Ohio State Fair

Among the many things to see and do at the 2012 Ohio State Fair (July 25 – August 5) is the opportunity to paddle a kayak on the Division of Watercraft's Kayak Pond located in the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio Expo Center. All of the activities at the park, including the kayak pond, are free of charge.

Kayakers must stand at least 50 inches tall and be capable of properly and safely sitting in a kayak. Children and adults are welcome to participate. Free registration is required on site near the Kayak Pond. Parents must sign waivers for paddlers under the age of 18. Paddlers select the time of their paddling session for that day, and they receive a wristband that permits them entry to the pond for their assigned session.

The 30-minute sessions begin with a basic overview of paddling safety and life jacket wear. Each participant, regardless of age, is provided a life jacket that they must wear while paddling on the pond. Actual on-water paddling sessions last 10 to 15 minutes. Paddling sessions are supervised by hands-on assistants who are ODNR employees and volunteers.

If you're interested in helping out, volunteer opportunities are available both in and out of the kayak pond. Visit VolunteerMatch.org for position descriptions and to sign up.

Daily kayak pond sessions at the fair are 10am to 7pm. Water depth in the 7,200 square-foot kayak pond is less than 3 feet. The kayak pond is among the state fair's most popular attractions.