Ohio State Fair

Ohio State Fair Skillathons

In-Person & Virtual Ohio Youth Skillathons

Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2025, and FFA members. 4-H and FFA members turning 19 on or before December 31, 2024, are too old to participate in skillathons.

Find all the details and rules here: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-4-h-animal-sciences-program/ohio-4-h-skillathons

RULES:

  • There is no pre-registration for any of the 2025 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
  • 2025 In-Person & Market (OME) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 3.26.2025)
  • 2025 Virtual Proctored Breeding (OBE) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 3.26.2025)
  • Outstanding Exhibitor Rules (OME and OBE)
  • Record Book Rules 
  • All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2025, and FFA members.
  • You do not have to exhibit a particular species to participate in that species Skillathon (EXCEPT FOR BREEDING SKILLATHON).
  • Any specific rules for an individual species will be outlined on the testing site.
  • Virtual participation skillathons will be delivered through Qualtrics. You must have access to a computer with the ability to access the internet.
    • Even though virtual Skillathons are online, each Skillathon must be taken by the youth only without assistance from family or friends.
  • (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Sheep, and Swine.
    • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species OBE skillathon
  • In-person Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair
    • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species in-person skillathon
  • There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules.
  • Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
  • If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
    • Youth will be required to show proof of Winning 4-H Plan, IEP, or other appropriate and current documentation to receive accommodations. 
  • Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed.

How to Register for Virtual Skillathons:

  • Open from May 26th – October 13th, Online.
  • There is no pre-registration for any of the 2025 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
  • This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
  • This may also replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
    • If you are using this skillathon for credit at your county fair, check for specific completion requirements with your fair.
  • Species Links Below:

Ohio State Fair Livestock Information

Ohio State Fair Livestock Schedule: July 13 – August 3, 2025

Market animals – (ownership Dates)

  • Market beef – January 1
  • Market swine – May 23
  • Market lambs – May 23
  • Market goats – May 1
  • Dairy feeders – June 1
  • Market rabbits – June 1
  • Market poultry – within 5 days of hatch

Breeding animals – (ownership Dates)

  • Breeding Beef – May 22
  • Breeding Swine – May 22
  • Breeding Sheep – May 22
  • Breeding Goats – May 16
  • Breeding Poultry – May 31
  • Breeding rabbits – May 31
  • Dairy Cattle – May 22

Ohio State Fair Boer Goat Show

There are more opportunities for junior fair exhibitors in the Ohio State Fair Boer Goat Department this year. There is now an opportunity for exhibitors to show their animals in junior fair that do not have registration papers from the American Boer Goat Association has been added.

jr_boer_goats_final

New Pygmy Goat Show at Ohio State Fair

From Brittany Baker, Fairfield County Junior Fair Pygmy Goat Show Committee Member and Ohio State Fair Pygmy Goat Superintendent:

I am happy to announce that we have done it! We have accomplished getting a Pygmy Goat show at the Ohio State Fair for 2025!!! This is huge! There have never been Pygmy Goats at the Ohio State Fair!

The dates are not ideal, but we cannot ask for a lot our first year. So, we will deal with what we are given. And yes, I know this is the same weekend of the Pygmy Goat Show in Wooster Ohio. So, after the Show Sunday at Wooster, bring your goats on down to the Ohio State Fair for another show. More details to come but I did want to make you all aware to not make plans July 13-15th! Ohio State Fair here we come!!

  • Youth Show only on Monday July 14th Time: TBD
  • Open Sanctioned Show Tuesday July 15th Time: TBD

Ohio State Fair Updates & Possession Deadlines

Remember in order to exhibit at OSF:
• QA completed 45 days prior to opening day of exhibition
• Washington County QA completion deadline is June 1, 2025

Online Entries
• All Junior Exhibitors must enter their projects online.
• No late market or breeding junior entries
• Schedule notes:
• All grand drives will remain in the barns
• Horses, Goats (boer and dairy) and Llamas/Alpacas will take place before the fair
• Dogs will conduct their show in June

BEEF BREEDING
• Crossbred breeding heifers will be required to submit a DNA packet with 840 EID tag information, reach out to
Andi Hershey for packets (a.hershey@expo.ohio.gov )
• Due Date: Postmarked by June 1st

4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) applications are now available

The 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA) applications are now available! Please promote this to your 13-18 year old (as of January 1) 4-H members interested in state-level leadership experience! Applications are available at https://go.osu.edu/4HEYA and are due, along with supporting materials, by May 15, 2025.

