Get in line for the Ferris Wheel -- the Greater Columbus Fair returns to the Columbus Civic Center next week.
Robin Wallace, the center’s marketing director, said the fair is new and expanded this year, with three shows that are free with admission, as well as a new farm show and an exhibition hall.
“It’s definitely bigger,” she said.
In addition to rides, games and food, this year’s fair will include two circus acts and a high-wire show.
The Torres Family Circus features two aerial acts, clowns, juggling and a motorcycle stunt act called “The Globe of Death.” The Nojoes Clown Circus has clowns, showgirls, acrobats, wire-walking and juggling.
The Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean high wire show promises various pirate-themed stunts, including a sword fight 25 feet in the air.
“Everyone’s so into pirates now. That should be a really cool show,” Wallace said.
All three acts will be perform Tuesday through Sunday on the main stage at the fair.
There will also be a Miss Greater Fair Pageant on Sunday afternoon and “Life on the Farm,” a live exhibition from Fort Valley State University providing knowledge about farm life. Or check out the various booths from Oxbow Meadows, Trees Columbus, Help the Hooch and others inside the Civic Center’s exhibit hall. The exhibition hall is a new feature this year, Wallace said.
If you’re at the fair on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can also get free admission to public skating at the Columbus Ice Rink. Public skating sessions are 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Skate rental is $3.
Wristbands for rides are $22 each and can be purchased on the fair’s midway. Admission prices vary, but the fair is running several ticket and ride specials. Tuesday is “Sneak a Peek” night -- admission is $2 for everyone. Fair-goers can get two ride wristbands for the price of one on “Buddy Night” on Wednesday; admission that night is also $3 for all Help the Hooch volunteers. Thursday is Kids’ Night -- all kids 12 and younger get in free.
You can also purchase value passes for $22 at the Civic Center box office until the fair opens. The pass is good for unlimited rides and free admission on any one day of the fair.
FAIR SHOWS
Torres Family Circus: Tuesday, October 11, 7 p.m. and 9:15; Wednesday, October 12, 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Thursday, October 13, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Friday, October 14, 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Saturday, October 15, 3 p.m., 6;15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, October, 16, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Nojoes Clown Circus: Tuesday, October 11, 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, October 12, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Thursday, October 13, 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Friday, October 14, 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 15, 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Sunday, October 16, 3 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean: Tuesday, October 11, 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Wednesday, October 12, 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Thursday, October 13, 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; Friday, October 14, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Saturday, October 15, 5 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Miss Greater Columbus Fair: Sunday, October 16 at 2 p.m.
