Franklin County Agricultural Society

What Franklin County Agricultural Society does

The Franklin County Agricultural Society is a nonprofit agricultural society that operates the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, Ohio, on over 70 acres of developed land that has hosted the Franklin County Fair for more than 100 years. Its flagship product is the annual week-long Franklin County Fair (July 20-26, 2026 for the upcoming edition), featuring harness racing, livestock and 4-H exhibitions, grandstand entertainment, home and fine arts competitions, midway rides operated by Bates Brothers Amusement Co., and 30+ food and beverage concessionaires. The society also produces the Hilliard Independence Day Parade (limited to 90 entries) and the Junior Fair livestock and creative baking auctions.

The business operates an event-driven, multi-stream revenue model. One-time transactional revenue comes from admission tickets (sold via app.fairs.com), ride wristbands ($23-$28 via batesbros.com and innovativeticketing.com), fair camping permits ($275/site), Ohio State Fair overflow camping ($35/night), and indoor ($300 per 10'x10') and outdoor ($3-$4/sq ft) vendor spaces. Recurring or subscription-style revenue comes from outdoor parking contracts (quarterly $150-$180, semi-annual $270-$330, annual $480-$600), seasonal indoor RV/boat parking (October-April), and FCAS memberships ($45/year for Franklin County residents 18+). Year-round building rentals cover the Edwards Building (7,200 sq ft, max 640 people), Ganyard Building (5,760 sq ft, max 540 people), and Burke Building (44,000 sq ft arena), used for events, trade shows, livestock exhibitions, and corporate functions outside fair week. Sponsorships are tiered Silver ($500-$1,499), Gold ($1,500-$4,999), and Platinum ($5,000+), with Nationwide Children's Hospital as the Premier Sponsor.

The technology footprint is minimal: a Squarespace website, third-party ticketing integrations, an online Junior Fair auction platform returning in 2026, and social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. There are no proprietary APIs, no AI/ML systems, no mobile app, and no disclosed data assets. The society is staffed by a small 1-10 person paid team led by Fairgrounds Manager Amy Fleshman, with governance provided by a volunteer Board of Directors (President Gary Fellure, 1st VP Cassie Fellure, 2nd VP Kevin Wiley, Treasurer Emily Gabriel, Secretary Kathy McNutt, Assistant Treasurer Becky Applegett). Its competitive position rests on century-old brand equity, 70+ acres of physical infrastructure, and institutional ties to Franklin County 4-H, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners (which co-funded the 2025 ADA bathroom project), and a multi-tier sponsor network.

Name

Franklin County Agricultural Society

Legal name

Franklin County Agricultural Society

Website

https://fcfair.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Franklin County Agricultural Society is a Hilliard, Ohio nonprofit that operates the Franklin County Fairgrounds on 70+ acres. It hosts the annual Franklin County Fair and rents buildings, parking, vendor spaces, and campsites year-round to families, vendors, event organizers, and RV owners in central Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Event Venue Services

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (71311)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family, Kids & Education Fairs (MPAGAFAH), Festival, Fair & Event Mobile Concessions (THAFAHAI), Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE)

Keywords

• Agricultural fair events
• Event venue rentals
• Fairgrounds facilities
• Youth livestock exhibitions
• Community event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

Farmington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Fair Admission Tickets: Revenue from ticket sales for the annual Franklin County Fair. Children 2 and under are free.
2. Carnival/Ride Tickets: Revenue from ride tickets and unlimited wristbands sold through Bates Brothers Amusement Co.
3. Building Rental: Rental of Edwards Building (7,200 sq ft), Ganyard Building (5,760 sq ft), and Burke Building (44,000 sq ft) for events, parties, vendor shows, and product shows during non-fair time.
4. Parking Rental: Outdoor parking (month-to-month, in-and-out privileges) and seasonal indoor parking (October-April). Tiered pricing structure effective January 1, 2026.
5. Fair Camping Permits: Camping permits during the annual fair week at $275 per site.
6. Ohio State Fair Camping: Camping during the Ohio State Fair at $35 per night.
7. Vendor Space Rental: Indoor vendor spaces at $300 for approximately 10' X 10' in the Dellinger building. Outdoor vendor spaces at $3-4 per sq ft with $300 minimum.
8. Concession Space Rental: Food, beverage, and game concession spaces for the annual fair.
9. FCAS Membership: $45 annual memberships granting daily fair access, voting rights for society elections, and invitation to annual meeting. Must be Franklin County resident and 18+.
10. Sponsorships: Three sponsorship tiers: Silver ($500-$1,499), Gold ($1,500-$4,999), Platinum ($5,000+). Event sponsorship opportunities for entertainment, tents, livestock shows, and junior fair.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Franklin County Agricultural Society operates the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, Ohio, producing the annual Franklin County Fair along with year-round building rentals (Edwards, Ganyard, Burke, Dellinger buildings), parking rentals for RVs and vehicles, fair-week camping permits, indoor/outdoor vendor and concession space rentals, Junior Fair 4-H youth programs and auctions, Home and Fine Arts competitions, and the Hilliard Independence Day Parade. Revenue is generated primarily through ticket sales, facility rentals, sponsorships, memberships, and vendor fees.

