Coming up in about a month, the great Ohio State Fair starts up again on July 27th! While I never went until a few years ago as a member of the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir, the experiences I've had here will last a lifetime. There are plenty of opportunities to make the most out of your ticket to the "fair"est place on Earth!

1. The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir

Naturally, I'm putting this at the top of the list because it's the reason why I ever came to the state fair in the first place! This choir is filled with a new group of talented singers every year and goes through intensive rehearsals in the week leading up to the fair and even more afterwards. Dr. Jon Peterson and other staff members conduct and lead these young musicians to entertain fairgoers for no charge at all! Additional information can be found here!

2. Animals…lots of animals

FFA, 4H, and many independent farmers make the State Fair alive with its historical roots. Agriculture is predominant as the backbone of the fair and Ohio from the Horse Show, to the Ag. & Hort. Building, to the live cows on the fairgrounds.

3. The Butter Cow

For those of us with Paula Deen-like cravings or love for sculpture, the State Fair has an annual butter cow sculpture (equipped with a butter calf!) along with a special display sculpture. You butter check this out if you plan on coming!

4. So many rides

Not your average amusement park rides; these rides can go from moderate to adrenaline-rushing. For many, these are the highlight of the fair experience. If you do choose to buy ride tickets and pursue these, just eat lightly before hand (very hard to resist).

5. The All-Ohio State Fair Band

Choir's not your thing? Have no fear! The State Fair Band is a tradition even older and just as great as the youth choir. They play many of America's great patriotic tunes and even perform one day in a combined concert with the State Fair Youth Choir. If you were ever in marching band in high school or college, come out to support this unique organization!

6. The Natural Resources Park

One of the best parts of this state fair is away from the fried foods, noise, and giant rides. Get back in touch with nature; learn about Ohio's many natural resources, parks, and preserves; or even talk to a fourteen-foot tall Smokey the Bear! The Natural Resources park is sure to be a relief from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the fair.

7. Big. Yellow. Slide.

Riding down this at least once every year, for me, promised good memories and strong friendships. While it can be daunting going up the steps to the top, it's nothing but laughter and smiles on the way down.

8. Food EVERYWHERE

No state fair is perfect for healthy eaters: so live it up! Fried foods are a fair tradition across the country and our state fair has marvelous deep fried buckeyes, massive turkey legs, and the air-conditioned Taste of Ohio building with various farmers selling Ohio-grown food!

9. Special Guest Artists

In recent years, Carly Rae Jepsen and Meghan Trainor have both graced the stage of the Celeste Center. This year, artists like Dolly Parton, Rachel Platten, and Jeff Dunham will perform on their respective days at the State Fair, and even more events can be found here!

10. Arts Exhibition

While this may not be the most active thing at the fair, this exhibition showcases artwork by kids all across the state! There is also a larger art exhibit next door featuring works by adults. Both of these exhibits are near the Martin Janis Center where more crafts and activities are featured as well!

11. Fireworks every night

Whether you attend the fair as a choir/band member, a farmer, or just a regular attendee: the fireworks bring a great end to an even greater day. They never fail to impress fairgoers, including myself, and make the Ohio State Fair that much more "fair"tastic.