MANSFIELD — Good music, good food and good times await attendees at the Richland County Fair from Aug. 5 through Aug. 11.
Richland County Agricultural Society President Jason Snyder teased a number of new features of the fair this year, from aesthetic improvements to brand-new entertainment.
“We’ve made a lot of nice improvements here at the grounds,” he said. “People volunteered their time and got stuff done, and I think we’re ready.”
One of the most significant changes coming to the fair this year is a new ride company. This year, Bates Brothers Amusements will be in charge of brand-new rides to thrill and delight fairgoers.
“Bates Brothers is one of the most reputable names in the business,” Snyder said. “We’re happy to have them here working with us. I think everybody’s excited about this year’s fair.”
Snyder also noted a change in schedule in that rides will be open in sync with the opening of the fair – Sunday at noon.
Another improvement comes with two new pavilions built by volunteers, one behind the show arena and one over the feeder calf wash rack.
“It’s going to make the animals a lot more comfortable, and will give room for staging animals in the shade and under a roof to keep them nice and cool,” Snyder said. “It’s all about keeping the animals healthy and happy.”
This year’s music act on Tuesday evening is LANCO, a country-rock quintet with members hailing from Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. Their single, “Greatest Love Story,” was propelled to Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Top Ten after it was featured as the theme for the Netflix series “The Ranch” starring Ashton Kutcher.
“That was a big one for us,” Snyder said. “We book these things back in December, so it’s kind of a shot in the dark as to who’s still going to be good come August, but I think we hit on something here. Ticket sales are going really well, so hopefully we have a big crowd.”
Opening for LANCO is County Line, a modern country band from Ashland with classic country and rock roots. Tickets are $25 for the track and $20 for the grandstand.
Other attractions at the fair this year include new farm equipment on display, and children’s entertainment including a game show with cash prizes, a magic show, and a dinosaur walking around the fairgrounds.
But at the heart of the Richland County Fair is the fair’s reason for being.
“I’ve got kids showing animals and that’s what we’re here for, the kids,” Snyder said. “The judge slapping the grand champion on them and shaking their hands makes you feel pretty good.”
