Animals, rides and more bring visitors to the Franklin County Fair

The Ohio State Fair starts near the end of the month, but you can get your fix a bit early at the Franklin County Fair, which is slated for July 15-21.

In addition to the requisite food and rides, visitors can enjoy the crowning of fair royalty, a variety of exhibits, tractor pulls, an ice-cream social, story times and touch-a-truck for kids, assorted eating contests and much more.

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There's also the Junior Fair, which supports county youth in 4-H and Scouts through numerous educational exhibits and activities such as animal shows, gardening events, line dancing and even an edible-arrangement event.

Live entertainment will include the Thrill Show by Cincinnati Circus and award-winning magician David Anthony.

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Fair hours will be 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 15-18, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 19-20 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21. Rides open at 11 a.m. on July 17, 10 a.m. on July 21 and at noon on all other days.

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General-admission tickets cost $8 until 11:59 p.m. July 14, after which the price increases to $10.Kids 2 and younger are admitted for free.

The Franklin County Fairgrounds are located at 4951 Northwest Pkwy. in Hilliard. For more information about the fair, visit fcfair.org.