Other states may have well-known state fair attractions — North America’s largest traveling Ferris Wheel in Wisconsin, or Big Tex in Texas, for example — but there’s nothing that matches Ohio’s most famous attraction.

Sculpting has already begun on the 2024 butter cow, in addition to a butter calf and other sculptures to be unveiled. There’s more to our fair than that, though.

This year’s fair runs July 24-Aug. 4 at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair Grounds in Columbus. It has been showcasing the best of Ohio agriculture and providing entertainment for fairgoers since 1850.

But this year, it was given its due credit as one of the top ten state fairs in the country, by Farm Flavor.

The media outlet told its readers, “Besides the 60 rides, 200 food vendors, live entertainment, contests and activities, the fair also offers a petting zoo, helicopter rides, a farm animal delivery room, an 8-acre natural resources park, horse shows and more.”

For a gate admission price of just $12 for adults and $36 for a ride-all-day wristband, a family could spend a day at the fair for a good bit less than the cost of an amusement park. Well, depending on how much funnel cake one plans to consume.

Tempting goodies aside, there are concerts, competitions, plenty of other attractions — a person might even stumble on some extra cash by visiting the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds’ setup.

There are educational displays, a fine arts show, free fishing for the kids … there really is something for everyone. If you are a regular state fair-goer, you’ve likely already got your visit planned.

But if you’ve never been, don’t miss one of the best such events in the country.