MANSFIELD — A young man gave a pig a drink on a warm Sunday afternoon. A young woman moved her cow into position for a photo. A rabbit got a cool refreshment. Youngsters happily munched on elephant ears.

The 2026 Richland County Fair was officially underway on Sunday.

It’s the 176th edition of the celebration of local agriculture and young people at 750 North Home Road on the city’s north side, launching a week-long run that ends on Saturday night.

Flags were raised during the opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. to officially welcome visitors, including remarks by county Commissioner Cliff Mears and Christy Keith, the fair board president.

“I kind of look at the Richland County Fair as a giant family reunion where everybody from the county can come out, enjoy themselves, have fair food, ride the rides, see the exhibits, and really have a good time,” Mears said.

“Thank you all for coming. Have a great time.”

Keith said it takes many people to make a county fair successful.

“I’d like to thank all of our 4-H advisors, 4-H members, volunteers who just give their time, neighbors who get roped in to help with events. We want to thank you for that,” she said.

“Thank you to my board members who have given countless hours. I think we have a fairgrounds that looks better now than it has in a long time. So thank you for that.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming. Have a great fair, visit our vendors, ride some rides, visit the shows and have a good week,” Keith said.

(Below are photos from the opening day Sunday of the 2026 Richland County Fair, including the flag raising and opening ceremonies.)

RELATED READING

City editor. 30-year plus journalist. Husband. Father of 3 grown sons and also a proud grandpa. Prior military journalist in U.S. Navy, Ohio Air National Guard. -- Favorite quote: "Where were you when...