Portage County Randolph Fair urges attendees to 'explore' starting Tuesday

The 166th Portage County Randolph Fair wants its patrons to "explore" in 2024.

The fair, which opens Tuesday, will run through Aug. 25 at the county fairgrounds in Randolph.

With a theme announcing the event is "The Fair to Explore in 2024," organizers are encouraging attendees to take in a variety of activities.

Tracey Koszalka, president of the Senior Fair Board, said CJ the Clown is new the fair this year. The magician and balloon artist will be strolling the fairgrounds and interacting with children at the fair.

Those buying digital tickets can purchase their tickets on the fair's website or through the Hometown Fan app. Mobile users who download the Hometown Fan app will have access to their tickets even if internet access on the fairgrounds is spotty, or they can print the tickets at home. People can purchase both admission and grandstand tickets digitally.

The fair will feature grandstand events every day of the event. The Demolition Derby will be Tuesday and Wednesday; Truck, Semi and Tractor Pulls will be Thursday; ERA Western Tractor and Truck Pulls, Friday; OSTPA Tractor and Truck Pulls on Saturday; and the Rough Truck contest on Sunday.

Livestock sales on Wednesday and Saturday are a popular fundraiser for 4-H clubs, Koszalka noted.

The fair, she said, is always a popular place to display livestock, and this year is no exception. The Randolph Fair's August dates helps with participation among those who grow fruit and vegetables.

"We're actually up in 4-H membership," she said. "A lot of counties are down."

Koszalka said attendees say they like the flow of the fairgrounds, and how it's set up with the Midway at the eastern end of the campgrounds; food, merchants and displays in the center; and animal displays at the western end, allowing those interested in only one or two things to stay in certain areas of the fairgrounds. Many also enjoy the paved streets of the fairgrounds, as they provide easier access for people in wheelchairs and those with strollers and wagons.

Tuesday's opening day will include crowning of the Jr. Fair King and Queen. The Summit-Up Cloggers will perform at the Entertainment Center that evening, and the Akron Cover Band will play at the Corner Stage.

Wednesday is Agriculture Day, with many contests and events involving animals. The Back Alley Relics will perform that evening at the Entertainment Center.

Thursday is Kid's Day, with activities for children up to age 12 starting at 10 a.m. The Sweet Nothings Band will perform at the Corner Stage, and the Rocking Country Cloggers will perform at the Entertainment Center.

Friday is Senior Citizen and Veterans Day, when seniors ages 60 and older, and veterans will proper ID, will be admitted free. The Senior Fair King and Queen will be crowned. Other activities include the Dress a Lamb contest, the Sheep Shearing Contest and evening performances by the Summit-up Cloggers, Karaoke in the Park, the Laredo Band and the Circulators Square Dance Club.

Saturday is Family Day. The American Steal Band will perform that evening at the Corner Stage.

The final day of the fair is Sunday, with the Rough Truck Contest at 3:30 p.m. A worship service also is planned at the fairgrounds.

A variety of agricultural contests and other events take place daily.

The fairgrounds will be open from 7 a.m. daily until about an hour after the last grandstand event ends, around 11 p.m. every day except Sunday, when fairgrounds will close at 8 p.m.

Daily admission is $10, or $8 for those who purchase pre-sale tickets before midnight on Monday. Early bird discount days are in place before 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Children ages 9 or younger will be admitted free, and seniors ages 60 and older and veterans will be admitted free Friday with proper ID. Season passes are available, and grandstand and ride passes are separate. A seating chart for grandstand events with reserved seating is available on the website.

Parking is free.

For information, call the fair at 330-325-7476 or visit randolphfair.com .

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage County Randolph Fair urges attendees to 'explore' starting Tuesday