THE OHIO STATE FAIR--

A young boy appears to be signalling a left turn while riding the Sky Ride toward the south on the fair's midway Sunday.  Some taller buildings in downtown Columbus are visible in the right center of the photo. 

Ohio's first state fair was a three day event held in Cincinnati in 1850.  The first fair had been planned for 1849 but was cancelled due to a cholera outbreak.  That first event was held on an 8 to 10 acre plot and cattle were tethered to a fence along a nearby carriage road.  Admission was 20 cents although a "gentleman" could purchase a badge for a buck which would admit he and two ladies. 

I am not too sure why three 20 cent tickets wouldn't be the wiser choice.

Remember, that 1850 date was just before the nation's Civil War.

The fair was moved to its current home in 1886 and has been there ever since.

A must-see at every modern fair is a cow sculpted from a solid chunk of butter.  This year that cow, (below left) being enjoyed by significant-other Sue and her sister Patsy, weights 1,900 pounds.  This display honors the fact Ohio has about 268,000 dairy cows.

My favorite component of the fair is the Ohio Department of Natural Resources area whose eight tranquil acres nearly equals the size of the entire 1850 fair.  It is an oasis in the noisy bustle of events that surrounds it.  Imagine bumping your way through a crowded midway and finding yourself in a quietly secluded butterfly garden.

Ahhhhh.

This year's event runs through August 5th.