The Ohio State Fair is a beloved summer tradition, drawing crowds from across the Buckeye State and beyond. A vibrant celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community, the fair offers something for everyone. However, planning a trip involves more than just excitement; it requires understanding the costs associated with attending. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the expenses of the 2021 Ohio State Fair, from admission and parking to food, rides, and entertainment, helping you budget for an unforgettable experience. While this focuses on 2021 information, it provides valuable insights into the typical costs of the fair which are relevant for current and future planning purposes.
Admission Costs: Getting Through the Gate
Understanding the admission prices is the first step in budgeting for your Ohio State Fair visit. In 2021, like many years, different factors influenced the pricing structure.
Daily Admission Prices
The standard daily admission price for adults (ages 13-59) in 2021 was generally around $12. For children (ages 5-12) and seniors (60+), the admission cost was typically reduced, usually around $8. Children under 5 years old were often admitted free of charge. Keep in mind that these were the prices at the gate. Pre-purchasing tickets online could sometimes offer a discount, although this was not always the case. The fair often runs promotions with local businesses, offering discounted tickets as part of special deals. It’s worth checking local grocery stores, radio stations, and other businesses in the weeks leading up to the fair to see if any of these promotions are available.
Season Passes and Group Rates
For those planning to attend the fair multiple times, a season pass could be a cost-effective option. While the price varied, a season pass generally offered unlimited admission throughout the fair’s run. The cost was significantly higher than a single-day ticket but could save money for frequent visitors. Group rates were often available for organizations or large families. These rates typically required purchasing a minimum number of tickets in advance. Contacting the Ohio State Fair directly or visiting their website was the best way to obtain information on group rates and purchase options.
Parking: Navigating the Fairgrounds
Once you’ve decided to attend, you’ll need to factor in the cost of parking. Parking at the Ohio State Fairgrounds can present its own set of challenges and expenses.
On-Site Parking Fees
Parking on the fairgrounds itself was the most convenient option but also came with a fee. In 2021, the daily parking fee was around $10 per vehicle. This allowed you to park in designated lots within walking distance of the fair entrance. However, these lots could fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during popular events. Arriving early was crucial to secure a spot and avoid a long walk.
Off-Site Parking and Shuttle Services
To alleviate congestion and provide more affordable options, off-site parking locations were often available. These locations were typically located a short distance from the fairgrounds and offered shuttle services to transport visitors to and from the entrance. The cost of off-site parking, including the shuttle, varied but was generally less expensive than on-site parking. Check the Ohio State Fair website or local news outlets for information on off-site parking locations and shuttle schedules.
Food and Drink: A Culinary Adventure
One of the biggest draws of the Ohio State Fair is the food. From classic fair favorites to unique culinary creations, there’s something to tempt every taste bud. However, the cost of food and drink can quickly add up.
Budgeting for Fair Food
Fair food is undeniably tempting, but it’s important to budget accordingly. Individual items like corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes could cost anywhere from $5 to $10 each. More substantial meals, like BBQ sandwiches or loaded fries, could range from $10 to $15 or more. Drinks, including soda, lemonade, and bottled water, also added to the expense. Planning to spend around $20-$30 per person on food and drinks each day was a reasonable estimate for many attendees.
Saving Money on Food and Drink
There were several ways to save money on food and drink at the fair. Consider bringing your own water bottles and refilling them at water fountains. Packing snacks, like granola bars or fruit, could help curb cravings and reduce the need to purchase expensive fair food. Look for vendor specials and discounts. Many vendors offer deals on certain items or at specific times of the day. Sharing food with family and friends was another great way to sample a variety of treats without breaking the bank.
Rides and Games: Thrills and Entertainment
The Ohio State Fair boasts a large midway with a variety of rides and games. While these attractions offer fun and excitement, they also come with a cost.
Ride Tickets and Wristbands
Rides at the fair typically required tickets, which were purchased at booths located throughout the midway. The number of tickets required for each ride varied, with more popular or thrilling rides requiring more tickets. Ride tickets generally cost around $1 each. Wristbands, offering unlimited rides for a set period, were also available. The price of a wristband varied depending on the day and time but could be a good value for those planning to ride multiple rides.
Games and Prizes
Games of skill and chance were another popular attraction on the midway. However, these games could be expensive, and winning a prize was not guaranteed. The cost of playing a game typically ranged from $2 to $5. Set a budget for games and stick to it to avoid overspending. Remember that the odds are often stacked against you, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.
Entertainment and Activities: Beyond the Midway
The Ohio State Fair offers a wide range of entertainment and activities beyond the rides and games. Many of these activities are free with admission, but some may require additional fees.
Free Entertainment Options
The fair offers a wealth of free entertainment, including live music performances, agricultural demonstrations, livestock shows, and educational exhibits. These activities provide a great way to experience the fair without spending extra money. Check the fair’s schedule of events to plan your visit around specific performances or demonstrations that interest you.
Ticketed Events and Shows
Some events and shows at the Ohio State Fair required separate tickets. These could include concerts by popular musicians, theatrical performances, or special exhibitions. The cost of these tickets varied depending on the event and the seating location. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability and potentially save money.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
For those traveling from outside the Columbus area, accommodation costs need to be considered.
Hotels and Motels
The Columbus area offers a wide range of hotels and motels to suit different budgets. Prices varied depending on the location, amenities, and time of year. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, was essential to secure a good rate. Consider hotels located near the fairgrounds or along major transportation routes for easy access.
Camping Options
The Ohio State Fair offers limited camping facilities on the fairgrounds. These campsites provide a more affordable accommodation option for those who enjoy camping. Reservations were typically required and sites filled up quickly. Check the Ohio State Fair website for information on camping fees and availability.
