Portage County Fairgrounds — Local services in Randolph Township

Unfortunately, the hot air balloon fest was a frustrating disappointment. Advertising was incorrect regarding nightly events; parking was super slow...we sat in traffic for almost an hour (at least they didn't charge), and they parked handicap near the rear of the lot when there were spots near the entrance open...didn't give us a chance to ask; $5 entry fee; not enough food vendors so lines were an hour+ wait, and it might sound crazy but the French fry vendor had us stand in a line to pay then moved us to a line to wait for the fries. That was about an 1:20 total wait; and the prices for everything were astronomical. $10 for a lemonade after waiting 40 minutes for it? This was our 1st time going, and we heard folks saying it was the 1st year they held it there after decades somewhere else, and everyone was complaining about the same things: Wait times, availability, the balloons launched mostly 1 at a time, and from what we could see just went up and came back down. We didn't stick around for the fireworks. Friends waited over 2 hours to pay $30 each to go up in a tethered balloon about 40 feet (?) then came right back down. It might have been 3-4 minutes total. They didn't stop to let a packed basket look around at anything. If my times are off they aren't off by much. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because some of the vendors were real apologetic, which didn't really help visitor's moods. It was an unfortunate experience that had us decide to not go back to the fairgrounds for any future event. I don't like leaving negative reviews, but I heard a lot of visitors saying something needed done about the situation, so figured I'd speak up to hopefully effect a change for next year's visitors. Sorry Portage Co Fairgrounds. You might've made some $, but it was a swing and a miss for...

No fair on our visit but a horseshow. Alot of fun but a little crowded and a little scary as one has to walk among the participants and their horses, - and, it is walking around the horses that is of concern. It can be a little cramped maneuvering around them to get to the one spectator seating and competition ring. Horses can be touchy and you can't always trust them to behave themselves so a little caution is not out of line. A strong suggestion would be to try and walk outside of the horse area but another would be that there needs to be a better set-up of accommodating the participants and their horses and the spectators weaving between them. I didnt think the safety of everyone was as paramount as it should or could be. Also, seating is limited - there are some bleachers which not everyone relishes - but it is a fairground - and there is a bench or two. We stood along the fence inside the fenced in spectator area and watched the show. Again, it is getting to this area that can be tricky. So, watch your walk - dont get behind a horse or too closely to one. And, watch your step for horse doo-doo, too along the way - just in case. But, watching these beautiful creatures with their riders compete was truly a memorable experience. It is open to the public. Bathrooms ok - it is a fairground. There are concessions, too, but you can also bring your own snacks if you want to munch and watch! This horseshow used the fairground competition rings and had nothing to do with or was a part of the...

MAGA great time and what A Yuge Fantastic turn out. The bread and circus were delicious and entertaining. It's great to see all the 4H young Trumpians so enthusiastic about farming and livestock. All the Trump gear I saw gave me hope for Ohio voting for Trump 2020 and helping to save America from the communists/socialist demonrats that want to destroy farms and small business across the country making people dependent on government handouts. Vote Trump 2020 so we can continue this great American tradition of the fair. Call your local Ravenna leaders and tell them 4H matters and to start start school later or excuse 4H kids from school to participate in the fair! The democrat run cities hate our youth don't let it happen anymore. Support your local fair and the famlies tthat make...