Highlights from the May newsletter, available by email subscription at https://allencofair.com/

The Allen County Agricultural Society Senior Fair Board has decided to invest more than $500,000 in funds to address construction projects including the following:

• Building a new sheep and goat show arena sponsored in part by the State of Ohio, Mercy Health and the Allen County Commissioners (supporting this project in respect to the partnership the Agricultural Society has with the commissioners, who are the owners of the property)
• Building a new maintenance building
• Purchase and installation of a security camera system for the grounds
• Completing phase two of the Plaza Stage sponsored by Nutrien Lima and Nutrien Ag Soutions
• New digital Kewpee Winners Board sponsored by Kewpee Hamburger
• Installing air conditioning in the Merchants building
• Replacing all the fair entrance gates
• Improving entry to the grandstands
• Installing new glass doors in buildings on the north end of the fairgrounds
• Various structural painting projects

This year’s fair will run from August 18th to the 26th. While some projects will be completed this year, others will require construction through next year in preparation for the 2024 fair.

“We are grateful for the support of our loyal sponsors and the senior fair board. The work being done to improve our fairgrounds will not only benefit our youth and community but will also enable us to use our fairgrounds for more events throughout the year. This will ultimately bring more people to our area which affects tourism dollars for Lima and the surrounding area,” said Allen County Fair Promotions and Operations Manager, Troy Elwer. 

Board President, Brian Langhals shared, “In the coming days and weeks, the fair will undergo several projects that we believe will make the fair a better experience for everyone. Our staff and board of directors are committed to ensuring that the fair’s building and grounds are well maintained, as well as addressing visitor safety through improved entrance and exit gates and a camera system throughout the grounds. 

Important dates:

• Fair Parade - Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. (Starts at Robb Ave and disperses on Spring Street)
• Youth Day - Monday, August 21
• Senior Day - Tuesday, August 22
• Veteran's Day - Friday, August 25

Admission:

• 2023 Membership Pass (Voting Rights) -  $35.00 now through August 12, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. *Must be an Allen County Resident

• 2023 Season Pass (no voting rights) - $40.00 now through August 17, 2023/$45.00 if purchased August 18-26th

• 2023 Daily Gate Admission - Adult and Youth 7 years and over - $10.00; Children 6 years and under - Free

To purchase passes, please visit the Administration Building at the fair (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday)

For more information, see allencofair.com