Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair has been a favorite family tradition since 1850 and this summer Scouting America will unveil numerous activities, games and fun for the entire family. Stop by and see us, we are located in the Lausche Building in the Fair’s Youth Center.
The Ohio State Fair is July 29 – August 9, 2026; and we need your help to make it a success; click the volunteers needed tab to signup to help. Volunteers get free admission tickets and meal tickets into the Fair.
In addition to activities and exhibits related to the theme days above, we also have the following daily activities:
- Cubmobile
- Lego Pinewood Derby
- GaGa Ball Pit
- Bouldering Wall
- Scouting artifacts and history
You’ll want to come back for more than one day as new projects and activities are offered throughout the fair.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Scouting America’s Ohio State Fair committee meets monthly at the SKC Leadership Development Center. If you would like to join the committee or have ideas for the committee, please contact volunteer chair, Matt Mowrer, at bsaosf@gmail.com.
We are also seeking volunteers who can help run the activities in the Adventure Summit and serve as enthusiastic Scouting ambassadors for the public. The Adventure Summit will be open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
Volunteer shifts are 9:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. | 3:15 pm – 7:15 p.m. and each shift will require at least five volunteers.
Volunteers committing to a four-hour shift will receive a fair entrance pass, meal ticket, commemorative patch and great family and Scouting memories!
To volunteer, please follow the link below.
Please sign up for Adventure Summit at Ohio State Fair – COMING SOON!
Fair entrance tickets will be available prior to the fair and will be picked up from the front desk of the scout office, 807 Kinnear Road, or during regular business hours or they will be emailed.
The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of our great state’s best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. Selected to represent youth organizations, these students serve on behalf of thousands of students across Ohio. These youth represent a variety of organizations, including 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Scouting America, Farm Bureau, and more. They are able to share their experiences and emphasize the value of the Junior Fair with patrons throughout the 12 days of the Fair.
For these dedicated Junior Fair Board members, the passion for the Fair is in their blood. They have risen through the ranks over the years, spending their childhood summers caring for livestock animals, exhibiting their projects at both the county and state level, attending group meetings, assuming leadership roles, taking part in summer camps and growing, all while these organizations have shaped their lives.
These students, ages 16-20, come together for two weeks of hard work, building enduring friendships and professional relationships along the way. Their personalities and experiences provide a youthful and fun perspective as they fill the roles of welcoming officials at livestock shows, Smokey Bear’s courteous assistants, friendly faces working at the Monster Mural and concert ushers at Celeste Center.
What are the requirements for my organization members?
In addition to being an outstanding leader, prospective members should meet the following general criteria:
- 16-20 years old
- Currently a member of any youth organization or career tech organization (4-H, DECA, FFA, FCCLA, Girl Scouts, Farm Bureau, Scouting America, Skills USA, BPA, NHS, Key Club, etc.)
- Highly involved members in their organization(s)
- Significant accomplishments within youth organizations (i.e. competition at the state and/or national level, leadership experiences, community service/volunteer experiences, etc.)
- Leadership experience with the potential and desire to continue to grow as a leader
- Very responsible, respectful and professional
- Members are only eligible to serve one two year term on the JFB representing one organization
What is the time commitment?
Junior Fair Board members commit approximately 2 weeks of time to the Ohio State Fair, arriving the Monday prior to the Fair’s Wednesday opening. First year Junior Fair Board members are paid a flat-rate stipend for their service; returning members will receive a higher stipend for their second year of service.
How do my organization members apply?
If you are a member of any your organization or career tech organization you are eligible to apply. All interested applicants should submit the official Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board application through the online application portal below between January 1 – March 12. The application and portal will be available starting January 1.
More information can be found here!
Application Coming Soon!
Chairman of Scouting America Ohio State Fair Committee: Matt Mowrer, bsaosf@gmail.com or 614-349-6288
Simon Kenton Council Program Director: Kami Hisey at kami.hisey@scouting.org or 614-310-1337