They will have metal detectors and bag search at entrance but I didn't see anything about firearms being prohibited, but I think it might be?

We were just there two days ago.  The answer is "yes but..."  Yes, you may bring a concealed handgun, but you're not allowed to carry it into any building, repeat any building, including restrooms, they're all posted.  I don't think that applies to 'pole barn' style buildings like where the rabbits and chickens are, if it's an enclosed building forget it.

The OSHP is running security and will find it, I didn't ask what they would do but I assume the worse, e.g., follow you around to make sure you don't go into any building.  I really don't know if the "No guns" signs at the state fairgrounds have the same legal weight as at a shopping mall, since it's state property maybe there's more to it than a "pretty please".

Mike and Nan were in the Kasich building, pfft, and Nan was reading the story "The Little Red Hen" to a handful of children in the most boring monotonous voice I ever heard.  If you're going to read an anti-socialist children's book, at least be a bit more animated about it!  Good grief.

Thanks for the info. Nan or Fran? Both look like men. Lol

Nan Fran what's the diff LOL

Fran, children's literacy is one of her pet projects, she just looks like an old lady to me.  Shrug.

Nan Whaley looks like and, I'd wager good money, is a Karen.  I hope Mike beats her, otherwise she'll be hectoring Ohioans about everything for four years.

As stated, you can freely walk around the property but buildings a prohibited. That said, concealed means concealed and I have never had any issue.

If you buy your ticket online, you’re very lightly wanded by OSHP.


If you buy your ticket at the gate, you walk through a metal detector and bag search.

There are two separate lines. Buy your ticket online.

I got it online already, i assume kids under 5 is free?

OSHP didn't check, waved me right in - maybe because i have two cute young kids

You were profiled.  Terrorists and mass murderers generally do not pack along 2 cute kids....

So I've never been to the Ohio State Fair but we are looking to go today does each of the indoor buildings have a security checkpoint or is it just to get into the fair with the security checkpoint? If I need to use the bathroom do I get wanded or is it more of a everything's posted and it's up to you to follow the rules type of thing?

There is only a security checkpoint to get into the fairground.  Signs are posted on buildings, but you won't get wanded for entrance.  There may be additional security for the concert venue, I don't know about that.

The day I saw the DeWines in the Kasich building there were a couple plainclothes OSHP standing against the back wall keeping an eye on everyone.  Yes guys, you were obviously OSHP or some agency; no adult males would be there in that room listening to Fran read "The Little Red Hen" without children or wives there too.

Thank you

Just got in. Got wanded, canik at 4 o'clock, wand didn't go off. Wouldn't surprise me if the wand was turned off and just an intimidation tactic.

lol, i used to toss my gun and ammo in my kid's stroller when we used to go to the IX Center.  pushed them right through the metal detector.

I know of no law that prevents carry of weapons at the fair or into the buildings there.

IIRC, if it's state owned land (I'm not 100% sure but I think it is) then they wouldn't be able to deny CCW in the outdoor areas, but then CCW in the buildings is illegal by law unless it's just a restroom facility like a roadside reststop.

FWIW, fairground restrooms are posted, but concealed is concealed.  Shrug.

FWIW, those signs are only valid on private property, not public.

Concealed is concealed, I agree.

BTW, my wife said several progressives posted on FB were going to boycott the Ohio state fair because CCW was allowed there.  Good, the less of them there the better.  Haha