Souvenirs and Merchandise: Remembering Your Visit
No trip to the Ohio State Fair is complete without a souvenir or two to remember your visit. The cost of souvenirs can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
Fair Merchandise
The fair offers a variety of merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, mugs, and other items featuring the Ohio State Fair logo. These items can be a fun way to commemorate your visit. Prices varied depending on the item and the vendor.
Craft and Artisan Goods
The fair also features a variety of craft and artisan vendors selling handmade goods. These items can be unique and special souvenirs. Prices ranged from affordable to quite expensive, depending on the item. Set a budget for souvenirs and stick to it to avoid overspending.
Overall Budgeting Tips: Making the Most of Your Money
Planning is key to enjoying the Ohio State Fair without breaking the bank.
Pre-Planning and Setting a Budget
Before heading to the fair, take some time to plan your visit and set a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on admission, parking, food, rides, and souvenirs. Stick to your budget as closely as possible.
Looking for Discounts and Deals
Take advantage of any discounts or deals that are available. Check the Ohio State Fair website, local businesses, and social media for promotions and coupons.
Prioritizing Activities
Decide which activities are most important to you and prioritize your spending accordingly. If you’re primarily interested in the rides, allocate more of your budget to ride tickets or a wristband. If you’re more interested in the food, allow for a larger food budget.
Using Cash
Consider using cash instead of credit cards to help you stay within your budget. It can be easier to overspend when you’re using a credit card.
While focused on the 2021 event, these tips and insights remain applicable to planning your budget and optimizing your experience for future Ohio State Fairs. Enjoy!
What were the admission costs for the 2021 Ohio State Fair?
The 2021 Ohio State Fair admission prices were $12 for adults (ages 13-59) and $10 for children (ages 5-12) and seniors (ages 60+). Children under 5 were admitted free of charge. It is crucial to remember that these prices were subject to change in subsequent years, so always confirm the current rates on the official Ohio State Fair website before planning your visit.
Pre-sale tickets were sometimes available at discounted rates through various outlets, including Kroger. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to save money on admission. Group discounts were also typically offered for larger parties, which could be a more cost-effective option if you’re visiting with a big group. Always check the official website for available discounts.
How much did it cost for ride tickets or wristbands in 2021?
In 2021, individual ride tickets were available for purchase, typically priced around $1 per ticket. The number of tickets required per ride varied depending on the specific attraction. For those planning to ride multiple rides, purchasing a wristband was often a more economical choice.
Wristband prices generally ranged from $25 to $30 per day, granting unlimited access to most rides within a specific timeframe, usually a single day. However, some of the more extreme or specialized rides might not be included in the wristband option and would require separate tickets. It was always best to review the specific ride ticket requirements upon arrival.
What were some of the biggest expenses besides admission and rides?
Beyond the admission fee and ride costs, food and beverages were generally a significant expense at the Ohio State Fair. Fair food vendors offered a wide array of tempting treats, from classic corn dogs and funnel cakes to more unique and gourmet offerings. Prices could range from a few dollars for smaller snacks to upwards of $10 or more for larger meals or specialty items.
Parking was another substantial expense to factor in. On-site parking was usually available for a daily fee, but prices could vary depending on the lot and the day of the week. Exploring alternative transportation options like ride-sharing services or public transportation might save you money on parking. Additionally, costs for games, souvenirs, and attending concerts or shows inside the fairgrounds also contributed to overall spending.
How could I save money on food and drinks while visiting the fair?
One effective way to reduce food costs at the fair was to pack your own snacks and drinks. While bringing in outside food may have had some restrictions, bringing water bottles and small snacks could greatly reduce impulse purchases. Taking advantage of free water refill stations throughout the fairgrounds was another simple and cost-effective strategy.
Another tactic was to share meals with family or friends, as many food portions were large enough to accommodate multiple people. Exploring the different vendors to find deals or specials was also beneficial. Some vendors offered discounts during off-peak hours or had smaller, less expensive options available.
Were there any free activities or entertainment at the 2021 Ohio State Fair?
Yes, the Ohio State Fair typically offered a variety of free activities and entertainment. These often included live music performances on various stages throughout the fairgrounds, showcasing local and regional talent. Livestock shows and agricultural demonstrations were also free to attend and provided an educational and engaging experience.
Many of the exhibits and displays in the various buildings were also free to explore, ranging from arts and crafts to agricultural innovations. Roaming performers, such as stilt walkers, jugglers, and musicians, provided spontaneous entertainment throughout the fairgrounds. Checking the daily schedule of events upon arrival allowed visitors to take full advantage of these cost-free offerings.
What transportation options were available to the Ohio State Fair in 2021?
Besides driving and parking on-site, several transportation options were available to reach the Ohio State Fair in 2021. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft were popular choices, providing a convenient way to get to and from the fairgrounds without the hassle of parking. However, surge pricing during peak hours could potentially increase the cost.
Public transportation was another viable option, with bus routes often serving the fairgrounds. Checking the schedules and routes of the local bus system helped visitors plan their journey efficiently. Additionally, some hotels offered shuttle services to the fair, which could be a convenient perk for guests staying in those accommodations.
How could I maximize my experience at the Ohio State Fair on a budget?
To maximize your experience at the Ohio State Fair without breaking the bank, planning ahead was essential. Reviewing the fair’s website or official guide beforehand allowed you to identify the free activities, exhibits, and entertainment that aligned with your interests. Creating a budget and sticking to it helped prevent overspending on impulse purchases.
Prioritizing the experiences that were most important to you and allocating your funds accordingly was also important. Taking advantage of any available discounts, coupons, or pre-sale ticket offers further reduced costs. Finally, remember to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for the crowds to ensure an enjoyable and budget-friendly visit.