a New
Playground and Planting a TreeGovernor DeWine Celebrates Opening Day
at the Ohio State Fair,Governor DeWine, First Lady DeWine, Lt.
Governor Husted, and Second Lady Husted cut the ribbon celebrating
the opening day of the 2022 Ohio State Fair.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran
DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Second Lady Tina Husted
celebrated the grand opening of this year's Ohio State Fair.
"It is so good to be back at the Ohio State Fair, it's very, very
exciting," said Governor DeWine. "The fair offers us 12 days to come
together and celebrate the great state of Ohio and everything we
have in common."
Following a cabinet meeting at the fairgrounds and the celebratory
ribbon cutting ceremony, Governor and First Lady DeWine joined
members of their family to enjoy the sights and sounds of the fair
and to sample the fair's signature food selection.
Governor DeWine and his family also joined Ohio Department of
Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz to celebrate the
official opening of the new Exploring Oil and Gas in Ohio accessible
play area at the fair's Natural Resources Park.
“The Natural Resources Park offers a slower pace for families to
learn about our state’s resources,” said Governor DeWine . “This new
play area not only teaches children about the oil and gas industry,
but it gives them a fun way to stretch their minds and work out
their energy while enjoying the state fair.”
ODNR consulted with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to
create this accessible space that all visitors can enjoy.
“We know how important play is to children of all ages and
abilities and this new addition to our park offers amazing and low
impact entertainments for kids at the state fair,” ODNR Director
Mertz said. “All visitors will enjoy learning about mineral
exploration, transportation and production while our youngest guests
cantake a break from the midway to run and wiggle.”
Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine plant a bur oak tree
with their grandkids at the Ohio State Fair.
In keeping with tradition, the Governor also planted a bur oak tree
in the Amphitheater at the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State
Fair on Wednesday evening. Governor DeWine has planted a tree at the
Natural Resources Park each year that he’s been Governor.
“I am honored and excited to continue the tradition of planting
trees at the Ohio State fairgrounds,” said Governor DeWine. “All the
trees planted by governors in the past contribute to the health and
well-being of all Ohioans by providing shade, improving air quality,
and creating wildlife habitat.”
The diverse species of trees planted in and near the amphitheater
over the years helped the Natural Resources Park to become an
official arboretum in 2015. With more than 100 species represented,
the park is designated as a Level II-accredited Arboretum through
the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.
To conclude the day, the DeWines and several of their grandchildren
stayed at the fairgrounds to spend the nightin a yurt at the Natural
Resources Park.
For decades in Ohio, many Governors have chosen to follow the
tradition of spending the night at the Ohio State Fair.
Governor DeWine, First Lady DeWine, and several of their grandkids
sit outside of their campsite in the ODNR Natural Resources Park.
The ODNR Natural Resources Park is in the southeast corner of
the fairgrounds and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the
Ohio State Fair. All the activities in the park are free with
admission to the Ohio State Fair.
Governor DeWine and Family Overnight at the Fairgrounds
|
