Sale of Champions

Every Bid Builds a Future

Aug. 9, 2026 at 1 p.m., WCOL Celeste Center
One auction, one afternoon, one community - with impact far beyond the show ring.

How the Sale of Champions Works

The Sale of Champions is more than an auction; it is a statewide investment in the future of Ohio youth and agriculture. During the auction, buyers place bids on champion livestock exhibited at the Ohio State Fair. Exhibitors receive earnings based on a set cap. Funds from the bids that exceed that cap are contributed to the Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program. The Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program supports youth exhibitors, scholarships, leadership development programs, agricultural education and opportunities for youth across the Fair.

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Funding for the Youth Reserve Program supports:
Scholarships
Outstanding Market Exhibitor Program
Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor Program
Showmanship contests
Skillathons
4-H Programs
FFA Programs
All-Ohio State Fair Band
All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir

Virgil L. Strickler Youth Reserve Program has distributed $5.1M, supporting 45,000 youth.

History and Legacy

Established by Governor James A. Rhodes in 1968, the Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions was created to showcase the fair's top youth livestock exhibitors, provide an attraction that promotes agriculture and attract the interest of generous buyers to support exhibitors and reward their excellence.

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Buyer and Sponsor Benefits

Supporters become part of a legacy that continues to affect generations of exhibitors and agricultural leaders. In addition to knowing that a buyer’s financial support has helped Ohio’s youth, we want to ensure buyers receive recognition for that support.

Recognition for the generosity of buyers includes:
Invitation to reception at the Ohio Governor's Residence
Media exposure during the livestreamed auction
Logo recognition on the Ohio State Fair website
Banners displayed at the Fair
Signage in species barns for three years
Recognition in program materials
30-second video spot for the following year