The recent heat wave let up for yesterday's opening of the Ohio State Fair. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.
Kasich: “Good luck. God bless you and let’s open the fair.”
(Applause)
The 160th Ohio State Fair is under way in Columbus. Governor John Kasich joined the All-Ohio State Fair Band and Youth Choir along with other organizers to kick off the festivities.
Following the opening ceremony… Kasich took off on a tour of the fairgrounds and met the Johnsons… a sheep farming family.
Allen Johnson pulled out a newspaper article with a picture of him and then-Congressman John Kasich.
Kasich: “Oh my.”
Johnson: “Does that look familiar? When you were a congressman you bought my champion lamb in—I think—1989.”
Kasich: “You see this, look at that handsome young man there.”
After trying out the ice cream, racing his family down the giant slide, and visiting the Natural Resources Park, the governor gave a first-hand account at how much fun the fair has to offer, especially for the younger fairgoers.
Kasich: “What kid doesn’t like to go on a ride? What kid doesn’t like going down a slide? What kid doesn’t want to go on a merry-go-round? The greatest thing is that families can come here and have a great time and it’s affordable and that’s what it’s all about.”
The folks enjoying opening day can all agree on one of the best features of the fair, the food. And everyone has a favorite.
“Corn dogs”
“Gyros”
“Elephant ears”
This year’s fair will be open through August Fourth.
Andy Chow at the Ohio Public Radio Statehouse News Bureau.