ASHLAND – Whether you come for the livestock, the entertainment or the food, the 166th annual Ashland County Fair can deliver.
Fair manager Steve Englet and the rest of the fair’s staff and board of directors have been working hard to prepare for this year’s fair, which runs Sunday, Sept. 16 through Saturday, Sept. 22. General admission is $5 at the gate with credit cards accepted only at Gates 4 and 5.
One of the most visible upgrades at the fairgrounds this year is a brand new gatehouse at Gate 2, the front entrance off Claremont Avenue. Also near the front gate, the fair has nearly doubled its handicap parking.
Englet said the fairgrounds is constructing one new gatehouse each year to replace the existing gatehouses. Each new gatehouse will be a different color to help fairgoers remember where they entered and more easily find their cars. The green gatehouse at Gate 2 is the second to be built.
Another update this year is a giant ceiling fan in the coliseum, which should help keep air circulating, both during fair week and during other events throughout the year. Lighting in the coliseum also has been upgraded, moving to all LED.
Ashland’s agricultural community will appreciate improved drainage between the poultry and beef barns as well as a new roof on the goat barn.
Grandstand spectators will enjoy a patriotic-looking facelift with new red paint on stairs and railings as well as three rows of new blue, plastic seats with backs in the front of the seating area.
The fair kicks off Sunday with opening ceremonies and the crowning of the 2018 junior fair king and queen, as well as the parade of bands and the Ash-Fair Raceway Tribute.
Admission
Daily gate pass $5 (children 10 and under free)
Free admission for veterans Monday with ID
$1 admission for Age 65+ Tuesday
*Note: Credit card machines available only at Gates 4 and 5
Rides
Unlimited rides $15/day
Single ride tickets $1, or 12 for $10 (kiddie rides take 3 tickets; big rides take 4)
Headlining the entertainment lineup is a Sawyer Brown and Lee Greenwood concert 7 p.m. Tuesday. Grandstand tickets are $20, and track and bleacher tickets are $25. Ticket prices include both performances.
Sawyer Brown has apeared more than 50 times on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The band’s three No. 1 singles include “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do,” and “Thank God for You.”
Lee Greenwood is best known for his popular patriotic song, “God Bless the USA” as well as other hits, “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Going, Going, Gone,” “Dixie Road,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose),” “Don’t Underestimate My Love For You,” “Hearts Aren’t Made to Break (They’re Made to Love),” and “Mornin’ Ride.”
Other grandstand entertainment scheduled throughout the week includes the OSTPA tractor pull Sunday, harness racing Monday, the lawnmower derby and truck pull Wednesday, motocross Thursday, stock tractor pull Friday and demolition derby Saturday.
The centerpiece of the Ashland County Fair is always the agriculture. Kids and teens will show their 4-H and FFA project throughout the week, and livestock auctions will be held Thursday and Friday.
Englet said fair organizers always strive for a balance of traditional favorites and new additions. Some quirky contests this year include a mustache contest Monday, a hairdo contest Thursday and a backseat driver competition Saturday.
There will be roving banjo entertainment, woodcarving demonstrations and a tropical bird exhibit. Fairgoers can try their hands at line dancing, skillet throwing or cornhole.
For a complete fair schedule and more information about the fair, visit www.ashlandcountyfair.com.
Sunday, Sept. 16
2 p.m.—Parade of Bands – Free
4:15 p.m.—Ash-Fair Raceway Tribute – Free
6:30 p.m.—OSTPA Pull – $7-Grandstand (10 and Under-Free) $10-Pit Pass
Monday, Sept. 17
Noon—Harness Racing – Free
6 p.m.—Harness Racing – Free
Tuesday, Sept. 18
7 p.m. Lee Greenwood/Sawyer Brown Concert – $20 Grandstand, $25-Track & Bleacher, $2 credit card fee
Wednesday, Sept. 19
6 p.m. — Lawnmower Derby, Truck Pull – $5-Grandstand (10 and Under-Free); $10-Pit Pass
Thursday Sept. 20
6 p.m. — Motocross -$5 Grandstand (10 and Under-Free);$10-Pit Pass
Friday, Sept. 21
5 p.m. Stock Tractor Pull- $5 Grandstand (10 and Under-Free) $7-Pit Pass
Saturday, Sept. 22.
11 a.m.-Open Draft Horse & Pony Hitch Show – Free
4 p.m. -Back Seat Driver Contest – Free
5:30 p.m. Ashland Fire Dept. Demonstration – Free
7 p.m.- Demolition Derby $7 Grandstand (10 and Under-Free) $15-Pit Pass
