MANSFIELD — Jim Schaub hopes people are ready for the Richland County Fair.
Because the 2021 version of the fair is ready for them when doors open on Sunday at the grounds on the city’s northwest side, renewing a tradition that began with a one-day fair in October 1849.
“It’s been a busy year,” said Schaub, president of the Richland County Agricultural Society. “There have been a lot of improvements on the grounds.”
He said fresh stone has been added around buildings. Electrical and lighting upgrades have been made.
Most importantly, after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the 2020 county fair, the 2021 version is full speed ahead.
“Everyone wants to get back to normal … back to some kind of normalcy,” Schaub said. “That doesn’t mean you can’t wear a mask, remain socially distant and sanitize your hands.
“We are just not asking or mandating anyone do that this year.”
Admission to the fair, which runs through Aug. 14, is $5. Those under 48 inches tall may enter for free.
The fair will offer the amenities people have come to love and expect from the county fair. Lots of great food offerings. Junior and senior fair exhibits. Tons of cows, sheep, pigs, horses and more. Exciting midway rides and games.
There’s also a packed nightly entertainment schedule. Click here to see the entire fair schedule.
Harness racing kicks it all off on Sunday and Monday in the grandstand area. Racing with pari-mutual betting begins both days at 5:30 p.m.
Fireworks are planned at dusk on Tuesday, according to Schaub, who credited area businesses with making donations to help cover the costs. The rockets will be launched across Home Road in a field.
“We ask that people not park along the roads and block traffic to watch the fireworks,” Schaub said. “Come on into the grounds, grab some food, have a seat and watch them with us.”
On Wednesday, the popular, annual rodeo starts at 7 p.m. in front of the grandstand. Admission is $5.
The OSTPA/County Tractor Pull is planned Thursday at 7 p.m., also in front of the grandstand. Grandstand admission is $10 and a pit pass is $20.
The popular country/rock band, Nashville Crush, performs at 7 p.m. Local performer Jessica Hannan opens the evening show at 6 p.m. Track seating is $10 and grandstand seats will be $5.
The entertainment schedule concludes Saturday at 5 p.m. and another popular fair staple — the demolition derby. Grandstand seats are $10 and a pit pass will be $15.
In terms of rides, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The rides don’t open until Monday at 6 p.m. and then at noon each day after that through Saturday.
Wristbands allowing unlimited rides are $15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and then $20 on Friday and Saturday.
The Nature Park will again be open, offering benches and shade, daily programming and live music.
How will Schaub know if the 2021 fair is a success after the COVID-19 reduced effort in 2020?
“By the amount of people we put through the gates,” he said with a laugh.
