ASHLAND — Ashland County is days away from convening for the community’s largest yearly gathering.
The 173rd Ashland County Fair launches Sunday, Sept. 15 at the pavilion with an opening ceremony.
Immediately following the opening ceremony, the fair will crown its royalty for the week with its junior king and queen contest at 12:30 p.m.
“It’s been a year full of hard work,” said Cathy Rice, the fair’s secretary. “We’re anxious to for everybody to be here and share in the excitement, see old friends, make new friends and make some memories.”
Fairgoers can expect most of the same fair food, games, rides and events. But a few new gems — and a couple old classics — will pop up throughout the week.
Starting Sunday at 2 p.m., head over to the pavilion to watch the Kiddie Tractor Pull — stick around to watch this year’s new adult class.
“The adults use the same little tractor the kids do,” Rice said, laughing. “It’s kind of funny.”
Cap off Sunday by do-si-doing with your partner during square dancing at the pavilion. The line dancing starts at 7 p.m.
Animal-related shows begin in earnest on Monday, with the junior fair market lamb show kicking things off at 8:30 a.m.
The day happens to coincide with the fair’s day dedicated to military veterans. At 10:45 a.m., the veterans’ Walk of Honor concludes with a memorial service at the pavilion.
Fair organizers are bringing back a favorite this year: the senior king and queen contest. Check out the pageantry at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the pavilion.
The fair’s musical headliner, Lauren Alaina, takes the stage at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the grandstand. The singer and songwriter finished as a runner-up in the 10th season of American Idol in 2011.
She’s set to perform with Emily Ann Roberts, a finalist on The Voice in 2015. It will be Roberts’ second appearance at the Ashland County Fair, first performing with Joe Nichols in 2023.
Several other musical performances are slated for the week. A Beatles tribute band — Sweet Beats — is set to perform at the pavilion at 7 p.m. on Monday. Appearances by Tom’s Kitchen Table, Blindsided and Sweet Umbra round out the other musical acts.
Bates Brothers Amusement Co. will be in charge of the fair’s rides this year. Expect the usual thrills. Insider tip: snag ride tickets for a discounted rate online here. Special rates available through Sept. 14.
New food offerings?
Rice said there will be some new fare available this year.
Boba Bowls, a bubble tea shop selling coffee, sorbet and yogurt, crepes, mochi and Asian candies, will make an appearance.
Moore Vending will offer grilled cheese and other melty-cheese sandwiches.
But not all the food offerings will be for people. KM’s Feed Store plans to offer supplies and feed for farm animals. They will be set up between the dairy and swine barns.
Improved grounds
You might notice spruced-up buildings, too. The board approved $78,538 to be spent this year in capital improvements, and some grant money helped pay for new roofs.
The veterans building got new windows, the Buckeye Building got new siding and other buildings received new coats of paint.
Rice said Farm and Home donated plants and trees, many of which can be seen in and around the fairgrounds’ numerous gardens.
The coliseum’s ramp has also been revamped, Rice said. Staff have installed new fencing at the Timken campground and built a new manure pit at the horse barn.
County commissioners spent roughly $125,000 on a minor repair at the 1930s-era grandstand.
Membership and board positions
The Ashland County Agricultural Society, Inc. — also referred to as the Ashland County Fair — will be selling memberships until the afternoon of Sept. 14. They can be purchased at the fair’s office for $25.
A membership gets you into the fair at a discounted rate and earns you a vote on the board of directors.
There are 30 board members, one from each township within Ashland County and two at-large members. Board members serve a three-year term. This year, there are 12 spots up for election on the Nov. 7 ballot.
To run for a position, candidates must fill out a petition that requires 10 members’ signatures due to the office in October. The following positions will be on the upcoming ballot:
- James Dudte Jr. of Jackson Township (one-year term)
- Christal Bacon of Ashland (two-year term)
- Ben Carpenter of Milton Township (three-year term)
- Kristine Lafever of Clear Creek Township (three-year term)
- Wyatt Fliger of Green Township (three-year term)
- Mitch Johnson of Ashland (three-year term)
- Mandy Atterholt, at large (three-year term)
- Mark Rafeld, at large (three-year term)
- Adam Reidenbach, at large (three-year term)
- William Nolan of Ashland (three-year term)
- Dan Stone, at large (three-year term)
- Mark Wertz of Montgomery Township (three-year term)
Plan your fair by viewing the schedule, here.