Recordpub.com - Exhibits a big part of county fair Randolph gearing up for 150th

By Mike Sever

Record-Courier staff writer

A big part of the fun at the Portage County-Randolph Fair is seeing the entries in the myriad of contests.

The exhibits range from the best locally grown fruits and vegetables to flower remarkable handicrafts -- from homemade wine to giant squash and from handmade quilts and lace to mystery antiques and collections.

There's no fee to enter the non-livestock departments and it's a fun way for young and old, from all over the county to be part of the historic 150th Randolph Fair.

"Everybody who makes an entry will get a commemorative ribbon, so that way everyone will have a memento of the 150th Randolph Fair," said Virginia Hamilton, a member of the fair board. She's been involved in the fair for decades.

The departments have changed with the times while maintaining the county fair flavor. Photography has grown so popular it was moved to a larger space a couple years ago. A new section for digitally enhanced photos has been added, acknowledging the impact of computers and digital photography.

Many of the departments include a special anniversary section, calling for items to mark the fair's 150th anniversary. For example, photos from 1858 to 1900, or books copyrighted 1858 or before, or a souvenir glass printed with 1858 or before.

For a complete listing of departments and rules, pick up a Randolph Fair book at the fairground office, or at dozens of locations around the county.

The deadline for livestock entries is 8 p.m. Aug. 5, two weeks before the fair. All entries must be in place by Aug. 18 and remain in place until 9 p.m. Aug. 24, the last day of the fair.

Entries for departments 16 through 47 -- from fruits to collections -- are due by 8 p.m. Aug. 12. Items may be delivered to the fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18. Entries have to be in place by 8:30 p.m. and remain until 9 p.m. Aug. 24.

Entry forms may be delivered by mail to Secretary Sis Sayre, P.O. Box 213, Randolph, OH 44266, by fax to 330-325-1311, or in person at the fair office at 4215 Fairground Road, Randolph.