157th Ohio State Fair opens its 12-day run

COLUMBUS (AP) — A mixed martial-arts competition, diving show and snake show are some of the things that are new for the 157th Ohio State Fair.

The fair now under way in Columbus also features the usual rides, concerts, fried foods and butter sculptures.

Gov. Ted Strickland cut a ceremonial red ribbon this morning to open the 12-day event, calling it “a uniquely Ohio experience.”

This year, the fair’s traditional butter cow and calf are joined by a giant football and the likenesses of Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns and Chinedum Ndukwe of the Cincinnati Bengals, also made of butter.

The display promotes a new school wellness program sponsored by the NFL and the National Dairy Council.