Erie County Fairgrounds

What Erie County Fairgrounds does

The Erie County Agricultural Society, doing business as the Erie County Fair and the Erie County Events Center, is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1855 and headquartered at 3110 Columbus Avenue in Sandusky, Ohio. The society operates the Erie County Fairgrounds as a multi-purpose event venue, anchored by the annual Erie County Fair (scheduled August 10-16, 2026), a week-long agricultural exhibition featuring livestock shows, 4-H and FFA youth programs, paid grandstand entertainment (rodeo, tractor pulls, demolition derby, rough truck), and free grounds attractions including a petting zoo and vendor marketplaces.

The fairgrounds' physical infrastructure comprises Buildings 1 (14,000+ sq ft, capacity 400), 3, and 20, plus show barns, a horse arena, grandstands, heritage areas, and camping grounds. Digital infrastructure is limited to FairEntry online exhibitor registration, app.fairs.com online ticketing, and the Equal Digital Accessibility Checker for WCAG compliance. Revenue is generated through paid grandstand tickets ($5-$10), wristband sales for inflatables and laser tag ($10 daily, $30 weekly), $25 membership/season tickets, vendor booth fees, corporate sponsorships across multiple tiers, facility rentals ($1,300-$2,000 weekend), camping ($200-$250/week), and winter storage ($19-$24/ft for six-month terms). General admission to the fair is free.

The society is governed by a board of up to 25 directors under President Doug Burmeister, with over 100 named local and regional sponsors and partners. The organization monetizes primarily through event-driven transactions during fair week supplemented by year-round facility rentals and ancillary services. There is no parent company, no venture capital investment, and no public revenue disclosure.

Name

Erie County Fairgrounds

Legal name

Erie County Agricultural Society

Website

https://eriefair.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1855

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Erie County Agricultural Society operates the Erie County Fairgrounds in Sandusky, Ohio, hosting an annual week-long agricultural fair with free general admission and year-round event facility rentals, camping, and winter storage services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Fair and Event Venue Services

NAICS

Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)

Keywords

• Agricultural fair events
• Event venue rentals
• Livestock exhibitions
• Youth agricultural programs
• Community fairgrounds

Headquarters

HQ city

Sandusky

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Grandstand Event Admission: Paid ticketed events including Rough Truck, A Bar Rodeo, Livestock Scramble, NTPA Tractor Pull, and Demolition Derby. Prices range from $5-$10 per person, with pit passes at $20 each. Children 40 inches and under admitted free.
2. Wristband Sales (Inflatables & Laser Tag): All Day Wristband at $10, Week-Long Wristband at $30 for bounce houses, obstacle courses, interactive games, and laser tag attractions.
3. Membership & Season Passes: Erie County Resident Membership at $25 includes free admission to all grandstand events and voting rights. Season Tickets at $25 for non-residents include same benefits without voting rights.
4. Vendor Fees: Revenue from food vendors, indoor vendors, outdoor vendors, and commercial exhibitors renting space during fair week.
5. Sponsorship Revenue: Corporate sponsorships at various levels including Gate Sponsor, Sponsor of the Day, Building Sponsors, Event Sponsors, Grandstand Event Sponsors, Show Barn Sponsors, and Fair Supporters (Gold/Silver).
6. Event Rental Revenue: Rental fees for Building 1 ($2,000 Fri-Sun, $1,000 for May/June one-day), Building 3 ($1,300 Fri-Sun, $650 one-day), Building 20 ($400 first day, half price additional), and full grounds rental.
7. Camping Fees: $200 per week for standard camping, $250 for 50-amp sites, $75 for 60-amp vendor plugs (with $50 refund).
8. Winter Storage: Inside winter storage rates from $19-$24 per foot depending on width, for six-month terms.
9. Open Class Entry Fees: Youth under 18: $5 for unlimited entries. Season Passholder/Membership Holder: $2 per entry or $25 unlimited.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Erie County Agricultural Society operates the Erie County Fairgrounds as a multi-purpose community venue, producing the annual Erie County Fair (August 10-16, 2026) — a week-long agricultural exhibition featuring livestock shows, 4-H/FFA youth programs, paid grandstand entertainment (rough truck, rodeo, tractor pulls, demolition derby), free grounds entertainment, vendor marketplaces, and themed community days. Year-round, the fairgrounds rents Buildings 1, 3, and 20 for weddings, banquets, trade shows, and fundraisers; offers on-grounds camping; provides six-month winter vehicle/equipment storage; and hosts seasonal events like the Fall Extravaganza craft show.

