Madison: Fair Traditions, Agriculture and Culture

Madison County can be explored through specific events and attractions: a long-running fair, an agricultural show, a strawberry festival and traces of history. Its themes range from community celebrations and agriculture to architecture and local history. You can choose the focus of your trip based on what interests you most.

Celebrations with Different Focuses

The Madison County Fair takes place every July in London. Its historic fairground complex covers more than 40 acres and brings together modern and historic buildings. The event also has a long history: the first fair held by the Madison County Agricultural Society took place in 1853. During the fair, 4-H and FFA members showcase their completed projects and compete for prizes throughout fair week. Alongside the fairgrounds, the work behind the projects is also a central focus.

The London Strawberry Festival is another tradition that has been part of the local community since the mid-1980s. Every food vendor offers at least one dish or product featuring strawberries; the offerings may change from year to year. The annual program also includes Strawberry Idol, a singing competition for performers of all ages. The festival combines a strawberry theme with an open singing competition, while the County Fair places particular emphasis on 4-H and FFA projects and competitions.

Agriculture and Landscape

The annual Farm Science Review has a different focus. It is held at The Ohio State University's 2,100-acre Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio. Visitors can explore all areas of agricultural production across the 100-acre exhibition grounds. Since the event layout may change, it is worth checking the latest information before traveling. Unlike fair week, with its project presentations, the event focuses on a broad range of agricultural production.

The landscape and trails also help orient visitors around the county. Big Darby Creek lies on the border between Franklin County and Madison County and is designated a Scenic River at both the state and national levels. The Ohio to Erie Trail runs through Madison County; its sections each offer distinctive scenery and activities. If you are interested in the trail, you can explore its individual sections according to these different features.

History, Architecture and Culture

In London, the First United Methodist Church is a church building dating from 1894, designed in the Akron Plan and built in the High Victorian Gothic style. The Madison County Historical Society Museum includes an exhibit about the Lilly Chapel Post Office and Miller's Store. Both examples offer insight into different aspects of architectural and local history, without focusing on the same kind of cultural attraction.

The Red Brick Tavern is also associated with historic stories. Six U.S. presidents visited it: John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Warren G. Harding. The tavern is considered the second-oldest tavern in Ohio still in full operation. Jonathan Alder's small cabin, meanwhile, was among the first log cabins in Madison County. These historical connections lead from a tavern and its prominent visitors to the region's early log cabins.

The London Arts Center offers classes for teens and adults in drawing, painting, sewing and digital media. Theatergoers may find this information helpful: performances at the London State Theater on Wednesdays offer open captions for people with hearing impairments. Together, these examples show different facets of cultural life, from classes to architecture, theater and local history.

Choose Your Reason for Traveling

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to decide on your reason for traveling first: the fair in July, the Strawberry Festival, the Farm Science Review, the scenery and trails, or the cultural and historical attractions. If a specific event will determine your stay, check its dates before choosing your travel dates.

More Destinations

Explore more places: Mt Sterling, London. Explore more destinations: Muskingum, Ashtabula County, Lake, Crawford County, Lucas County, Harrison County.

Go to the main travel overview: Ohio.