also receive $10 admission with a valid student ID on Aug. 6 for College Student Day.
What time does the Ohio State Fair open?
The fair operates from July 29-Aug. 9. Admission gates open daily at 7 a.m., but most food vendors, activities, entertainment and buildings do not open until 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends. More hours are listed below.
- Mondays through Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 9: admission gates will close at 6 p.m.
Note that most midway rides are open until 11 p.m., after the fair's official closing time.
Dispatch Reporter Nora Igelnik can be reached at nigelnik@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State Fair has free admission for children, veterans, more
