(Columbus, Oh.)--Attendance numbers fell below what was expected for this year at the Ohio State Fair. The 2017 Ohio State Fair concluded its 12-day run with an estimated 801,031 attendees between July 26 and August 6.
The annual Fair, held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, celebrates agriculture - the state’s largest industry. The fair is well-known for traditions including the famed butter sculptures, this year featuring a cow and calf. The fair also features the award-winning "Ag Is Cool" agricultural education program, and one of the largest youth livestock shows in the nation.
Attendance dipped below record years, reflecting a 13 percent decrease since 2016, when a total of 921,214 visitors attended the Fair. The fairs highest attendance was recorded in 2015, which saw over 982,305 visitors.
This years fair attendance numbers were also down due to the tragic ride accident on opening night, which closed the Midway for several days. The accident involving the Fire Ball ride killed Tyler Jerrell, 18, of Columbus and injured 7 more.
Total State Fair Attendance in Recent Years
2017: 801,031
2016: 921,214
2015: 982,305
2014: 916,724
2013: 903,824
2012: 840,306
2011: 833,304
2010: 812,237