Wilkin Announces More than $1 Million for Local County Fairs

COLUMBUS—State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) announced that all 10 counties in the 17th District will receive funding for improvements to their fairgrounds. 

"Our county fairs are a rich part of Southern Ohio's heritage and agricultural roots," Wilkin said. "It is essential that we keep our fairgrounds in exceptional shape for all to enjoy, and these funds will ensure that happens throughout our great state."

Nine counties in Senator Wilkin's district (Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, and Vinton) will receive $106,831.54 each. Perry County will receive $70,498, which was by request of the Perry County Agricultural Society. The awards will support various projects such as upgrading the grounds and facilities, updating equipment, and ensuring the fairgrounds are ADA accessible. 

Funds are provided through the Ohio County and Independent Fairs Grant Program, which is awarding nearly $10 million to all 94 county and independent fairs in the state. The Ohio Legislature allocated dollars to the program in House Bill 33, the state's main operating budget. Each county received equal funds, except for two that requested lower amounts. 

You can see Ohio's Fair Schedule for 2024 here.