The Cuyahoga County Fair is back with more rides, food and fun than ever before
By Patricia Nugent
There’s nothing more synonymous with summertime than a good old-fashioned county fair.
Lucky for us to be able to enjoy one of the best in the Midwest, in our back yard. From midway rides to horse shows, celebrity appearances, arts and crafts, beer and wine gardens, farm animals and shows galore, the 127th Cuyahoga County Fair, themed “Find Your Fun,” comes to town Tuesday, August 6, through Sunday, August 11.
What’s the #1 Reason People Go?
It’s the amazing fair food. And the Cuyahoga County Fair does not disappoint.
According to Concessions & Vendors Fair Director Diane Barton, “We always look forward to the number of food vendors that attendees can choose from each year, from caramel apples to lemonade to walking tacos to banana cream pie nachos…need I say more?”
Probably right behind the food as a draw are the midway rides. The variety of choices this year is bigger, faster, wilder.
“Joining a slew of classic and endearing rides like the fairgoer favorite Tilt-a-Whirl, look for new rides this year, including the King Swing, a110-foot swing tower, and the Super Shot Drop Tower,” says Josh Macaroni of Prime Time Carnival Company.
Get a chance to “shake your groove thing” at the family dance party on Saturday morning with Slider from the Cleveland Guardians and the Sugardale Hot Dogs from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants get a chance to win prizes including Cleveland Guardians tickets, all-day ride stamps, Dip-N-Dots and Mr. Hero Waffledoodle sandwich cards.
“On Saturday evening, Hollywood comes to Cleveland,” PR & Media Fair Ambassador Candyce Traci says. “We are thrilled to welcome celebrities Jerry O’Connell, host of Pictionary, and Melissa Peterman, host of Person, Place or Thing, on stage for a night of fun and games from 6-8 p.m. with a meet- and-greet to follow.”
Horseracing and More
Fun fact: Did you know Ohio is the unofficial harness horse racing capital in the country? There are only 200 fairs that feature this thrilling event, and 65 are in Ohio.
With more than $100,000 in purse money last year, Fair Director & Harness Race Superintendent Gail Wind reports that harness horse racing is nothing to neigh about.
It takes place in the Grandstand Tuesday, followed by the draft horse pull Wednesday, professional wrestling Thursday and Friday and the demolition derby on Sunday.
Rounding out the offerings, don’t miss exhibits from 4-H youth development and agriculture.
According to Robin Stone of the Ohio State University Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development, Cuyahoga County 4-H empowers youth to be changemakers within their communities. Members of Cuyahoga County 4-H are active within their 4-H Clubs and within their schools and personal lives giving back by sharing their knowledge with others.
Also vying for prizes will be entries for the best of the best in floral and garden produce, arts and crafts, and animals from sheep to swine, cattle, ponies and goats.
The Cuyahoga County Fair is held Tuesday-Sunday, August 6-11, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 East Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights. General fair gate admission is $10 Tuesday-Thursday and $12 Friday-Sunday. Kids 2-and-under, as well as active military with valid ID, are free each day. Skip the line, save money and time by purchasing advance online tickets for $9 per person, now through Monday, August 5. All-day ride wristbands that allow unlimited access to all rides are $23 presale online; $25 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; $30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Parking is free. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. Call 440-243-0090 or visit CuyFair.com for detailed schedules. The attraction schedule is subject to change, and some may be cancelled due to inclement weather.