Entertainment

Loaded concert lineup is a key draw for 154th Ohio State Fair

Lineup includes George Jones, Merle Haggard, Pat Benatar, 'Weird Al' Yankovic and Rascal Flatts.

By Ben Sutherly

Staff Writer

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

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COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Fair amps up today with the first in a concert series that seems to be resonating with fairgoers.

Former American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry performs rock 'n' roll with his namesake band Daughtry tonight at the WCOL Celeste Center.

"The Celeste Center lineup has been extremely well-received," fair spokeswoman Christina Minier said.

Other performers this year include Gary Allan; KEM; George Jones and Merle Haggard; Diana Reyes; Jeremy Camp; a Johnny Cash tribute show performed by his brother, Tommy; rocker Pat Benatar; "Weird Al" Yankovic; Quiet Riot; and Rascal Flatts, which will perform in Crew Stadium. All concerts have one-price seating ($8 to $32), except for Flatts ($45, $55).

Minier said entries in most agricultural categories remain steady, with goat numbers up significantly.

This year's butter sculpture showcases Ohio's cheese industry. The traditional life-size butter cow and calf share cooler space with butter sculpted as a wedge of Swiss cheese measuring 6 feet by 8 feet. Ohio produces 125 million pounds of Swiss each year, more than any other state.

The fair remains among a handful of large ones nationwide that don't permit beer sales.

154th Ohio State Fair

WHEN: Today through Aug. 12

ADMISSION: $8 for adults, 13-59; $7 for children 5 to 12 and senior citizens over 60; children under 5 admitted free. ($2 admission until 6 p.m. today)

TIP: $6 tickets at Kroger, Ticketmaster, participating AAA locations.

PARKING: $5 per vehicle

RIDES: $1 to $3 each, or $20 for ride-all-day wristbands

GATES: open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 70 east to I-71. Take I-71 north to the 17th Avenue exit or the Hudson Street exit at Silver Drive