‘Ohio’s most beloved traditions:’ DeWine invests thousands into county fairs across state
With county fairs just around the corner, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a multi-million grant program helping organizers and agriculturists have a successful summer at the fairgrounds.
Gov. DeWine said the state is sending $10 million to help 94 county and independent fairs across Ohio.
The state is helping pay for necessary improvements and safety upgrades to keep fairgrounds “safe, accessible and enjoyable for all, allowing families to keep making memories for generations to come,” according to Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
The County and Independent Fair Grant Program also pays for electrical systems, sanitation systems, machinery and ADA accommodations for fairgrounds.
“Innovation is prevalent across all of agriculture, and we need to make sure this is reflected in our county and independent fairs,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We are investing in what is the heart of many of our rural communities and making vital improvements that will improve the fair experience all across Ohio.”
All of the applicants received a little over $100,000, according to the state.
Two fairs requested a lower amount, and the funds were distributed by the Ohio Department of Development.
Which Mahoning Valley county fairs are receiving money from County and Independent Fair Grant Program?
The Columbiana County Agricultural Society, Trumbull County Agricultural Society and the Mahoning County Agricultural Society each received $106,831.54.
“People from communities everywhere come to visit and learn about agriculture because of the quality of programming at our fairs,” said Brian Baldridge, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “Our local fairs are truly a place of agricultural tradition and celebration. These dollars will continue to uplift and improve each and every fairground across the state.”
The board members and committees of the Trumbull County Agricultural Society puts together the Trumbull County Fair in Cortland.
The Columbiana County Agricultural Society board of directors manages the Columbiana County Fair in Lisbon.
The Mahoning County Agricultural Society puts together the Canfield Fair.