Here for Fair Week. Here All Year.
This fair coverage is made available to everyone with support from Elzy Milling & Trade.
For generations, Elzy has been a trusted stop for local farmers, 4-H families and neighbors. Whether you're raising livestock, filling the bird feeder or just looking for the right bag of dog food, Elzy has you covered.
ASHLAND — The Ashland County Fair kicked off Sunday under a bright sun and blue skies.
“Welcome to the fair,” said Cathy Rice, the fairground’s secretary.
Her simple greeting came during the Ashland County Fair’s opening ceremony, where dozens gathered under the shaded pavilion to usher in the community’s 173rd convention of all-things-ag, food and games.
Fair board president, Marty Wesner, thanked everyone for being there — especially to the ones who help make the annual shindig a success. Community leaders such as Ashland County Sheriff E. Wayne Risner, Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, all three Ashland County commissioners, state representative Melanie Miller and all the fair board members joined Wesner on the stage.
Weslee Fliger, last year’s Ashland County Fair Board Director of the Year, crowned this year’s honoree: Jeff Jones.
“I love this fair,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like work, even though there’s lots of work.”
Jones has served on the fair board as a Montgomery Township representative since 2014. Wesner said he’s been close friends with Jones for many years.
“He’s really deserving of this — he’d do anything you ask him to do,” he said.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said he’s heard several people tell him they love the Ashland County Fair.
“But, I have to be honest — when I hear someone say that, I think ‘We’re not the fanciest. We’re not the biggest. There are certainly fairs, close to here even, with better facilities.’
“But you know the reason people love it? I believe it’s because we bring a different spirit. We have kindness, compassion and humility. We have a community with a big heart,” he said.
As the mayor of Ashland, he said, he strives to provide a safe, affordable and fun way of living. In his eyes, he said, the fair shares the same mission.
“That describes the fair, too, doesn’t it?” he said.
Wesner agreed, but added it all wouldn’t be possible without Rice and Barry Litten, the fairground’s maintenance superintendent and co-manager.
Are you going to the Ashland County Fair?
- Fair entrance = $5 per person, per entry
- Unlimited rides = $25 per person (kids are $20 on Sept. 20)
- See what’s new at the fair this year
For a full schedule of fair offerings, click here.