Product overview

The Franklin County Agricultural Society operates the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, Ohio as a multi-purpose event venue. The primary product is the annual Franklin County Fair (July 20-26, 2026), supplemented by building and parking rentals, camping services, vendor/concession spaces, Junior Fair youth programs, and the Hilliard Independence Day Parade. The organization is not a technology company but rather a physical event venue and agricultural society offering facility rentals and annual fair programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Franklin County Fair Annual week-long agricultural fair held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, Ohio, featuring livestock exhibitions, grandstand entertainment (harness racing, wiener dog derby, concerts, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby), rides and games operated by Bates Brothers Amusement Co., home and fine arts competitions, and fair food. The 2026 fair runs July 20-26, 2026.
• Building Rental (Edwards, Ganyard, Burke Buildings) Rental of three event buildings (Edwards Building 7,200 sq ft capacity 640, Ganyard Building 5,760 sq ft capacity 540, Burke Building 44,000 sq ft arena) for parties, vendor shows, classrooms, product shows, livestock and horse shows. Available April-October for Burke Building; not available during July across all buildings.
• Parking Rental Year-round outdoor parking on Northwest Parkway with quarterly ($150-$180), semi-annual ($270-$330), and annual ($480-$600) billing options plus $25 key fob deposit. Seasonal indoor parking (October 2026 through March) in the Burke Building for RVs, boats, and vehicles at $300 base plus $15 per additional foot, with $25 per-visit access fee.
• Fair Camping Permit Camping at the fairgrounds during the Franklin County Fair week (July 20-26, 2026). Includes 30/50 amp electrical connections and non-potable water. Camper move-in begins July 17. Fee is $275 per permit with $25 late fee after June 1, includes Vehicle Delivery Pass for one passenger vehicle.
• Ohio State Fair Camping Camping offered during the Ohio State Fair when Ohio State Fairgrounds are under construction. Available starting July 28, 2026 at $35 per night with partial hookups (water and 110v/30 amp electricity); $10 additional for units over 40 ft; no deposits or refunds.
• Concessions and Vendor Space Rental Rental of indoor and outdoor commercial space for food/beverage concessions and product vendors during the fair. Indoor vendor space (10' x 10') costs $300 in the Dellinger building with pipe and drape provided. Outdoor vendor space is $3-$4 per square foot with $300 minimum. Vendors must staff the entire fair week.
• Junior Fair Program Educational youth exhibit and competition program promoting 4-H and Scout interests, including livestock, dogs, horses, 4-H non-livestock, special events, and Girl Scouts divisions. Features online auction system for buyers to contribute add-on funds to exhibitors' sale prices. Targeted at Franklin County youth participants.
• Junior Fair Auctions Auction events for Junior Fair participants, including Creative Baking Auction (Monday, July 20) and Livestock Auction (Sunday, July 26). Online auction system allows buyers to contribute add-on funds to exhibitors' sale prices remotely.
• Home and Fine Arts Competitions Competition events held in the Edwards Building for adults and youth, including baking, canning, quilting, sewing, arts and crafts, paper crafting, flowers, horticulture, photography, and special events. Participants compete for prize money and award recognition.
• Hilliard Independence Day Parade Annual 4th of July parade organized by the Franklin County Agricultural Society. Limited to 90 registered participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Theme for 2026: 'Celebrating America's 250th'.
• Open Class Livestock Events Open class swine and lamb exhibitions at the Franklin County Fair, separate from the Junior Fair program. Rules and entry information published annually.
• FCAS Membership Annual membership program at $45 granting daily fair access, voting rights for society elections, and invitation to the annual meeting. Must be Franklin County resident and 18+ with photo ID. Purchased in person only at the Fair Office.
• Sponsorships Three-tier corporate sponsorship program: Silver ($500-$1,499), Gold ($1,500-$4,999), and Platinum ($5,000+). Includes event sponsorship opportunities for entertainment, tents, livestock shows, and Junior Fair. Major sponsors distribute discount codes before July 19.

