COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Fair was recently presented with a first place Agricultural Award of Excellence from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for the fair’s new Agriculture is Cool interactive education program held in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio’s agricultural commodity groups.
The 2011 Agriculture is Cool program, inspired by the initiative of Gov. John R. Kasich, included several interactive education stations throughout the Ohio State Fair where students could learn about the many ways Ohio’s largest industry — agriculture — impacts many facets of their everyday lives.
Award
The program, which also offered scholarships to top participants, was recognized as the best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event or program for the fairgoing public for fairs with annual attendance between 500,001 and 1 million.
The award was presented during a special awards ceremony held Nov. 29 during the 121st Annual IAFE Convention. In addition, the Ohio State Fair received eight different awards in the marketing division.
Dates
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.
