The Cuyahoga County Fair returns with even more family-friendly fun to enjoy
By Patricia Nugent
From midway rides to horse shows, arts and crafts, beer and wine gardens, a demolition derby, farm animals, shows galore and a Celebrate CCF dance party, the Cuyahoga County Fair, themed “See You There!,” comes to town Tuesday, August 8 through Sunday, August 13. We caught up with Fair Board President Tim Fowler regarding the staying power of the fair.
“This year will be a great time to attend,” he says. “Familiar concessions along with new vendors will be among some of the best fair food available. Our midway will be jam-packed with over 30 amusement rides, including four mega rides. Plenty of animals will be on display, including the familiar draft horses and litters of piglets.”
Continuous entertainment will be featured throughout the grounds for all ages and on stage, with free shows every day.
“The fair continues to be a safe and value-packed event meeting the technology of today with the spirit of the past,” he adds. “Come out and enjoy one of the best fairs in the state of Ohio in 2023.”
Fab Fair Food, Shows & Ticket Specials
You can’t experience anything on an empty stomach. Don’t miss the lemonade, walking tacos, turkey legs, funnel cakes and much more. When the sun goes down the rides light up. The midway will offer a variety of acts, everything from stilt walkers to magicians.
“We have worked hard to provide some valuable ticketing options for everyone depending on when someone might want to attend,” says Entertainment Director Jeff Dick. These options include All Day Tuesday Only at any gate (not available online), children (12 and under), seniors (60 and over) and veterans with military ID admitted for just $5. Jeff further states that NEW FOR 2023 is the 3-Day CCF Party Pass for just $20. The Party Pass provides gate admission for one guest on Thursday, Friday and Saturday after 5 p.m. each day. It must be used by the same guest each day. A photo will be taken upon entrance for verification. All entertainment, activities and concerts are included. Ride privileges are additional.
“From an entertainment standpoint, we continue to evolve with fun, interactive fairgoer participation on the midway with dance contests, magic shows, musical performances and more,” says Jeff. “Attendees will not want to miss “Who’s Bad?” the Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience tribute show Saturday night on the Grandstand Stage. Admission is free with paid fair gate admission.”
Outdoor Family Time
“The support and resilience of Northeast Ohio never ceases to amaze me,” says PR and Media Ambassador Candyce Traci. “With over 200,000 in attendance in 2022, we must be doing something right. People love family time outdoors and we are thrilled that so many continue to make the fair an annual family tradition. From young and old, the diversity on our fairgrounds over fair week gives us hope that this will be an event that stands the test of time.”
Part of the Junior Fair this year is the Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer food drive. Sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st, $10,000 in awards will be given out based on the number of pounds of non-perishable food donated. Fairgoers are encouraged to support the effort and bring these food items when they attend the fair to stock the trailer.
While County Fair Organizers make all provisions to provide accurate information at press deadline, performance features and attraction times are subject to change without notice or beyond their control. Further, selected attractions may be cancelled and/or delayed beyond their control during inclement weather.
The Cuyahoga County Fair is held Tuesday-Sunday, August 8-13, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, located at 19201 East Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights. General Fair Gate Admission is $10 Tuesday-Thursday and $12 Friday-Sunday. Kids three and under, as well as active military with valid ID, are free each day. You can purchase advance online tickets for $9 per person, now through Monday, August 7. All-day ride wristbands that allow unlimited access to all rides are $23 pre-sale 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.