The [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=529 Ohio State Fair] is running July 29-August 9 in Columbus, Ohio, about an hour from Dayton. The Ohio State Fair is one of the largest and longest-lasting state fairs. This is its 159th year! They did not have one from 1942-1945 due to the war and they allowed the grounds to be used for making ammunition, etc. They were the first fair to have electricity in 1896. It is known for the butter sculpture that are made with 1,500 pounds of butter. Each year there is always a cow and calf sculpture, but then a surprise such as the Wright Brothers one year. There is a skyride that goes over the midway. Many of the shows have people from American Idol this year. Previous years they have had oldies groups, country and western singers and a variety of others. Some shows are free. Other have an admission fee. There are agricultural exhibits, boxing, antiques, midway, animal displays and competition, bands and more. Only $10 for adult admission, $5 for 11 to 15 and under 11 free. If you've never experienced a county fair, this is your chance!
=== Young's Dairy ===
Willie overheard a fellow SCRABBLE player say she can't wait to get back to [http://www.youngsdairy.com/ Young's Dairy] for homemade ice cream. It is at 6889 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, Ohio, only 30 minutes from the Convention Center. It is a working dairy farm/restaurant/bakery/minature golf/driving range and petting zoo. Watch out for those goats! They can get aggressive! But most important is their homemade ice cream. It is delicious! Saturday, Aug 1, is their 8th Antique/Vintage Truck Show as well so it may be more crowded than usual.
While you are so close to Yellow Springs you might as well visit the small, rather posh hippy community. Buy beads or flowers from people's front porches and enjoy delightful restaurants and shops.