The 58th annual Ottawa County Fair has plenty of surprises for the expected crowds of visitors when it opens on Monday, July 18 for a week of new experiences, old-fashioned fair competitions, traditional fair food and family-friendly happenings.

“We have so many new features for this year’s fair, and we’re sure everyone in Ottawa County, and lots of visitors from around the region, won’t want to miss the 58th edition here in Oak Harbor,” said long-time official Mike Libben of the Ottawa County Senior Fair Board.

Libben said the Fair Board and the agricultural community are excited to welcome an expected 20,000 visitors to the fairgrounds, and are sure everyone is going to experience an amazing event, including free daily carnival mechanical and inflatable rides for kids who are 9 or older for a single admission of just $6. And there will be free admission for everyone on Sunday, July 24, thanks to sponsor Magruder Hospital.

The Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association will host free harness racing on Monday and Tuesday, July 19-20 at 5 p.m. The popular Autocross on Wednesday, July 20 at 7 p.m. is just $5, sponsored by Avery Dennison. Seating for the Rafter M Rodeo by Howard Hanna on Thursday, July 21; TheTwisted Metal Demolition Derby on Friday, July 22, presented by Baumann Auto Group; and the OSTPA Tractor Pulls on Saturday, July 23 — all held at 7 p.m. — all have seats priced at $10, $15 for reserved or infield seats.

The naming of the Genoa Bank Pavilion will take place on Tuesday, July 19 at 1 p.m., with Genoa Bank officials helping with the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new ice cream booth in the pavilion.

Through the hard work of Ottawa County Fair officials, they have been able to expand the fair and offer fairgoers a lot of new and different food exhibits and arts vendors. There has been a substantial increase this year in sponsorships from small and large business throughout the county.

The Fair Board has also rejuvenated its Youth Press Corps after a hiatus of many years, bringing in high schoolers to cover this year’s fair. The young students will be sharing photos and videos on social channels such as TikTok to reach the younger demographic, in addition to Facebook and Instagram.

For next week’s entire fair schedule, visit www.ottawacountyfair.org.