As the fair’s motto puts it, “Wheel on Down!” to the Columbiana County Fair! Since the mid-1800s, this annual event has been a staple of our community. With fantastic food, memory-making events, displays, and everything else you could want in an authentic county fair, the Columbiana County Fair is the perfect place to create your own adventure!
The 2024 edition of the fair (the 179th) will take place from July 29th through August 4th at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds located at 225 Lee Ave in Lisbon, Ohio.
*All photos in this article used courtesy of the Columbiana County Fair
The Fair, At-A-Glance
According to a fair organizer, one of the best ways to understand the Columbiana County Fair is through its three levels of midway that fit with the natural elevation of the property.
The lowest level is where most of the animals are kept, so head there if you’d like to check out the horses, cows, goats, and other furry friends on exhibit.
The second level has the most variety of attractions. It includes the arts, crafts, and plant exhibits on one end, the grandstand on the other, and most of the food vendors. The Junior Fair and the commercial vendor building are also located on this level.
The upper level is where you’ll find rides and games as well as free musical entertainment at the midway stage.
Attractions and Events Schedule
While you can have a great time simply wandering around the fair and enjoying the atmosphere, there are also plenty of great events scheduled that are worth checking out. The rest of this article will provide an overview of some of the most exciting attractions, exhibits, and events but for a more detailed schedule, please be sure to consult the fair’s premium book or check out the daily schedule, both of which can be downloaded ahead of time from the Columbiana County Fair’s website.
Displays, Exhibits, and Competitions
The Columbiana County Fair is an amazing showcase of the talents and skills of people in Columbiana County and throughout the greater region. Be sure to check out the best farm products, livestock, and a whole host of things community members have worked hard on throughout the year through the various exhibits and displays from the following categories:
Arts, Crafts, and Textiles
Though the fair has an agricultural emphasis, it’s also an opportunity to showcase our region’s artistic and creative skills at the Arts and Crafts Exhibits. Categories with entries here include photography, general arts and crafts like painting, drawing, and sculptures, and textiles like quilting, knitting, and cross stitching.
Livestock
Various livestock will be exhibited at the fair including draft horses and ponies, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. While many of the animals will be available to see while they’re in their stalls on the lower level of the fairgrounds, the animals will also be shown for judging at various times throughout the fair. Consult the fair schedule for a detailed look at judging times.
Farm Products
Farm products consist of the best of the best when it comes to agriculture goods like corn, oats, barley, wool, eggs, and even honey. Some of the more unique exhibit categories include the tallest stalk of corn, largest potato grown, and even largest sunflower head!
Vegetables and Fruits
Do you think you grow impressive tomatoes in your backyard garden? Check out the very best fruits and vegetables in these displays. Prizes are awarded for categories like best potatoes, squash, or sweet potatoes. There are even a few creative categories like a real Mr. Potato Head and vegetable critters crafted from veggies. Of course, you don’t want to miss the crowd favorite of the largest pumpkin or squash!
Horticulture
Horticulture includes grown herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and all the other spices you’d expect. This category also includes individual flowers and flower displays like hanging baskets and flower boxes.
Culinary
Don’t go to this one hungry! The culinary category entrants will be showing off picturesque cakes, excellent bread, and all sorts of baked goods that are sure to make your mouth water. This year features a special contest for the best berry pie.
Granges
Grange exhibits are dedicated to showcasing the ongoing work and projects of the three Columbiana County Granges.
Education
This non-competitive category is a nice way for local school districts to show some school spirit and highlight their curriculum and achievements!
Midway Stage Entertainment
Starting on Tuesday, July 30th, each day of the fair will feature free musical entertainment at the midway stage located on the upper level of the fairgrounds.
Midway Stage Free Music Schedule:
Tuesday, July 30th
12-1 pm – Crystalised
4-7 pm – James Popp & Helena Vadino “Real Country”
Wednesday, July 31st
7-10 pm – Cowboy Up Band
Thursday, August 1st
12-1 pm – Crystalised
5-8 pm – Foolin Ourselves Classic Rock
Friday, August 2nd
12-1 pm Crystalised
4-7 pm – Cameron Pierson
8-10 pm – Paige Marie
Saturday, August 3rd
12-1 pm – Crystalised
4-7 pm – Pure Gold
8-11 pm – Tribute Band
Sunday, August 4th
1-6 pm – Gospel Fest
Junior Fair and Kids’ Activities
Check out what the next generation is up to at the Junior Fair. The Junior Fair has its own building on the middle level of the fair and there are junior (age 17 and under) divisions for almost every category of exhibition. You can support Junior Fair participants by attending their livestock and farm goods sales on Thursday, August 1st and Saturday, August 3rd.
