The Ohio State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the United States, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The fair features rides, games, concessions, competitions, and entertainment. With so much to see and do, fairgoers naturally have questions about what payment methods are accepted at the fair. One common question is whether the Ohio State Fair is cash only or if credit/debit cards are also accepted. This article will provide an overview of payment options at the Ohio State Fair to help attendees plan their visit.
Quick Answers
– The Ohio State Fair accepts both cash and credit/debit cards at most locations. However, some vendors or locations are cash only.
– Food stands, rides, and games typically accept both cash and credit/debit cards. However, some smaller vendors may be cash only.
– Guests should carry cash for tipping, parking, and some vendor purchases. ATMs are available on the fairgrounds.
– Admission tickets can be purchased online with a card ahead of time or at the gate with cash or card.
– The fair requests guests use credit/debit as much as possible for safety, efficiency, and health reasons.
Payment Methods Accepted at the Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair accepts both cash and credit/debit card payments at most locations across the 350-acre fairgrounds. Major areas that accept cards include:
– Admission gates – Guests can purchase admission tickets ahead of time online with a debit/credit card. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate with cash or card.
– Ride tickets – Ride tickets can be purchased at kiosks with cash or card. Individual rides may only take tickets, not cash.
– Games – Most games accept both cash and cards for purchasing plays or winning prizes.
– Food stands and vendors – The majority of the 100+ food vendors accept debit/credit cards, including major food stands.
However, there are some exceptions where only cash is accepted:
– Some independent vendors or food stands only take cash. There are ATMs on-site.
– Parking – The parking lots at the fairgrounds are cash only. ATMs are available near the lots.
– Tipping – Guests should have small bills for tipping food servers and attendants.
Cash Recommendations
While credit/debit cards are widely accepted, cash is also recommended for certain purposes:
– Tipping – Have small bills ($1, $5) on hand for tipping food vendors, ride attendants, servers, etc.
– Parking – The lots are cash only, so bring $10-20 in cash for parking depending on the lot.
– Some vendors – Though most take cards, some smaller vendors or booths may be cash only. Have cash on hand just in case.
– ATM fees – On-site ATMs charge fees, so getting cash in advance helps avoid fees.
– Backups – If there are any card machine issues, outages, or malfunctions, having cash ensures you can still make purchases.
It’s recommended guests carry $50-100 in cash to cover parking, tipping, some vendors, and any other incidentals. Having a combination of smaller bills ($1, $5, $10) and bigger bills ($20) is most convenient. Be sure to keep cash secure.
On-Site ATMs
There are ATMs located around the Ohio State Fairgrounds if you need cash for parking, vendors, tipping, etc. ATMs can be found:
– Near the front gate entrance and ticket booths
– In the midway area
– Throughout the various vendors buildings
– Near the back parking lots
Please note the ATMs charge a transaction fee of a few dollars so it’s best to bring cash if possible. ATMs do provide cash back with a debit card purchase as another option. Locate ATMs ahead of time on the fairgrounds map so you know where to find one if needed.
Benefits of Using Credit/Debit Cards
The Ohio State Fair encourages patrons to use credit/debit cards as much as possible for several reasons:
– Safety – Reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash that could be lost or stolen.
– Convenience – Don’t need to continually stop at ATMs around the fairgrounds.
– Efficiency – Card payments are fast and keep lines moving, enhancing the experience.
– Health – Credit/debit limits hand-to-hand contact and cash handling, promoting sanitation.
– Budgeting – Cards allow tracking of spending and staying within a budget.
– Rewards – Many cards offer cashback, points, or perks on purchases made.
– Access – Provides payment options for those who prefer not to use cash.
Fair guests should try to use credit/debit cards at the fair whenever possible but also carry a reasonable amount of cash as a backup.
Top Recommended Payment Tips
To maximize your payment experience at the Ohio State Fair, here are some key tips:
– Purchase admission tickets online in advance with a card to avoid ticket lines.
– Bring a reasonable amount of cash ($50-100) for parking, tips, vendors, etc.
– Carry a range of bills – small ($1, $5) and bigger ($10, $20). Keep cash secure.
– Have your credit/debit card handy to use for most other purchases at the fair like food, rides, games, etc.
– Locate ATMs on the map if you need to withdraw cash during your visit. But expect fees.
– For large purchases, use a flat-rate cashback rewards card to earn something back.
– Check your card has sufficient funds before attending and monitor spending.
– Carry your cards/cash securely in a zippered pouch or front pocket.
– Report lost/stolen cards immediately and keep a backup payment method.
– Be aware of skimming devices on machines and cover the keypad when entering pins.
By following these tips, you can maximize convenience, safety, rewards, and the overall experience using both cash and credit/debit seamlessly at the Ohio State Fair.
