Easy entry awaits those who attend Holmes Co. Fair

One nuisance of heading into the Holmes County Fair has always been standing in line waiting to purchase a ticket. While it isn’t the end of the world, it is a little annoying for kids who want to rush in and get to the rides, for those who can’t wait to dig into an Italian sausage sandwich and get a milkshake at the dairy barn, or for those who want to go support all of the junior fair projects at the auction.

Thankfully, modern technology has erased that logjam at the ticket window, with the fair offering an opportunity to purchase tickets online, and crowds are expected to be bigger than ever for the 100th anniversary of the Holmes County Fair.

“Ordering tickets online provides a much easier way for fair-goers to come to the fair and not experience waiting in line to get tickets,” said Kerry Taylor, senior fair board president. “We encourage everyone to order tickets ahead of time so they can get right in and enjoy everything at the fair. Most fairs have gone to this method, and it improves the flow at the ticket booth immensely.”

Tickets for all events, rides and general admission are available online at www.harvestridgeohio.com/holmes-county-fair/.

Visit the fair website, scroll down to Admissions & Costs, and click the green Purchase Tickets icon.

While online purchase is encouraged, tickets will still be available at the ticket booth.

General gate admission tickets are $8 and free for anyone age 10 and under.

Tickets also are available online for all of the grandstand events. Monday, Aug. 7 will feature a full rodeo ($10), Tuesday will host the Truck and Tractor Pull ($5), Wednesday will see the motocross roar into the grandstand arena ($5), Thursday will feature the Bulls and Barrels Rodeo series ($10), Friday will be the Brad Giauque Memorial OSTPA Truck and Tractor Pull ($5), and Saturday will feature the demo derby ($10).

For those attending multiple grandstand events, there are grandstand package tickets available, with $30 per ticket providing a reserved seat for each event.

There are some specials for those families looking to save a few dollars.

Monday, Aug. 7 through Friday, Aug. 11, people can purchase a ticket at half-price prior to 4 p.m.

For $4 people can come to the fair early and save money. Senior citizen tickets for those age 65 and older are $5 every day, and individuals can purchase a season pass for $28, a true savings for anyone who is heading to the fair every day.

Wednesday, Aug. 9 will be Veteran’s Day when all veterans or active military members showing proper identification can get in free.

For those purchasing ride tickets, on Monday they can purchase 20 tickets for $25 and get 10 free tickets. Tuesday will feature Two for Tuesday, where duos can purchase unlimited ride passes for $24, with an individual unlimited pass costing $18.

Wednesday will be Kids Day, with unlimited ride passes from noon to 4 p.m. available for $10, and after 4 p.m. they will be $18. Thursday will feature unlimited ride passes from noon to 4 p.m. for $15 and $18 starting at 3 p.m.

Friday will offer the Family Four Pack, where quartets of people can purchase four wrist bands good from noon to 4 p.m. for $55 or $18 per individual, and after 4 p.m. all four people (who must be at the ticket booth at the same time) can purchase tickets for $18 apiece.

Saturday will be Buy One, Get One Half Off Day from noon to 4 p.m., where two people can purchase one wrist band for $18 and get the second at half off (both must be at the ticket booth at the same time).

Individual ride tickets may be purchased each day at $1 each, with rides requiring three to five tickets per ride.

“We’ve got a lot to do and plenty of fun things to experience, so we invite everyone to come out and enjoy the wonderful Harvest Ridge facilities and all of the rides, animals, shows and food,” Taylor said. “We’re very excited to present our 100th Holmes County Fair. It should be something special.”