Ashland County Fair wraps up a great year

It's almost time to start planning the 2024 Ashland County fair, but not before highlighting the success of the 2023 Fair.

"We couldn't have been blessed with any better weather. We couldn't have ordered any better weather," said Ben Carpenter, first vice president of the Ashland County Fair board of directors.

To make it successful, "it takes an army," Carpenter said, thanking volunteers, including 4-H clubs, for the "hard work and countless hours" they spent on the fair.

He also thanked the Ashland County Sheriff's Office for fair security.

Attendance this year totaled 97,325, up from last year's total of 91,635, which was an increase of about 2,000 over the year before that.

"We are on an upward swing," Carpenter said, looking forward to hitting a goal of more than 100,000.

Attendance, exhibitors and entries all increased in 2023

Jackie Wasilewski, Ohio State Extension Educator for Ashland County 4-H youth development, and Donna Spoerr, Junior Fair secretary, said exhibitors and entries − ranging from cooking and sewing to FFA and animals -- also increased this year.

Affirming more people getting involved, Wasilewski said, "We have recovered from COVID last year and grown this year.

"We're moving in the right direction," she said.

Among the highlights of the fair was the Diamond J Rodeo that attracted a sellout crowd, Carpenter said, adding the new Sheep Pavilion was "well-received."

Make sure to check out the Buckeye Barn this year

An area of the fair people might not have visited and should check out next year was the Buckeye Barn, whose supporters hope to make it more familiar to the general public.

Recently turned into a historical center, it offers an appreciative look at the agricultural history of the county.

Tucked away on the west end of the fairgrounds, the building was a horse barn years ago, said Kevin Williard, president of the Ashland County Yesteryear Machinery Club.

Members of the club have filled one side of the Buckeye Barn with agricultural implements and machinery, while the Ashland County Historical Society uses the other side.

Among the antiques highlighted by club member Jim Miller of Jeromesville were a milking machine and a 1918 corn sheller.

Miller pointed out "all kinds of farm equipment," including hay implements and an old chick incubator.

"This monstrosity" taking up space in the aisle, he said, defied description and labeling. "It does nothing," but was built from every kind of gadget imaginable, "all collected to run." Along with getting it operational, Miller said, "we've got to come up with a name for it."

A showpiece also taking up room in the center of the Buckeye Barn was a 1926 Buckeye diesel engine from Ashland's old flour mill.

A "well-done" collection of Myers pumps also was part of the exhibit, Miller said.

Williard and Miller have high hopes for continued improvements in the Buckeye Building.

"We always have a list of improvements (to be made)," Carpenter said, noting the board has talked about insulating the Buckeye Building and giving it new siding. "It needs some love."

Even though it is located at the far end of the fairgrounds, Carpenter said, "it's worth the trip."

Not resting on the laurels of 2023, Carpenter said, "we're going to start planning for next year in a week or two.

"We sure love our county fair," Carpenter said, commending the entire community for its support.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: 2023 Ashland County Fair a big success as planners look ahead to 2024