The 15 Oldest County Fairs in Ohio

The Delaware County Fair is one of Ohio's largest and oldest county fairs, with roots going back to 1816. Held north of Columbus, it draws upwards of 400,000 visitors over its week-long run. The fair is nationally famous as the home of the Little Brown Jug — one of harness racing's Triple Crown races — drawing 35,000 to 40,000 spectators on Little Brown Jug Thursday alone.

The Wayne County Fair in Wooster is one of Ohio's oldest, dating to 1818. With roots going back to 1818, it's among Ohio's oldest continuously held fairs. Set in the heart of Ohio's Amish country, the fair reflects the deep agricultural traditions of one of the state's top dairy counties. Harness racing draws a strong following at the fair.

The Geauga County Fair in Burton is one of the oldest continuously operating county fairs in Ohio, with a history stretching back to 1823. It's been held since 1823, one of Ohio's most enduring county fair traditions. Set in the maple syrup country of the Western Reserve, it draws visitors from across northeastern Ohio. The fair features harness racing as part of its lineup.

The Clermont County Fair in Owensville draws from one of the fastest-growing counties in the Cincinnati metro area, blending suburban energy with a strong agricultural tradition in the rolling hills east of Cincinnati. Founded in 1835, it stands as one of Ohio's most enduring agricultural fair traditions.

The Butler County Fair is one of the oldest in southwestern Ohio, held annually in Hamilton. Dating to 1835, it ranks among Ohio's oldest agricultural fairs. It draws families from across the region for a week of agriculture, harness racing, and classic fair entertainment.

The Lorain County Fair in Wellington has been a summer staple in northeastern Ohio since 1835, making it one of the state's oldest county fairs. Founded in 1835, it stands as one of Ohio's most enduring agricultural fair traditions. Harness racing is a featured event.

The Wood County Fair in Bowling Green is one of northwestern Ohio's premier summer events, drawing visitors from across the region. Its history stretches back to 1837, placing it among Ohio's oldest agricultural fairs. Harness racing draws a strong following at the fair.

The Fairfield County Fair in Lancaster is one of Ohio's largest county fairs and one of the last major fairs of the season, running in mid-October. The fair traces back to 1841, making it one of Ohio's longest-running agricultural traditions. Its late date gives it a distinctive autumn atmosphere. Harness racing remains part of the fair's tradition.

The Defiance County Fair is held in Hicksville — not the city of Defiance — serving the farming communities of far northwestern Ohio at the Indiana border. With roots going back to 1845, it's among Ohio's oldest continuously held fairs. Local harness racing fans turn out for the fair every year.

The Columbiana County Fair in Lisbon serves the farming and small-town communities of northeastern Ohio along the Pennsylvania border, with harness racing featured throughout the week. It's been held since 1845, one of Ohio's most enduring county fair traditions.

The Knox County Fair in Mount Vernon is one of the premier agricultural events in central Ohio's heartland, drawing from a county with a strong farming identity and one of the state's most picturesque county seats. Its history stretches back to 1845, placing it among Ohio's oldest agricultural fairs. The fair includes harness racing among its attractions.

The Ross County Fair in Chillicothe draws from one of Ohio's most historically significant regions — the first and third capital of the state — and has been a community tradition since 1845. The fair traces back to 1845, making it one of Ohio's longest-running agricultural traditions. Harness racing draws a strong following at the fair.

The Logan County Fair in Bellefontaine has been a July tradition in west-central Ohio since 1845. It's been held since 1845, one of Ohio's most enduring county fair traditions. Bellefontaine is home to both the highest point in Ohio and the first concrete street in America.

The Coshocton County Fair is one of Ohio's latest county fairs, running into October in east-central Ohio's canal country. Dating to 1845, it ranks among Ohio's oldest agricultural fairs. It serves the farming communities of a county known for its history along the Ohio and Erie Canal and Roscoe Village.

The Marion County Fair bridges June and July, running from late June through the Fourth of July week. Founded in 1845, it stands as one of Ohio's most enduring agricultural fair traditions. It has been a summer institution in north-central Ohio since 1845, with harness racing as a signature attraction.