COLUMBUS — The Ohio Expositions Commission and the Ohio Department of Agriculture have announced that the Agriculture is Cool education program, hosted in collaboration with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups, will return to the 2012 Ohio State Fair.
The Agriculture is Cool program includes several interactive education stations throughout the Ohio State Fair where students have the opportunity to learn about the many ways Ohio’s largest industry — agriculture — impacts many facets of their everyday lives.
Recognition
The program, which also offers four $500 scholarships to top participants, was recognized by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions as the best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event or program for the fair-going public for fairs with annual attendance between 500,001 and 1 million.
The Agriculture is Cool program will be open to visitors of all ages during the 2012 Ohio State Fair, July 25 – Aug. 5. For the second consecutive year, exiting fourth grade students (2011-2012 academic year) and a chaperone will be admitted for free upon presentation of a valid report card at the entrance gates.
New this year, fourth grade teachers will be invited to attend the Fair for free and can enter to win one of two $2,500 classroom grants. Teachers are required to submit their contact information online at www.agri.ohio.gov/agiscool and will be sent an admission voucher.
Contest
Prior to the Fair, the Creative Expression visual arts contest will take place through July 9. School-age Ohioans (K-12) are encouraged to draw, paint, photograph or produce a video about why they think agriculture is cool. Winners in each category and age group will be selected and honored in a special ceremony at the Fair.
For information about the contest, a copy of the rules and entry forms visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/agiscool or call 614-752-9817.
For more information about the fair, call 888-OHO-EXPO or 614-644-FAIR or visit ohiostatefair.com. The 2012 Ohio State Fair will run July 25-Aug. 5.
