Ohio State Fair Announces New Rides After Safety Concerns

Three new rides will open as five others remain closed, including one permanently.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:33pm

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The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced that three new rides will open at the upcoming Ohio State Fair, following safety concerns that led to five other rides being closed, including one that will permanently not operate.

Why it matters

The Ohio State Fair is a major annual event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. The decision to close certain rides due to safety issues raises questions about the fair's oversight and maintenance of its amusement park attractions, which are a key part of the fair experience.

The details

After a review of the fair's rides, officials determined that five attractions would not open this year, including one that will be permanently retired. However, three new rides have been approved and will make their debut at the upcoming fair. The specific rides affected and the nature of the safety concerns were not disclosed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which oversees the state fair.

  • The Ohio State Fair is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2026.
  • The decision to close and open certain rides was announced on March 11, 2026.

The players

Ohio Department of Agriculture

The state agency responsible for overseeing the Ohio State Fair and its amusement park rides.

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The takeaway

The Ohio State Fair's decision to close several rides due to safety concerns highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and maintenance of amusement park attractions, especially at large public events. The introduction of new rides suggests the fair is working to address these issues and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.