Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is preparing for the upcoming Ohio State Fair, an event that attracts nearly one million visitors from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico each year. The ODA plays a crucial role in ensuring the fair runs smoothly by overseeing safety and regulatory measures.

During a recent event at the state fairgrounds, ODA highlighted its divisions responsible for supporting the fair. These include the Divisions of Amusement Ride Safety, Animal Health, and Weights and Measures. Inspectors from these divisions demonstrated their responsibilities in maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.

"Ohio’s fairs tell the rich story of our number one industry – food and agriculture," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "There is no place better to learn that than at the Ohio State Fair."

The Division of Amusement Ride Safety conducts thousands of inspections annually on rides across Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs, including the state fair. In 2024 alone, more than 5,700 inspections were completed on over 3,000 rides. Deputy Director David Miran emphasized Ohio's strong ride safety program: "With confidence, we put ourselves, our kids, and families on these rides after inspection."

The Division of Animal Health focuses on animal welfare at exhibitions throughout the state. Interim State Veterinarian Dr. Kristy Shaw highlighted Ohio's reputation for quality livestock exhibitions: "Our Animal Health staff work closely with the fair staff and exhibitors year-round."

Additionally, the Division of Weights & Measures ensures accuracy in all animal and food scales at the fair. Each year, inspectors test numerous scales and meters to maintain fairness in transactions.

Beyond regulatory duties, ODA promotes local products through initiatives like Ohio Wines and Ohio Proud. These programs will feature prominently at the Taste of Ohio Pavilion during the fair.

For those interested in attending local fairs, more information can be found in the Ohio Fair Schedule Brochure.

Information from this article can be found here.