The Dispatch wrote
Ohio’s big state expo makes some adjustments for tough economic times
Sunday, July 27, 2008
BY KATHY LYNN GRAY
Pennies definitely have been pinched in preparation for this year’s Ohio State Fair. Nightly fireworks won’t light the sky, and fewer television ads will lure people in. Fair officials know that visitors’ budgets are tight, too, but hope new attractions and good ticket deals will entice newcomers and veterans alike.
With a little planning and perhaps a bit of restraint, the fair can be a bargain, said spokeswoman Christina Leeds. “Plan ahead and take advantage of the specials, then take advantage of all the free stuff we have,” she said.
Fair officials hope to boost last year’s languid attendance of 806,301 to at least 2004’s total of 850,318. More visitors mean more money for both the fair and its vendors — especially important because of unexpected increases in gasoline and energy costs.