County fair's 95th run continues through Saturday

Franklin County Fair officials expect about 45,000 people to pass through the gates before the close of the fair's eight-day run Saturday, July 21, in Hilliard.

Three days remain, with entertainment including a tractor pull, demolition derby and the 4-H livestock auction.

The fair, in its 95th year in Hilliard, opened Saturday, July 14, with representatives of elected officials recognizing the anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Representatives for Ohio Sen. Jim Hughes, U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, Ohio Auditor David Yost and others offered proclamations recognizing the fair.

Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott, Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown, Franklin County Engineer Dean Ringle and Hilliard and Norwich Township officials also were among those at the opening.

The theme of the 2012 Franklin County Fair is "Celebrating 95 Years of Fun." A multi-tiered cake recognizing the 95th anniversary was commissioned and presented at the opening.

Allison Rushley, a senior fair board member, said the opening weekend was "average," although it represented an increase compared to last year's opening weekend when hot weather and storms hampered attendance.

A light shower passed through just after the opening July 14, and a late afternoon downpour struck about 5 p.m. Sunday, July 15. But the weather otherwise cooperated for the opening weekend.

Daily entertainment at the fair includes the Fantazia Circus, Nojoe's Clown Circus, Dr. Insecta's Bug Experience and a petting zoo.

Thursday, July 19, features Irish dancing from the Regan Rankin Academy of Irish Dance, and grandstand entertainment is a truck and tractor pull.

Friday, July 20, features a regional qualifying event of the National Tractor Pull Association as grandstand entertainment.

The fair concludes Saturday, July 21, with the Junior Fair Livestock Auction at 1 p.m. and a demolition derby at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.

The demolition derby has traditionally ended the fair and is its largest draw, Rushley said.

Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 19, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 20 and 21.

Rides begin at noon each day and close at the same time gates close.

General admission is $5, except on July 21 when admission is $6.

All-day ride passes may be purchased for $14.

To view a detailed daily schedule, visit fcfair.org.

The Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia St. in Hilliard, are accessible from Columbia Street, Northwest Parkway, Avery Road and Main Street.