There are also several activities specific for little ones during the fair. On Wednesday, July 31st, there will be a kids’ “Pedal Tractor Pull” at noon at the antique tractor exhibit area and at 2 pm on that same day the Junior Fair will be sponsoring kids’ activities in their building.
Grandstand Entertainment
The grandstand, racetrack, and infield will be home to a variety of awesome events ranging from the fair’s opening ceremonies to demolition derbies and even a bale toss competition!
Opening Ceremonies
Get a proper welcome to the fair by experiencing opening ceremonies where the 2024 4-H King and Queen will be crowned. The ceremonies take place on Monday, July 29th at 6 pm.
Draft Horse and Pony Pulls
Watch draft horses and ponies test their strength as they pull weighted sleds. If you’ve never seen a horse pull, it will make you appreciate the term “horsepower!” These pulls will feature light and heavy categories for both draft horses and ponies, and feature payouts for the winning teams.
Truck and Tractor Pulls
What county fair could be complete without watching machines pull heavy weights? Watch a wide variety of vehicle types ranging from antique tractors to Super Sport trucks be put to the test.
Truck and Tractor Pulling Schedule:
Sunday, July 28th, 1 pm – Garden tractor pull.
Monday, July 29th Following opening ceremonies (about 7 pm) – “Tractor Pulling Extravaganza” featuring farm stock, antiques, and other categories.
Thursday, August 1st, 9 am – Antique Dead weight pull!
Friday, August 2nd, 7 pm – “Smoke and Noise” Truck/Tractor Pull presented by NTPA ($10 admission).
Saturday, August 3rd, 7 pm – “Power Pull” Truck and Tractor Pull presented by NTPA ($10 admission).
Speed/Harness Racing
Speed and Harness racing will take place on the racetrack at 1 pm on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th. For more information, consult the speed and harness racing office which will be open Sunday until Tuesday.
Bike Night
Motorcycle fans should make plans to attend Bike Night on Tuesday, July 30th. The first 50 bikes will receive a t-shirt and the first 275 bikes will receive a free commemorative pin. Bike Night will have free admission for riders but passengers will still need to pay the typical general admission.
Bale Toss Competition
Do you think you can throw a bale of hay a good distance, or do you just want to watch some other folks who can? The Bale Toss will take place on Sunday at noon and features a Men’s and Women’s Division and a Junior Division. The entry is only $1 and the winners get a cash prize and a trophy.
Rodeo Events
Rodeo fans should plan to come to the fair on Wednesday, July 31st for the two rodeo events scheduled for that day. Things will get started at the grandstand with Mutton Busting at 7 pm and finish with SEBRA Extreme Bull Riding & Barrel Racing at 8 pm. Admission for these events is $5. You can also get more rodeo action at other times of the year at Columbiana County’s two permanent rodeo venues.
Demolition Derbies
Enjoy the fun of watching mechanical destruction at the combine demolition derby and auto demolition derby. Both of these exciting events will take place on Sunday, August 4th at the grandstand at 1 pm and 6:30 pm respectively. While the combine derby is free to attend for all fairgoers, the Auto demolition derby has a $10 admission.
History and Historical Attractions
Residents of Columbiana County originally met in 1845 to organize a fair and in 1853 the current fairgrounds were purchased (though they’ve been expanded several times since then). In some of the earliest days people would travel to the fair on wagons which they would park around the racetrack for the day. The fair’s motto “Wheel on Down” is likely a reference to this early practice. The fair has had a rich history over nearly 180 years of existence which has included various land acquisitions, building renovations, and constructions. The fair’s website has a detailed page on the fair’s history, and the fair itself has a few attractions perfect for all the history fans out there!
Items of Yesteryear Museum
As we’ve mentioned in other blog posts, Columbiana County has a wealth of fascinating history. If you’re interested in the past – specifically old artifacts – be sure to stop by the “Items of Yesteryear Museum” at the fairgrounds. The building is the perfect place to take in history but it’s also a great place to relax and rest as its large porch welcomes people to “sit for a spell.”
