Lake County Fair 2024 returns July 23-28 with new Expo Wheel, daily pig races

Jul. 22—Groups gathered at the Lake County Fairgrounds on July 22 tending to animals, setting up food stands, preparing vendor stalls and more in preparation for the 2024 Lake County Fair.

This year's fair runs July 23-28 at Lake County Fairgrounds, 1301 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township.

Organizers said the fair will include pig races for the first time in years. The fair website listed races every day at 2 p.m., with other races scheduled throughout the week.

"At the end they're racing for Oreo cookies," said fair Concessions Manager Cindy Woodman.

Another change will be visible to drivers on Mentor Avenue. The 70-foot-high Expo Wheel is in its first year of operation, Woodman said, though she believes that it has been used at other events this year.

"When it's lit up at night it's fabulous," she added.

The fair will kick off on July 23 with free admission for all visitors until 3 p.m., which is also when the fair's rides open that day. Veterans will have free admission all day for the fair's Veterans Day.

Later that evening, attendees can line up to watch the 2024 Lake County Fair Parade. The procession will begin at 6 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church and First Church of Christ in Painesville and march west to the fairgrounds, according to a city news release. The affected portion of Mentor Avenue will be closed to traffic during the parade.

The fair's opening ceremony will take place at the fairgrounds grandstand after the parade, according to the fair schedule. Other festivities that evening include a veterans program at 6 p.m. at the Belcher Pavilion, the fair's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 7 p.m. and a baked goods auction at 7:30 p.m.

July 24 will be the fair's Family Day. Families of four or larger will pay $8 per person for admission and ride access.

During the fair's July 25 Kids Day, kids 14 and under can get free admission to the fair all day with an adult 21 and over, and Kids Day activities will be available for kids 12 and under at the grandstand from 1 to 3 p.m. Day ride wristbands will cost $8.

Senior Day will take place on July 26. Attendees 60 and older will get free admission until 3 p.m., and senior activities will take place at the fairgrounds entertainment tent from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Laketran will offer seniors free transportation to the fair for Senior Day, according to a Lake County Council on Aging news release. Visiting seniors will be treated to free boxed lunches, bingo, games and prizes. The first 350 seniors to sign up at the council's table will receive a free picnic-style lunch at 11:45 a.m.

There will also be a DJ and live music from country and bluegrass performer Tom Todd, the release added.

People who want more information about Senior Day can contact Linda Llewellyn at 440-205-8111 ext. 241 or [email protected].

The fair's schedule for July 27 includes free donuts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until gone, and line dancing at 2 p.m. July 28 will feature an open church service from 9-10 a.m.

July 28 will also be the fair's Latino Day. Woodman said that it will include "authentic Mexican food, Puerto Rican food, bands, music all geared toward the Latino community."

A number of evening events are also scheduled during fair week. Dirt Night Motor Mayhem is set for July 24, Motocross Racing for July 25, KOI Drag Racing for July 26 and Power Pull Truck Pulls for July 27.

The Demolition Derby is scheduled for the evening of July 28. Fair Board President Wade Crofoot described it as "probably our biggest draw."

Some evening events require additional payments for tickets.

Visitors to the fair can also listen to live music. The Castaways will provide rock and roll music on July 24, the Sumrada Band will perform on July 25, the Kings of Revelry will perform on July 26 and the Pawn Band will play '70s and '90s rock and roll on July 27.

The fair schedule also includes a number of 4-H and agricultural events, along with shows like Jungle Terry and the Whiz Bang Science Show. Woodman added that the ride areas have 15 rides that are included in the price of admission.

A full schedule of fair events and more fair information can be found at lakecountyfair.org.

Aside from special promotions, general admission tickets cost $10 and are required for all attendees who are 3 or older. The fair website says that admission provides access to "all exhibits, free midway shows, some grandstand shows and rides (except for live pony rides and special attractions)."

"For $10, I don't know where else you're going to get a bigger bang for your buck," Woodman said.

Michael McDonald described the fair as his family's "favorite week of the year." McDonald is a 4-H advisor and has been a fair participant since he was 8, and his kids have come their whole lives.

McDonald added that participating can teach kids skills ranging from raising animals for consumption to public speaking.

Woodman said that the fair admission price helps maintain the facilities where groups like 4-H and the Boy Scouts provide help at the fair.

"When you look at these youth development organizations and you want to support them in a way, just attending this fair does that," she said.

Lake County Fair

This year's Lake County Fair runs July 23-28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1301 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township.

Gates open at 8 a.m. each day, and exhibit buildings and the midway open at noon each day, according to the fair website. Exhibit buildings close at 10 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday, while the midway closes at 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Aside from special promotions, general admission tickets cost $10 and are required for all attendees who are 3 or older.

Rides will open at noon every day except Tuesday.

Visit lakecountyfair.org for more information.

Originally Published: July 22, 2024 at 5:26 p.m.