ASHLAND, Ohio – From Sept. 19-25, residents of northern Ohio will swarm the Ashland County Fairgrounds for the 170th annual county fair. 

The 2021 rendition, the first normal fair since 2019, is headlined by a Sept. 21 performance from country music star Sara Evans, most known for her 2011 hit song “A Little Bit Stronger” which has 91 million Youtube plays. Evans will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. after County Line, an Ashland based country music band, opens up the evening at 6 p.m..    

“I’m expecting people to want to get out, get back to the fair and enjoy the traditions of previous years. I’m looking forward to a big fair, and a big success,” Senior Fair Board President, Martin Wesner said.

Along with Evans, nightly primetime events include horse racing, a lawn mower derby, motocross, a demolition derby, and two tractor pulls. There will also be animal shows put on throughout the week by the junior fair.

Last year, the fair was primarily based around the showing of animals, as it lacked rides and nightly events due to COVID-19 restrictions. Wesner, a former showman himself, is anticipating a large crowd of Ashland residents who weren’t able to attend last year to come and get their fair fix. 

Another staple of fair culture is the ever-so-nutritious fair food.

“There’s just about any kind of food that you can think of at the Ashland County Fair,” Wesner said. A wide variety will be available, but some notable food trucks and booths that will be in attendance include the J-Bob shop, Tammie’s treats, Walter’s Sandwich Shoppe and the fairgrounds cafeteria.

Bates Amusement, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015, will be supplying all of the rides for the fair, with Wesner adding that “they do an excellent job for us.” A ride pass is $18, but will be $15 on Friday, youth day.

Daily general admission is set at $5, or $20 for the entire week. Additionally, on Monday veterans can enter for free and on Wednesday seniors 65+ can enter for $1.     

More information is available at ashlandcountyfair.com or by phone at (419)-289-0466, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.