The Ohio State Fair was recently presented with a first place Agricultural Award of Excellence from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) for the fair’s new “Agriculture is Cool” interactive education program held in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups. The 2011 “Agriculture is Cool” program inspired by the initiative of Governor John R. Kasich included several interactive education stations throughout the Ohio State Fair at which students could learn about the many ways Ohio’s largest industry – agriculture – impacts many facets of their everyday lives. The program, which also offered scholarships to top participants, was recognized as the best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event or program for the fairgoing public for fairs with annual attendance between 500,001 and 1 million. The award was presented during a special awards ceremony held on November 29 during the 121st Annual IAFE Convention. In addition, the Ohio State Fair received eight different awards in the marketing division. Ohio State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler explained, “The Ohio State Fair has long been a favorite family tradition and an active participant in the international community of fairs and expositions. I’m thrilled that a panel of industry leaders recognized our great state for excellence from a pool of more than 3,000 members from around the world.” The “Agriculture is Cool” program will be open to visitors of all ages during the 2012 Ohio State Fair, July 25 – Aug. 5. For the second consecutive year, exiting fourth grade students (2011-2012 academic year) and a chaperone will be admitted for free upon presentation of a valid report card at the entrance gates. Ohio State Fair wins International AwardThe Ohio State Fair was recently presented with a first-place Agricultural Award of Excellence from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) for the fair’s new “Agriculture is Cool” interactive education program held in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau, and Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups.

The 2011 “Agriculture is Cool” program inspired by the initiative of Governor John R. Kasich included several interactive education stations throughout the Ohio State Fair at which students could learn about the many ways Ohio’s largest industry – agriculture – impacts many facets of their everyday lives.

The program, which also offered scholarships to top participants, was recognized as the best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event, or program for the fairgoing public for fairs with annual attendance between 500,001 and 1 million.

The award was presented during a special awards ceremony held on November 29 during the 121st Annual IAFE Convention. In addition, the Ohio State Fair received eight different awards in the marketing division.

Ohio State Fair

Virgil Strickler explained, “It has long been a favorite family tradition and an active participant in the international community of fairs and expositions. I’m thrilled that a panel of industry leaders recognized our great state for excellence from a pool of more than 3,000 members from around the world.

The “Agriculture is Cool” program will be open to visitors of all ages during the 2012 Ohio State Fair, July 25 – Aug. 5. For the second consecutive year, exiting fourth-grade students (2011-2012 academic year) and a chaperone will be admitted for free upon presentation of a valid report card at the entrance gates.

The Ohio Expo Center is a year-round, multi-purpose convention and meeting facility. More than 150 events are held at the Ohio Expo Center annually, including the Ohio State Fair. The 2012 Ohio State Fair will be held July 25 – August 5