The fun begins at the 129th Cuyahoga County Fair

From the moment the gates swing open, you can feel it—the laughter, the thrills, the exhilaration of summer coming to life. The Cuyahoga County Fair is back for its 129th go-around, Tuesday through Sunday, August 11-16.

This year’s theme, “Where the Fun Begins,” couldn’t be more fitting. You’ll find daring midway rides, live music, creative arts exhibits and the tastiest fair food at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

“Yes, there is fun, food, rides, games and grandstand events, but it really is about the amazing dedication of the 4-H members,” says Cuyahoga County Fair PR & Media Ambassador Candyce Traci.

Learning and Engagement

At the core of the fair experience is the Junior Fair and 4-H program, where local youth showcase not only their amazing animals, but also their dedication, leadership and passion. Representing more than 196,000 young Ohioans involved in 4-H statewide, these standout participants embody the program’s mission of developing head, heart, hands and health through hands-on learning.

Meet the remarkable young leaders who are taking that mission beyond the fairgrounds.

Jaina Cormack is one of five Ohio teems selected for the prestigious National 4-H Leadership Academy. In spring she traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside participants from across the country to kick off an intensive two-year program. Focused on leadership, critical thinking and civic engagement, the academy challenges students to identify real-world issues and create meaningful solutions within their communities. 

Meanwhile, William Novicky’s 4-H journey has taken him halfway across the globe. Selected as one of 15 Ohio teens, he traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece, to study agriculture at the American Farm School. Through hands-on internships in areas like animal and plant production and food science, he gained invaluable experience while representing Cuyahoga County on an international level, a journey made possible in part by support from the Cuyahoga County Fair Board.

Back home, 13-year-old Ava Burrows is making headlines. As the recipient of the Ohio 4-H Innovator Award, she was recognized for creating a program to strengthen 4-H in her community. She’s the founder of the business The Cluckity Homestead, to promote her raising of chickens and quail.

And then there’s Soda Kiser, one of last year’s county fair scholarship winners, now attending the University of Findlay. He continues to give back to the program, co-authoring a new Ohio 4-H project book, “How the Herd Multiplies.” His work with market animals at Stearns Homestead in Parma is a testament to the lasting impact of 4-H experiences.

Both Ava and Soda were featured in articles in Farm and Dairy newspaper.

The future is also bright for the next wave of leaders, including Alex Hechko, Ben Hechko, Emma Koranda and Emmett Kline, all selected to attend the Ohio 4-H Leadership Camp, an honor reserved for the very best in each county.

So, yes, come for the rides, stay for the food, and cheer on your favorite events. But while you’re there, spend a little time wandering through the barns, meet the inspiring youth and hear their stories behind the animals, agriculture and fascinating projects of the Junior Fair.

The Cuyahoga County Fair is held Tuesday through Sunday, August 11-16, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, located at 19201 East Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights. 

General fair gate admission is $12 Tuesday-Thursday and $14 Friday-Sunday. Skip the line and save time by purchasing advance online tickets at CuyFair.com/tickets. Parking is free. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. For more details on gates, discounts, all-day ride wristband costs, performances and attractions, visit CuyFair.com.

Cuyahoga County Fair

19201 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights

CuyFair.com