Payment Methods for Specific Areas
Below is a more detailed breakdown of which payment methods are accepted across different areas of the Ohio State Fair:
Rides and Games
– Ride tickets can be purchased with cash or card at designated ticket kiosks. Individual rides may only accept tickets.
– Most games take both cash and card for purchasing plays and winning prizes or items.
– To use cards, locate ticket and game booths with card readers for purchasing.
– Have cash as a backup in case any vendors machines are down.
Food Vendors and Concessions
– The majority of major food stands and concession areas accept credit/debit cards and cash.
– Some independent, smaller vendors or food trucks may be cash only.
– Expect specialty food items only available from unique vendors to be cash only transactions.
– Have smaller bills to tip food servers, attendants and baristas.
Shopping and Souvenirs
– The main pavilions and exhibit halls with shopping accept both credit cards and cash.
– Independent souvenir vendors and booths with fair merch may be cash only in some cases.
– Be prepared with cards and/or cash when shopping for clothing, jewelry, crafts, fair souvenirs, etc.
Admissions and Parking
– Purchase gate admission tickets online in advance with a card to save time.
– Parking lots are cash only transactions – bring $10-$20 in bills for parking.
– If parking a motorhome or need preferred parking, be aware the fees are higher.
Tips for Saving Money
The Ohio State Fair offers great value entertainment but costs can add up with rides, games, food and shopping. Use these tips to enjoy the fair affordably:
– Pack snacks, meals, water bottles to reduce food costs.
– Purchase multi-day passes or family packages online to save on gate admission.
– Take advantage of discounts like college ID admission deals, senior days, military rates, etc.
– Avoid using on-site ATMs that charge fees – arrive with enough cash needed.
– Follow social media for special deal days on rides, games, or food.
– Set a budget and keep track of spending with a card or spending app.
– Share food items, rides, and games with others to make money stretch further.
– Focus on free entertainment like shows, exhibits, contests that are included with admission.
– Purchase ride wristbands early online for best value – sheets with individual tickets cost more.
– Skip souvenirs and overpriced fair toys that are quickly forgotten. Capture memories with photos instead.
With some planning and creativity, you can enjoy everything the Ohio State Fair has to offer on a budget.
Ensuring Payment Security
When making purchases and using payment methods at the busy Ohio State Fair, be sure to follow security best practices:
– Only use ATMs in well-lit locations and cover your pin entry. Watch for skimming devices.
– Carry cash securely in an inside pocket, zippered pouch or wallet close to your body. Consider a money belt or neck pouch.
– Keep credit/debit cards on you at all times rather than in a bag or backpack. Use a secure front pocket.
– Use a RFID blocking sleeve or wallet to protect card info from scanning devices.
– Avoid carrying large amounts of cash that could get lost or stolen. Leave excess in a locked car.
– Keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings when taking cash/cards out to pay.
– Put purchases away securely before taking cards or cash out again for the next transaction.
– Save e-receipts to track purchases and watch for fraudulent charges later.
– Report lost or stolen cards immediately to prevent misuse. Have a backup payment method handy.
Payment Challenges
With large crowds, long days, and outdoor conditions, there can be some payment challenges:
– Cell/internet outages that affect mobile payments – Have cash backup.
– Power blackouts that knock out card machines – Have cash backup.
– Connection issues for chip cards – Carry both chip and swipe cards.
– ATMs running low on cash – Get cash early in the day.
– Losing wireless signal to load tickets – Pre-purchase online.
– Failed transactions from user error – Ask attendant to help troubleshoot.
– Weather damage to machines – Protect machines from spills/rain best you can.
Being aware of the potential challenges and having cash alternatives can help you manage issues more smoothly.
Future Payment Trends
In the future, the Ohio State Fair may adopt more technology-based payment trends:
– Mobile payments via Apple/Google Pay accepted at more vendors
– RFID wristbands pre-loaded with funds to tap and pay for rides, food, etc.
– Food ordering and payments through mobile apps to skip lines
– Digital wallet integration like Samsung Pay to replace cards and cash
– Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin payment capability at certain vendors
– Live donation options through QR codes displayed around the fairgrounds
– Vendor tips included in transactions rather than cash tips
Adopting these emerging payment technologies at large events can streamline purchases and reduce hassles for both patrons and vendors. Mobile payments in particular will likely grow substantially at the fair over the next 5-10 years.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Fair aims to provide flexible payment options for fairgoers that are convenient while also ensuring smooth operations. By accepting both credit/debit cards and cash across the vast majority of the fairgrounds, guests can pay however they prefer. Carrying a reasonable amount of cash as a backup is recommended just in case. Understanding the payment landscape at large events like the Ohio State Fair allows you to plan your budget and approach ahead of time. Focusing on payment security is also important with big crowds. As payment technology evolves, more mobile and digital options will likely be incorporated at the fair in the future to enrich the guest experience. With the right preparation and planning, you can make payments seamlessly while enjoying everything the iconic Ohio State Fair has to offer.