Start off right with advance-sale discount tickets. Tickets are just $6 at Kroger, participating AAA locations with AAA membership and Ticketmaster outlets through Aug. 5. Don't forget to browse the online list of discounts and promotions to see if there is a special deal for the day you're visiting. 

Care to save on shopping and snacks? Printer-friendly vendor coupons can be downloaded from ohiostatefair.com prior to visiting the Fair for discounts on everything from food to merchandise.

Last but not least, exiting fourth grade students can get into the Fair for FREE! Learn firsthand about Ohio’s largest industry, agriculture, and what makes it cool at a variety of hands-on stations hosted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio’s commodity groups located throughout the Fair.Exiting fourth grade students (2011-2012 academic year) and one chaperone can attend the Fair for free any day July 25 - Aug. 5 to enjoy this program simply by presenting a valid report card at the entrance gates. Students can also compete for a chance to win a $500 scholarship! Visit www.agri.ohio.gov for more information and official rules.

Free goodies while you're here

The Fair also offers a variety of free entertainment. There will be free live music daily at various locations across the grounds with genres ranging from bluegrass and gospel, to country and pop. Catch an act from a strolling entertainer, go fishing or kayaking in Natural Resources Park, swing by the free petting zoo, learn about science at the OSU Phun with Physics booth in the Youth Center, watch pig races, make crafts at Creative Corner, plant flowers in the Ag & Hort Building and so much more - all for free!

No matter how families choose to spend the day, the Ohio State Fair is sure to supply hours of entertainment for only the price of admission. For one last way to save, text FAIR to 82672 for exclusive text-only discounts.