Columbus, Ohio (WSYX) — The Ohio State Fair is spotlighting mental health on its third day, July 25, as part of RecoveryOhio’s Mental Health Day. Governor Mike DeWine established the RecoveryOhio initiative to tackle substance use disorders and mental illness by coordinating efforts across state departments and investing in the health of Ohioans. Fairgoers will have access to behavioral health resources throughout the fairgrounds to enhance prevention, treatment, and recovery support.
In addition to mental health resources, the fair offers a variety of activities and events on Friday.
Ohio State University Animal Sciences will lead barn tours, providing agricultural insights and answering questions. Tours are available hourly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until August 2, starting at the OVMA Animal Care Center.
Art enthusiasts can enjoy a live mural competition at Cardinal Patio, where Ohio painters will compete for cash prizes. The Breaking Boundaries Swine Show, organized by the Ohio Pork Council, pairs developmentally impaired exhibitors with Junior Fair Swine exhibitors as mentors, showcasing inclusivity in the show ring. This event begins at 5 p.m. in the O’Neill Swine building.
Music lovers can catch performances by Jonathan Hape and The Makeshifts. Hape, a live-looping singer/songwriter, will perform at noon and 2 p.m. on the Ohio Lottery Gazebo Stage. The Makeshifts will play at 2 p.m. at the Taste of Ohio Pavilion & Beer Garden, followed by a live DJ at 6 p.m.
Livestock competitions include the Junior and Open Milking Shorthorn Show at 10 a.m. in Cooper Arena and the Junior Sheep Breeding Showmanship at 5 p.m. in the Brown Sheep Building presented by Kubota.
The Ohio State Fair Concert Series will feature Warren Zeiders with special guest Hailey Whitters at 7:30 p.m. in the Celeste Center. Zeiders, a rising star in country music, and Whitters, a GRAMMY-nominated artist, promise an exciting performance. Concert tickets, which include fair admission when purchased in advance, are available at ticketmaster.com/ohiostatefair.