Around Ohio

On Wednesday, July 29, 2009, the 156th Ohio State Fair opens at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, I-71 at 17th Av. (otherwise known as the Ohio Exposition Center). The fair continues through August 9. Admission for adults (age 13-59) is $8.00, with seniors (age 60+) and children (age 5-12) $7.00. Children under 5 are admitted free. Advance sale tickets are $6.00 and parking is $5.00.

If you’re going, remember that several city streets will close near the fairgrounds. The following streets will close:

• 17th Avenue from Clara Avenue on the east to Dora Avenue on the west.
• Velma Avenue between 17th Avenue on the south to Maynard Avenue on the north.
• Korbel Avenue from 17th Avenue on the south to 20th Avenue on the north.
• Silver Drive extension.

Here are some links to great information about the fair:

• Expo Center Events–Did you know the exposition center hosts over 200 events each year? Here’s a calendar of coming events.
• Daily Schedule of performers and events.
• Employment Page–Want a summer job at the fair? Find out what is available here.
• Frequently Asked Questions–If you have a fair-related question about tickets, hours, programs and more you can probably find the answer here.
• Memory Wall–It’s online graffiti where you can post your memories of the Ohio State Fair and read the memories of others.
• Ohio Exposition Center–Information about the exposition center itself, buildings, grounds, rentals, etc.
• State Fairgrounds Map–A map of the buildings and parking areas.

 
How to Get There

Getting to the Ohio State Fairgrounds is pretty easy. Getting to the Ohio State Fairgrounds (otherwise known as the Ohio Exposition Center) is fairly easy. Here’s how to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: depends upon how far you are coming

Here’s How:

1. From the north–follow I-71 south, past I-270 and several exits. Watch for the exit to 17th Avenue. Exit at 17th Avenue and turn right. The main entrance to the Ohio State Fairgrounds will be quickly on the right.
2. From the south–follow I-71 north, past I-270 and past the downtown split where I-71 joins and then quickly leaves I-70. Watch for the exit to 17th Avenue. Exit at 17th Avenue and turn left. The main entrance to the Ohio State Fairgrounds will be quickly on the right.
3. From the east–follow I-70 west, past I-270 to the downtown split where I-71 joins. Exit I-70 to I-71 north and watch for the exit to 17th Avenue. Exit at 17th Avenue and turn left. The main entrance to the Ohio State Fairgrounds will be quickly on the right.
4. From the west–follow I-70 east, past I-270 to where I-670 joins to the left. Follow I-670 past downtown to I-71. Exit I-71 north and then watch for the exit to 17th Avenue. Exit at 17th Avenue and turn left. The main entrance to the Ohio State Fairgrounds will be quickly on the right.
5. Remember: be prepared for changes in traffic flow for events–exits may be closed or traffic rerouted. Watch for digital signs.

Tips:

1. Be prepared for stopped traffic.
2. You’ll generally need money to park in addition to admission.

What You Need:

• money
• patience

What’s Nearby

Most of the basic necessities are along I-71. The
Comfort Suites Fairgrounds and the
Days Inn Fairgrounds are located right next to the fairgrounds at I-71 and 17th Avenue; a McDonalds is right there as well.

Just to the north up I-71 to the Hudson Street exit you will find a
Holiday Inn Express along with Lowe’s and Frisch’s.

For more amenities, go about 2 miles north to Morse Rd. Once the heart of the north Columbus shopping district, it is in a bit of a decline, but if you turn right from I-71 you will pass burger joints, gas stations, a couple hotels, and basic shopping. Lodging in this area includes:

America’s Best Value Inn

Best Western North Conference Center

Knights Inn North

Holiday Inn Express North

Knights Inn

Super 8

 
If a mall is what you need, go about 3 miles north on I-71 from Morse Rd. to Polaris Parkway. Turn left from I-71 and the Polaris Fashion Place will be on the right along with tons of dining, shopping, and more. But be prepared: traffic in this area can get bad. Here are some Polaris area hotels and motels:

Cambria Suites Polaris

Candlewood Suites

Comfort Inn Polaris

Extended Stay Deluxe

Hampton Inn Polaris

Hilton Polaris

Wingate by Wyndham

For a flavor of old Columbus, head west on 17th or 11th Avenue to High Street and turn left; after you pass the Ohio State University you will be in the Short North District, filled with artsy shops and places to eat. The arches over High St. are the clue you’re in the Short North.

Red, White and Boom! Returns

Once again, it’s boom time! Friday, July 3, 2009 is the 29th annual Red, White, and Boom! in downtown Columbus. As always, the riverfront area along the west side of downtown will be the heart of the event.

This year’s Boom! features activities at Genoa Park and along Long Street, and more.

And of course….the 29th annual Boom!, the midwest’s largest fireworks display, begins at 10 p.m. and this year will be fired from Veterans Memorial Hall on W. Broad St.

Visit this Red, White and Boom page for updates and other happenings at Red, White, and Boom!

Zoom to the Boom–Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus information detailing how you can park in suburban park-and-ride lots and zoom to the boom. COTA’s funding is improving these days and so is their Boom! service.

Over 500,000 people typically attend Red, White, and Boom!, so be prepared for crowds and traffic. Where are the best places to park to view the Boom? The west side should generally be best because skyscapers will block your view in the other directions. Many report Rhodes Park at I-70 and W. Broad St. is a great spot.

Planning an overnight stay? Check out these downtown Columbus hotels and motels and book online from hotels.com and today.com!

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