Ohio State Fair Attendance down in 2017

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The final attendance figures for the 2017 Ohio State Fair have been released, and they are down significantly from 2016.

Officials say 801,031 people attended the fair this year, which is down 13% from 2016, where 921,214 people came through the doors to enjoy the fair.

This year's fair was marred by the accident involving the "Fire Ball" ride on the first day, where one person died, and seven others were hurt, when part of that ride broke during operation, sending riders flying through the air.

While the rest of the rides are packed up and gone, the "Fire Ball" remains on site at the Ohio Expo Center, as the State Highway Patrol continues their investigation.

Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler says, "This year, of course, was not a normal Fair year. Opening Day's tragic ride accident, which closed the midway for several days, coupled with a few days of cool, rainy weather, certainly contributed to the dip in attendance."

Fair officials also released other fair attendance figures in recent years:

2017: 801,031

2016: 921,214

2015: 982,305

2014: 916,724

2013: 903,824

2012: 840,306

2011: 833,304

2010: 812,237


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content