Wed 8/31-Mon 9/5
The Great Geauga County Fair officially uses the world “great” in its name, and it’s earned the right to do so. Not only is it huge, but it’s also Ohio’s oldest county fair, celebrating its bicentennial this year. So come on out and celebrate with it over the next six days as it puts the period on the summer season.
The fair kicks off on Wednesday August 31 with gates at noon, a ribbon cutting and a ceremonial presentation. Then the midway, rides and exhibit halls will all be open for business and best of all, admission is free on opening day. And the opening celebration continues into the evening with an also-free concert in the Main Grandstand by country artist Tracy Bird and opening act Hillbilly Way at 8pm, followed by fireworks.
The next five days are packed with activities and things to see, do and eat with countless activities from horse shows to worship service, youth fishing contests to magic shows, chicken flying (?) and frog jumping contests, Brunon Blaszak’s Royal Bengal Tiger Show and woodcarving demonstrations, and of course, performances by the Great Geauga County Fair Band.
On Thursday there’s drag racing in the Main Grandstand, on Friday it’s Harness Racing with Paramutuel Betting. Saturday’s Main Grandstand event is the one everyone’s waiting for: the smoke-spewing Demolition Derby. A truck and tractor pull is the main event on Sunday, and Monday concludes Main Grandstand action with the afternoon High Steel Rodeo.