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fair foundation

Fair Foundation

The Fulton County Fair Foundation was developed to raise, receive, and invest funds that will benefit the Fulton County Agricultural Society (The Fair).  The Fair Foundation operates as a supporting nonprofit organization. We work in tandem with the Senior and Junior Fair Boards. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax deductible.  We invite you to join us in our new project – A new, expanded Arts & Craft Building.

Note, all projects must be discussed and approved by the Fulton County Fair Board of Directors.

Expanding for Future Generations

It all started with a few tents on 10 rented acres. Who would have imagined the annual Fulton County Fair would be the largest attended county fair in Ohio in 2019 and one of the largest events in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan?  The Fulton County Agricultural Society was established in 1858 for the purpose to promote and encourage agriculture, industry, science, art and other interest of Fulton County, Ohio. Through the growth of the Fair, the mission of the Society has advanced as more people from the region participate directly, or as merchants, vendors, and attendees. The 2019 Fair attendance was 325,000 – a record.  Just as impressive, we recorded over 10,000 entries from both area youth and senior fair exhibitors in 2019.

Every year, artisans from around the region participate in the Fair. We welcome all – from novice, fledging artists to those who are masters of their craft, to display unique works of art that they’ve poured their time, talent and attention into. It’s a joy to walk through the fair and see everything from blown glass and molded clay to woodworking and culinary masterpieces!  Many of these thoughtfully crafted displays demonstrate an appreciation for lost arts – and all exhibits are treasures a wide range of fairgoers can admire. There’s truly something for everything.

We are proud of the way our fair has highlighted the skills of artisans in such a variety of ways. Over time, however, the desire for arts and crafts displays has grown so much that our current building simply cannot accommodate the demand.

Benefits of New Arts & Crafts Center

  • Larger space to expand our arts & crafts program and ensure our ability to attract and welcome new talent year after year
  • Greater ability to respectfully display work of novice artists and craftsmen willing to share their creations with fairgoers
  • Investment in our youth arts & crafts program and help young people become skilled and well-rounded individuals
  • Leverage the space during off-season, from renting the space for special events to coordinating programs that serve the community like the food bank for seniors’ program and more
  • Repair and repurpose the current Arts & Craft building for vendor and merchant use, thus alleviating tent rental. 

 

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

Invest in Future Generations

In addition to the 7-day Fair, the Fairgrounds is home to numerous national, regional, and community events such as the National Thresher’s, Crosley Automotive Group, regional horse shows and camping groups touring across the country.  The impact on the Fulton County community is unmatched, especially for the 1,000-plus youth who are involved every year in the Junior Fair Program along with their friends and family. 

This growth and accomplishment isn’t achieved by a single board of directors, an FFA Chapter, a local business, or parents helping their 4-H-ers with their project; it’s achieved by a generous and intentional community coming together with their skills, resources, and dedication to support our youth and community and to build upon the foundation for generations to come.   

Simply download the DONATION FORM and mail it in with your tax-deductible donation to: Fulton County Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 101, Lyons, Ohio 43533. If you have any questions regarding the Foundation please feel free to contact any Foundation or Committee  member.

Plan a gift that will build a foundation for the future

Please consider a charitable gift in your overall estate or financial plans. With a little planning, you can make a big difference in the lives of people who call Fulton County home and the surrounding communities.  Please talk with your tax advisor or lawyer regarding the benefits, both now and in the future, of including the Fulton County Fair Foundation in your planning.

If you have any questions regarding the Foundation, or if you would like to make a charitable donation, please feel free to contact any Foundation member.

Special thanks to our Arts & Craft Fund Committee Members

  • Dennise (Lange) Heban, Swanton
  • Lynn Kinsman, Archbold
  • Kim Krieger, Wauseon
  • Jim Speiss, Wauseon