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered premier, minor and core.

• Nationwide Children's HospitalpremierGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Premier Sponsor of the Franklin County Fair. Logo featured prominently on the website as a premier sponsor. Hospital gains brand visibility and community engagement at central Ohio's premier fair event.
• ACC Client (ACC)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Recommended party rental company for vendors needing tent rentals. ACC Party Rentals is suggested for vendors requiring quality tents that can withstand summer weather conditions.
• Bates Brothers Amusement Co.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Operates all rides and games on the midway. Rides tickets sold exclusively through their website or in-person kiosk. Provides unlimited ride wristbands and operates sensory-friendly time on the midway.
• Franklin County Board of CommissionerscoreOthers · 1 January 2026Financially assisted the new ADA bathrooms project opened at the 2025 fair. Key government partner supporting fairgrounds infrastructure improvements.
• EVOLV HotelsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Partner providing discounted hotel booking links for fair attendees. Includes TownePlace Suites Hilliard, Fairfield Inn Columbus Dublin, and Best Western Hilliard.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Greater Columbus Convention Center: Large-scale event venue operator within the Columbus metro, providing trade shows, consumer expos, and conferences with year-round indoor facility rentals. While not an agricultural fair operator, it competes with the Franklin County Fairgrounds for mid-size event rentals, car/craft shows, and corporate functions in central Ohio.
• Cedar Point (Cedar Fair): Large-scale Ohio-based amusement park serving the regional family-entertainment market with rides, ticketed admission, and seasonal pass programs. A broader amusement-industry benchmark rather than a direct county-level competitor; relevant for ticketed-event pricing, ride-wristband economics, and family demographic engagement.

Direct peers

• Celeste Center (Ohio Expo Center): Indoor event hall within the Ohio Expo Center complex, hosting concerts, expos, and trade shows adjacent to the Ohio State Fair. Comparable as a large-format indoor event venue serving consumer shows and expos, with similar operational dynamics (multi-day event hosting, vendor concessions).
• Ohio Expo Center & State Fair: The Ohio State Fairgrounds and State Fair is the state-level counterpart, operating a multi-building event complex with similar year-round facility rentals, livestock shows, and a flagship summer fair. Comparable in scale (acres, multiple buildings, multi-day fair) and directly relevant because the Society already captures overflow camping when Ohio Expo Center is under construction.
• Delaware County Agricultural Society (Delaware County Fair): Another central Ohio county agricultural society operating an annual agricultural fair, livestock shows, junior fair, and event rentals on a county fairgrounds. Provides the closest county-level operating model to Franklin County and a useful benchmark for fair attendance, sponsorship tiers, and rental pricing.
• Pickaway County Agricultural Society (Pickaway County Fair): County-level agricultural society in central/southern Ohio running an annual fair with junior fair livestock, harness racing, and event rentals. Shares the nonprofit board-governance model and a similar mix of annual fair plus year-round facility use, making it a directly comparable benchmark.
• Fairfield County Agricultural Society (Fairfield County Fair): Central Ohio county agricultural society hosting an annual county fair with livestock competitions, Junior Fair, vendor spaces, and fairgrounds event rentals. Operates the same nonprofit-agricultural-society model with comparable size and revenue mix to Franklin County Agricultural Society.

Regional players

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Major central Ohio family attraction offering ticketed admission, themed events, and member programs year-round. Competes with the Franklin County Fair for family entertainment dollars in the Columbus metro, though its model is a permanent attraction versus a seasonal fair.

Others

• Franklin Park Conservatory: Central Ohio cultural attraction hosting seasonal events, family programming, and facility rentals. Not a direct competitor but a peer operator for venue-rental rate benchmarks, family-ticketing strategies, and member/subscription programs analogous to FCAS's $45 annual membership tier.
• Bates Brothers Amusement Co. Traveling carnival and midway operator that already runs rides and games at the Franklin County Fair under a channel partnership. Relevant as an ecosystem participant, comparable on ride-wristband economics ($23-$28), carnival revenue splits, and sensory-friendly program design, but operates as a contracted supplier rather than a competing venue.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FranklinCountyFairOhio
• Instagraminstagram.com/FranklinCountyFairOhio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/franklin-county-agricultural-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Franklin County Agricultural Society