Product overview

Erie County Fairgrounds operates as a multi-purpose event venue offering the annual Erie County Fair (a week-long agricultural exhibition) alongside year-round facility rental services. The core product is the annual fair featuring livestock exhibitions, 4-H/FFA youth programs, paid grandstand entertainment events (rough truck, rodeo, tractor pulls, demolition derby), free grounds entertainment (petting zoo, wonderdog show, wood carving), competitive open class judging, vendor marketplaces, and special themed days. Supporting products include event facility rentals (Buildings 1, 3, 20, and full grounds), winter storage services, seasonal craft shows, on-grounds camping, paid wristband attractions (inflatables, laser tag), membership/season tickets with grandstand privileges, FairEntry online exhibitor registration, and livestock/small project auctions. The fair is organized by the Erie County Agricultural Society.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 2026 Erie County Fair Annual week-long agricultural fair open to families and community members featuring livestock exhibitions, 4-H/FFA youth programs, grandstand entertainment events, free grounds entertainment, competitive judging, vendor marketplaces, carnival attractions, and special themed days including Kids Day, Senior Day, and Veterans Day.
• Event Facility Rentals (Erie County Events Center) Year-round rental of fairgrounds facilities including Building 1 (14,000+ sq ft, capacity 400), Building 3 (13,200 sq ft), and Building 20 (7,800 sq ft), plus full grounds rental for weddings, banquets, trade shows, fundraisers, and community events. Building 1: $2,000 Fri-Sun or $1,000 one-day; Building 3: $1,300 Fri-Sun or $650 one-day; Building 20: $400 first day, half price additional days.
• Winter Storage Six-month indoor and outdoor vehicle/equipment storage program running October through April, with rates from $19-$24 per foot depending on width. Six-month term with fall drop-off and spring pickup dates. Contact Doug Galloway at 419-656-6900 or fair office.
• Fall Extravaganza Craft Show Seasonal indoor craft show vendor event featuring handcrafted goods, fall décor, holiday items, and artisan products, with vendor booth rental opportunities.
• Camping Facilities On-grounds camping during fair week with limited campsites reserved for fair board members, 4-H families, vendors, and essential staff. Standard sites $200/week; limited 50-amp sites $250/week; 60-amp vendor plugs $75 with $50 refund.
• Grandstand Event Tickets Paid admission tickets for grandstand entertainment events including Rough Truck ($10), A Bar Rodeo ($10), Livestock Scramble ($5), NTPA Tractor Pull ($10), and Demolition Derby ($10). Pit Passes $20 each. Children 40 inches and under admitted free to grandstand seating.
• Hero's Party Inflatables and Laser Tag Wristbands Wristband-based access to bounce houses, obstacle courses, interactive competitive games, and laser tag attractions. All Day Wristband $10; Week-Long Wristband $30.
• Membership and Season Tickets Annual membership tickets at $25 for Erie County residents 18+ providing free fair admission, free grandstand access (excluding pit passes), full voting powers, and privilege of exhibiting in open class. Season Tickets at $25 for non-residents and youth under 18 include the same benefits except voting rights.
• FairEntry Online Registration Online entry system for all Erie County Junior Fair exhibitors (4-H and FFA members) to complete their fair entries for livestock shows, still projects, and fair competitions.
• Livestock and Small Project Auctions Auction events for 4-H and FFA members selling livestock (lambs, goats, feeder calves, steers, hogs) and small projects (clothing, still projects, FFA, poultry, rabbits, FCS, food), plus online add-on auction. Conducted by official Fair Auctioneer Bonnigson & Associates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2025/2026 Fair Queen Edy Solet crowned 2026 Ohio Fairs' Queen at state competition

