Ohio State Fair 2024: What's new for this year?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The 169th Ohio State Fair kicks off July 24 and runs through Aug. 4 with a lot of traditions, food and more returning to the Ohio Expo Center. For 2024, fairgoers can expect several new things to enjoy.

Below is a list of new experiences you can expect to see at the Ohio State Fair this year.

Career Pathways Program

The new addition to showcase the workforce and give visitors a learning experience on different career paths. The program will include live size cutouts of personnel in the workforce, learning about different positions to inspire Ohioans of all ages.

Expo 2050 Project Showcase

The Ohio Expo Center facility is currently under construction, but patrons can visit the project showcase in Central Park to see renderings of the new area and a look at the construction site.

Ohio State Fair History Exhibit in Kasich Hall C

The new exhibit will show historic photos and more with "tiny fairs" going back to the 1800s to show what the fairgrounds looked like back in the day.

Mural Competition

The newest contest will showcase artists work from all over the state where they submitted their masterpieces and have to recreate their murals in a live competition on July 26-28 on the lawn of the Cox Fine Arts Center.

Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show

The Nerveless Nocks, which is known for their Giant Sway Pole Show featured on America's Got Talent Extreme and AGT Season 17, will showcase daredevil stunts performed 80 feet above the ground. This will be at the south end of the Mountain Dew Midway.

New Food Avenue

Big news for foodies! A collection of the newest food vendors will be located along New Food Avenue between the Ohio Lottery Main Street Stage and the north end of the Midway. The avenue will have new food and drinks from pickle lemonade to deep fried buffalo chicken bomb.

Poster Contest

The fair added a brand new poster contest this year. Winning artist, Lindsay Boyd was selected as the grand champion. Additionally, the top five finalists will have their posters displayed in Kasich Hall C.

Run Like a Girl 5k and 10K

Runners will start at the Historic Crew Stadium and race through the fairgrounds on Aug. 4, getting a behind the scenes look at the fair before gates open for the day.

Sheepdog Spectacular

Along with the Marvelous Mutts show featuring rescue dogs, the Dog House will show Sheepdog Spectacular, which the fair said is an entertaining and interactive show featuring working sheepdogs herding sheep.

Strolling Entertainers

New faces will be seen by fairgoers throughout the day providing some laughs and smiles.

Taste of Ohio Pavilion and Beer Garden

The Taste of Ohio Café will become the Taste of Ohio Pavilion and Beer Garden this year. While offering a variety of cuisines, the pavilion will have an expanded beer garden offering local, Ohio brews and wine.

Tiny Art Show

Artists accepted in the show will have a small piece of art priced at $250 or less to be sold at the exhibit. The show will be located inside the Cox Fine Arts Center.

Wheels of Agriculture Game Show

The new show at Kiddieland will offer lots of laughs and fun for all to enjoy, with the chance of winning some prizes.

For additional details on the Ohio State Fair including its entertainment lineup, follow this link.