  • What: 4-H Event Youth Assistant (4HEYA)
  • Who: Individuals age 13-18 (as of January 1 of the year of application) and have at least 1 year prior 4-H experience.
  • Timeframe: Apply by May 15, selection, training, service to OSF, and evaluation. Complete responsibilities by August 31, 2025.
  • Requirements (in addition to application/selection process):
    • Training – Must attend one of the options for training (July 10 or July 15)
      • Please note: individuals MUST attend one of the training options. This is not negotiable. If you know you are unable to attend a training option before applying, it is best to wait another year before applying to serve in this capacity.
    • Events – Must work a minimum of 3 events at the Ohio State Fair; may work more if desired
  • Program Fee: $25/person (paid at [go.osu.edu/4HEYA25]go.osu.edu/4HEYA25);
  • Teens Receive:
    • 4HEYA Polo & Nametag
    • State Fair admission, parking ticket, and meal ticket(s)
    • Optional State Fair housing in the Rhodes Center (if desired)
    • Experience of working events at the Ohio State Fair
    • Opportunity to enhance leadership skills and be involved in the State 4-H program
  • What about the Teen Leadership Council? YES, these members may apply for 4HEYA AND TLC this year, if desired. TLC applications will be available in June and will be due the Friday following the Ohio State fair. Their term is September 1, 2025-August 31, 2026. Current TLC members are not eligible to apply for 4HEYA, as they are already fulfilling obligations at the Ohio State Fair.
  • Questions? Contact Frances (foos.61@osu.edu) or Sara (Deakin.5@osu.edu)

Ohio State Fair 4-H Results Announced

Nine local Washington County 4-H youth were recognized during the Ohio State Fair for receiving Outstanding of the Day Awards or Clock Trophy Awards. Outstanding of the Day awards were presented to the participants that scored in the top twenty percent of their class, whereas the top score of the day in each class received a clock trophy.

  • Brenna Cole, Churchtown Busy Bunch 4-H Club – Grow Your Own Vegetables – Jr, Outstanding of the Day
  • Marshall Davis, SL Homemaker LS 4-H Club – Making the Cut Woodworking – Jr, Outstanding of the Day
  • Ryann Glancy, Warren Wranglers 4-H Club – Cake Decorating – Beginner-Jr, Outstanding of the Day
  • Amelia Loughry, Oak Grove Explorers 4-H Club – Snack Attack – Jr, Outstanding of the Day
  • Levi Reynolds, Barlow Buckeyes 4-H Club – Family History Treasure Hunt, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy
  • Levi Reynolds, Bullseye 4-H Club – Shotgun – Jr, Outstanding of the Day and Clock Trophy
  • Nat Richmond, Oak Grove Explorers 4-H Club – Investigating Electricity, Outstanding of the Day
  • Ericka Schultheis, Washington County Carteen and Backyard Gang 4-H Club – Tracking Your Health & Fitness, Outstanding of the Day
  • Brantlee (BB) Thompson, Churchtown Busy Bunch 4-H Club – Public Speaking Contest – Junior Individual, Outstanding of the Day
  • Evie Wells, SL Homemakers & LS Boys 4-H Club – She won Third Place in Beginner Novice A at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show

Ohio State Fair Dog Show Results

Congratulations to Evie Wells, member of the SL Homemaker & LS Boys 4-H Club! She won Third Place in Beginner Novice A at the Ohio State Fair Dog Show. The show was held during June due to construction on the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

Nice job Evie!

Ohio State Fair Livestock Information

Ohio State Fair Livestock Schedule: July 15 – August 4, 2024

Market animals –

  • Market beef – January 1
  • Market swine – May 23
  • Market lambs – May 23
  • Market goats – May 1
  • Dairy feeders – June 1
  • Market rabbits – June 1
  • Market poultry – within 5 days of hatch

Breeding animals –

  • Breeding Beef – May 22
  • Breeding Swine – May 22
  • Breeding Sheep – May 22
  • Breeding Goats – May 16
  • Breeding Poultry – May 31
  • Breeding rabbits – May 31
  • Dairy Cattle – May 22

 

Ohio State Junior Fairboard Apps Due – March 1

The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of our great state’s best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. Selected to represent their respective youth organizations, these students serve on behalf of thousands of students across Ohio. As ambassadors for 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, and other career tech organizations. They are able to share their experiences and emphasize the value of the Junior Fair with patrons throughout the 12 days of the Fair.

For these dedicated Junior Fair Board members, the passion for the Fair is in their blood. They have risen through the ranks over the years, spending their childhood summers caring for livestock animals, exhibiting their projects at both the county and state level, attending group meetings, assuming leadership roles, taking part in summer camps and growing, all while these organizations have shaped their lives.

These students, ages 16-20, come together for two weeks of hard work, building enduring friendships and professional relationships along the way. Their personalities and experiences provide a youthful and fun perspective as they fill the roles of welcoming officials at livestock shows, Smokey Bear’s courteous assistants, friendly faces working at the Monster Mural and concert ushers at Celeste Center.

Visit here for more info: https://www.ohiostatefair.com/p/get-involved/jfb