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2529coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026VFW Post 2529 based in Sandusky is the Sponsor of the Week for the 2026 Erie County Fair, demonstrating community support for veterans at the fair's signature annual event.
• Shores & Islands OhiocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Regional tourism promotion organization serving as Monday Sponsor of the Day and advertising partner, promoting the fair to visitors of the Lake Erie coastal region.
• Genoa BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Genoa Bank serves as primary sponsor for A Bar Rodeo grandstand event on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, supporting rodeo entertainment at the fair.
• NOMS FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Healthcare foundation sponsoring Livestock Scramble event and supporting youth programs at the fair.
• Peacock WaterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Petting Zoo sponsor, supporting agricultural education and family entertainment at the fair.
• Dr. Timothy Cutler, NOMS Family PracticecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Multiple sponsor including Bathroom Sponsor, Kids Day sponsor (Dr. Tim Cutler Family Practice), and Show Barn Sponsor. Long-term supporter of fair youth programs.
• Erie Community Federal Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Financial institution sponsoring Livestock Scramble grandstand event supporting 4-H and FFA youth programs.
• Veterans Service Commission of Erie CountycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026County veterans services organization hosting Veterans Day activities on Saturday including free lunch for veterans and families.
• Serving Our SeniorsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Senior services organization hosting Senior Day activities on Friday including Senior Fest and recognition programs.
• BeltoneminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Hearing healthcare provider sponsoring Senior Day activities supporting elderly community members.
• Emerson Creek Wind & Wheatsborough Solar (Apex Clean Energy)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Renewable energy projects by Apex Clean Energy serving as Saturday Veterans Day sponsor and lamb show sponsor.
• Sandusky Bay Citi LifestyleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Local business serving as 4-H Still Project Building Sponsor supporting youth project exhibitions.
• Laborers Local 480minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Labor union serving as Thursday Sponsor of the Day showing support for working community members.
• Bunge & Devoted Health PlansminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Agriculture company and health insurance provider co-sponsoring Senior Day hosted by Serving Our Seniors.
• Colonial Gardens & Accurate Business MachinesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 August 2026Tuesday co-sponsors of the day including flower shop/greenhouse and business services company.
• York Animal HospitalcoreOthers · 10 August 2026Official Fair Veterinarian providing veterinary services for livestock exhibitions and animal health oversight during fair week.
• Bonnigson & AssociatescoreOthersOfficial Fair Auctioneer providing professional auction services for livestock and small project auctions during fair week.
• Ohio State University Extension - Erie County OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExtension office provides 4-H program administration, fact sheets, exhibition rules, and youth development resources for Erie County youth.
• Michael & Jennifer Gast FamilycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGenerous sponsor covering full cost of ALL youth exhibitor armbands for 2026, providing free grandstand access to exhibitors.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Seneca County Fair: Ohio county fair in Attica, OH operating a near-identical annual agricultural fair model. Comparable on revenue mix (admissions, grandstand, sponsorships, vendor fees), community integration with 4-H/FFA, and rural/agricultural attendee base.
• Ottawa County Fair: Ohio county fair in Oak Harbor, OH. Comparable as a mid-sized Ohio county fair with agricultural exhibitions, youth programming, and grandstand events, serving a similarly sized Lake Erie coastal community.
• Ashland County Fair: Ohio county fair in Ashland, OH. Compares on the same agricultural society non-profit structure, livestock/4-H exhibition focus, and grandstand entertainment lineup, making it a useful benchmark for Ohio county fair operational economics.
• Huron County Fair: Ohio county fair in Norwalk, OH with similar agricultural society governance and annual fair operating model. Comparable on event-driven community fair format, livestock and 4-H programming, and regional vendor/sponsor ecosystem.
• Delaware County Fair (Ohio): Ohio county fair in Delaware, OH. Comparable on the same non-profit agricultural society model, 4-H/FFA programming, grandstand events, and event-driven community fair format — useful peer for Ohio fair operational metrics.
• Sandusky County Fair: Neighboring Ohio county fair in Fremont, OH, operated by the Sandusky County Agricultural Society. Closest geographic peer — same business model (annual county fair with livestock, grandstand events, 4-H/FFA), same sponsor/vendor structure, and overlapping attendee base in the Lake Erie region.
• Lorain County Fair: Ohio county fair in Wellington, OH. Operates the same annual county fair format with livestock exhibitions, grandstand entertainment, and youth programs — providing direct benchmark on attendance, pricing, and sponsorship tiers within the Lake Erie/Cleveland region.

Broad incumbents

• Indiana State Fair: State-level fair operated by the Indiana State Fair Commission in Indianapolis. Comparable as a multi-day agricultural and entertainment fair with livestock exhibitions, grandstand events, and youth programming — a useful state-level benchmark for scaling, sponsorship tiers, and year-round facility use.
• Ohio State Fair: State-level fair operated by the Ohio Expositions Commission in Columbus. Directly comparable as a multi-day agricultural and entertainment fair with livestock exhibitions, grandstand events, and youth programming, but at a much larger scale and broader geographic draw than Erie County Fairgrounds.
• Eastern States Exposition (The Big E): Multi-state fair in West Springfield, MA representing the six New England states. Comparable as a large, multi-day agricultural fair with livestock exhibitions, grandstand entertainment, and youth programming, but at significantly larger scale and broader geographic scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/eriefairOH
• Instagraminstagram.com/eriefairoh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/erie-county-fairgrounds

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 Erie County Fairgrounds