ASHLAND — The county’s largest community gathering is days away from kicking off.
The 174th Ashland County Fair launches Sunday, Sept. 14 at the pavilion with an opening ceremony, followed by the crowning of the junior fair’s king and queen.
Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdale horses are set to make a grand appearance on Sunday.
The giant draft horses will stage at the Buckeye Triangle Area. Once hitched, they will clop down the road toward the fairground’s livestock area, where ultimately they will rack in front of the grandstand. Check them out between 3 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Expect to have new experiences through the fair’s very-first Weiner dog race and costume contest. Those festivities are set for Monday, Sept. 15 in the grandstand.
The Diamond J Rodeo returns this year, but get there early to watch a new event called “Mutton Bustin.’” Starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, children weighing up to 50 pounds can attempt to ride a sheep by hanging onto its wool for as long as they can while the sheep runs out of the chute.
The regular rodeo begins at 7 p.m. (Wanna be a contestant? Register by Sept. 15 and click here for more information.)
Plenty of live music will reverberate throughout the week.
On Monday, Old Enough to Know Better — an Ashland guitar duo — takes the pavilion stage at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, an Alabama tribute band dubbed Boys in the Band, takes the stage on the grandstand at 7 p.m. Rock cover band Surje takes the grandstand stage on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Tom’s Kitchen Table plays at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Blindsided takes the stage at 6 p.m. on Friday and Eagles tribute band Out of Eden performs on Saturday on the grandstand at 7 p.m.
Junior fair animal contests are happening every day. The livestock auction starts at 8:30 a.m. on Friday in the
Fairgoers can expect their favorite foods from 75 vendors to return, along with some new additions, such as pizza offerings, fudge, roasted corn on the cob and gator kabobs. (Yep, you read that right.)
If gator isn’t your jam, don’t fret. Other less-exotic meats will also be available. (As well as several vegetarian options.)
Bates Brothers Amusement Co. are bringing the rides. Expect the usual thrills. Snag ride tickets for a discounted rate online here through midnight on Sept. 13.
Improvements to the grounds
The fair board appropriated $100,000 for improvements around the property earlier this year.
Cathy Rice, the fair’s secretary, said most of the improvements can be noticed in the livestock area, with asphalt, siding, painting and newly concreted washracks for the animals.
The fair also received around $31,000 that went to specific projects leftover funds from a 2024 Ohio Department of Development went to completing the installation of new roofs on the dairy barn, swine barn and show arena.
Admission
The daily admission rate is $5. Kids 10 and under gain free entry. Military veterans get free entry on Monday.
Seven-day punch passes are $25. The pass gets you into the fair at a discounted rate and earns you a vote on the board of directors.
Speaking of voting, there are 10 full-term positions on the Ashland County Agricultural Society, Inc. open. Full-term positions last three years. Open positions include:
- Two at-large seats
- Perry Township
- Sullivan Township
- Jackson Township
- Vermillion Township
- Ashland City
- Orange Township
- Lake Township
- Montgomery Township
There is one, at-large position open for a one-year term length.
To run for a position, candidates must fill out a petition that requires 10 members’ signatures due to the office in October.
Plan your fair by viewing the schedule, here.