Antique Machinery Display
Antique tractors and other various antique items will be displayed, giving a look at the agricultural technology of yesteryear. This display is located near the entrance to the fair right near the Vista gate.
Concessions and Vendors
Of course, what fair-going experience would be complete without good food? The fair features a wide variety of food and drink options primarily located along the middle-level midway. You’ll get everything you’d expect at a county fair including fried food, lemon shakes, stromboli, and more. But there are also a few classic mainstays you’ll need to experience before you can say you’ve truly experienced the Columbiana County Fair. These classics include:
The Dairy Boosters Ice Cream Barn
Nothing beats enjoying a milkshake or ice cream cone from The Dairy Boosters Ice Cream Barn on a hot summer afternoon. This barn is typically staffed by volunteers from various organizations and has only the best ice cream offerings. Each year features a special flavor of the year. You’ll need to stop by the barn to find out what this year’s flavor is!
FFA Building
Support Columbiana County’s local Future Farmers of America Chapter by dining at the FFA Building. The FFA building is staffed by FFA alumni who will be serving a variety of foods including baked potatoes, corn on the cob, pulled beef, nachos, frozen apple cider, and sausage & gravy for breakfast.
Good Morning Sunshine Breakfast Barn
Start the day off right with a hearty breakfast at the breakfast barn! The barn is operated by the Crestview Local Music Boosters who will offer breakfast staples like pancakes, fried potatoes, sausage gravy and biscuits, donuts, and fruit as well as breakfast beverages including milk from Baker’s Golden Dairy, a popular local dairy farm.
Other Features and Attractions
Pollinator Garden – Established in 2022, this relatively new feature was a result of a grant from the Columbiana County Land Bank. It’s a beautiful and unique look at the value of pollinating plants and is tended to by a volunteer staff.
Souvenir Shops – There are two locations to purchase souvenirs from the fair including prints, mugs, baskets, posters, cutting boards, and more. You can even purchase items that will make your fair stay more comfortable like seat cushions and earplugs. The two souvenir locations are at the grandstand and the Arts and Crafts building.
Sunday Morning Church Service – There will be a Catholic Mass service at 8 am in the Arts and Crafts building on Sunday, August 4th.
Location / Logistics
The Fairgrounds are located at 225 Lee Ave in Lisbon, Ohio. They overlook downtown Lisbon and the Little Beaver Creek River Valley, providing a beautiful view on nice summer evenings. For more detailed directions, check out the Columbiana County Fair Website’s directions page.
Admission Details
- General Admission Tuesday through Sunday is $10 per day and includes rides.
- Monday (preview night) costs $6. (Please note that there will be no rides on Monday.)
- Free entry is granted to children under 5 and servicemen and women in uniforms.
- Tuesday will offer free admission to senior citizens 62 and older and veterans presenting ID.
- For Tuesday Bike Night, motorcycle riders will be given free admission but passengers must pay the general admission price of $10.
There are also several multi-day passes and pre-sale tickets which you can learn more about in the fair’s ticket information page.
Some grandstand events will be ticketed, but several of them are free. Be sure to check the guide for more information about specific events.
Camping
Camping at the fair is by reservation only. For more information, please contact Campground Manager, Katie McCoy at 330-853-1413 or campccf@gmail.com.
Parking and Shuttle Services
Free public parking is available on the north side of Saltwell Road and is accessible from State Route 45. Free shuttles are available to deliver you to your choice of entrance gate. Handicapped parking is available at Gate A off of Lee Avenue.
Social Media and Contact Information
The Columbiana County Fair is active on social media. For updates, photos and more check them out on Facebook.
If you have additional questions or need to contact the fair, you can reach them at 330-424-5531 or email colcofairwebsite@gmail.com.
The Columbiana County Fair promises a delightful blend of tradition, community spirit, and family fun. From its rich agricultural showcases to thrilling entertainment and delectable food options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the diverse exhibits, cheering at the grandstand events, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories and celebrate the best of Columbiana County and beyond at this beloved annual event. “Wheel on Down!” from July 29th to August 4th and create your own adventure at the Columbiana County Fair.