The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Food, rides whirl into 122nd annual fair fun
New attractions, old favorites highlight week’s schedule
Upwards of 150,000 fairgoers are expected during the six-day run of the 122nd annual Cuyahoga County Fair in Middleburg Heights.
The fair opens at noon Aug. 7 and continues through 10 p.m. Aug. 12.
This year’s fair opens on a Tuesday rather than a Monday for practical reasons, explained Cuyahoga County Fair president Timothy C. Fowler.
“We have a new ride vendor this year, Amusements of America, and they are coming here from the Ohio State Fair in Columbus that ended (on Aug. 5). They’re bringing 30 rides, so they need a full day to get here and set up,” Fowler said.
One of those rides, a 120-foot tall Ferris wheel, takes so much time to install that it won’t be ready to accept riders until Aug. 8.
Also, many of the food vendors and games of chance or skill operators who’ll have stations on the midway are coming in from the state fair, Medina County Fair and other venues where they worked last week.
“Pushing back the start of the fair one day gives us the luxury of having time
Open ride times are noon to 9 p.m. on Aug. 10 and 12, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 11
to get everyone in at a less hectic pace and really get it right,” Fowler said.
Here are some of the prime attractions and events on the schedule at this year’s Cuyahoga County Fair.
• The Sea Lion Splash Show is a newcomer on the fair midway. It features rescued sea lions from California and South America performing tricks and showing off their agility in the water.
• Tuff Truck monster truck racing takes place on Aug. 7. Show time is 8 p.m. in the main grandstand.
• Harness horse racing with pari-mutuel betting will be on Aug. 8. Starts at noon in the main grandstand. Noted handicapper Bob “Railbird” Roberts will present “Handicapping 101,” a quick course in reading a racing form and placing bets, from noon to 1:30 p.m..
• Broken Horn Rodeo will be on hand Aug. 9. Show time at 7 :30 p.m. in the main grandstand.
• Rock the House Party Band takes the stage on Aug. 10. Show begins at 8 p.m. in the main grandstand.
• Wish You Were Here, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will entertain on Aug. 11. Show time is 8 p.m. in the main grandstand.
• Demolition Derby will take place on Aug. 12. Qualifiers at 3 p.m., finals at 7 p.m., in the main grandstand.
• The DreamShip hot-air balloon is not technically a part of the fair, but will be set up in the Gate 2 parking lot off Eastland Road.
Standing more then eight stories tall, the DreamShip is a fundraiser for Field of Honor, a non-profit based in Oklahoma that provides educational scholarships to the children or fallen or disabled members of the U.S. armed forces.
DreamShip’s stop at the Cuyahoga County fair is enabled by the Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program.
Suggested donations are $5 for untethered rides and $10 for tethered rides.
Open ride times are noon to 9 p.m. on Aug. 10 and 12, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 11
CUYAHOGA COUNTY FAIR
When: Aug. 7 to 12 Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights
Hours: Noon to 11 p.m., Aug. 7, 8, 9, 10; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Aug. 11; Noon to 10 p.m., Aug. 12 Admission: $7 general admission on Aug. 7, 8, 9; $8 general admission on Aug. 10, 11, 12; $6 senior citizen and youth (ages 4 -12) every day; free every day, active duty military and children (3 and under); see website for special offers, times and conditions. Midway ride tickets purchased separately, $1.25 each. All-day ride stamps, $20. Website: www.cuyfair.com Facebook: @cuyfair Instagram and Twitter: cuyfair Phone: 440-213-0090