COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The 2025 Ohio State Fair has ended, but eyes are already on next year as major construction projects are happening on the fairgrounds.
“When it comes to the end, it’s always kind of bittersweet,” Alicia Shoults, deputy director of operations and experience at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, said. “We’ve had a great run, seen so many people, it’s like a reunion, bringing everyone back together. But we also get to start looking toward 2026.”
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“Greetings from 2026” signs were up around the grounds during this year’s fair. A temporary building also showed fairgoers renderings of what the property will look like next year as four existing buildings are being renovated and two brand-new buildings are being built: a 177,000-square-foot Ohio Agriculture Center and what’s being called the Ohio Showcase.
“We’ve had things the same way for so long and we want it in a way that not only can really beneficial for the fair but can also really function for the other 350 days of the year when we have events here at the facility,” Shoults said…