Country Living Fair in Ohio – Part One
Last weekend I had the great pleasure of going to the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. Let me just say that Country Living magazine has been my fave magazine for at least 25 years, so when the opportunity to go to the Fair came to fruition, I couldn’t wait! Hubby tagged along and we made a weekend of it. I took so many photos that I’ve decided to divide them into two posts.
The fair was held on the grounds of Ohio Village which has several historic buildings on the property. The setting added a lot of character to the entire event, but I’m saving most of those buildings for the second post that I write. Notice all the men in this photo? There’s a blacksmith demonstration going on to the right … thus the gathering of men!
We arrived at the Country Living Fair around 10 am, shortly after it opened. The “streets” weren’t crowded yet, but it got worse as the day went on, making it more challenging to get good photos. I love all the Country Living banners hanging on the street posts!
It seemed to me like there were hundreds of vendors at the fair and reminded me of our local flea market, but a bit classier. I’m lovin’ the boardwalk sidewalks, which is what we have leading to the front door of our home.
There was no end to the vintage items and eye candy. Lots of ironstone, but I thought most of it was over-priced compared to what I would pay for it at home. I did pick up some vintage aqua bottles, however.
This little cobbler stand didn’t have too many customers first thing in the morning, but when we passed it on our way out, the line wrapped around the outside of this white picket fence!
Vendor booths and refreshment stands were set up in the yards of the historic village. This place was hoppin’ all day long!
I’m a marketing person and had to take photos of all the banners that branded the event.
Banners showing past magazine covers were everywhere, like the one on this kiosk.
A trio of these little glampers were on display. The women travel together and you can tell they have a blast, finding new adventures at every turn of the road!
The Country Living Fair was beautifully adorned with vignettes like this one.
Isn’t this a beautiful autumn floral display?
I wish these galvanized watering cans and chippy blue chest were for sale!
I also wish this vendor’s display sign was for sale. Hmm … maybe I can re-create it!
I fell in love with this citrusy yellow lemonade stand! Could it be any cuter?
While at the Country Living Fair, we had a Hometalk Meet-up with fellow bloggers and editors from Country Living magazine. Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Gray is third from the left in the back row. Rachel DeSchepper, senior web editor is 5th from the left in the back row. That’s me on the left in the front row. It was great meeting these ladies in person!
Sarah Gray walked us over to meet Cari Cucksey of the Cash and Cari Show on HGTV. She talked about her furniture refinishing projects. Have you seen her show?
We had a wonderful time at the Country Living Fair and the weather cooperated beautifully. In my second post, I’ll include photos of the buildings, both inside and out. If you like historic homes, you’ll want to see it!
this looks like so much fun, how nice that hubby went along!! can’t wait to see more!
I have always wanted to go to this fair. How fun! I can’t wait to see the next post too! 🙂
Linda, these are great photos of the Country Living fair. You and your husband must have had a fun day. One day I will make it to one of these fairs. Until then, I’m enjoying the fair through your eyes (camera lens.)
Judith
This looks like so much fun! I wish I lived closer! x
Oh that looks like so much fun! Can’t wait to see the old homes in your next post. Hugs, Pamela
Oh, this is right up my alley! Love all the images you took … the glamper and the lemonade stand are so cute! If I had gone, you probably would’ve captured me in that photo standing in line for cobbler. 🙂
Yours are the second set of pictures I’ve seen of the Country Living Fair… I feel as if I’ve been there! Loved the lemonade stand!
Oh,Girl! So glad you went! I’ve gone to the one that comes in October here in Georgia for the past couple of years – so looking forward to going again this year – It’s a blast and soooo much inspiration!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Kathy
Oh, forgot to add – we lived in Columbus in the mid 90’s before moving back to Georgia – loved living there!
Hugs,
Kathy
I am still waiting to find a really fun place to shop and drool with desire…..thank you for sharing your jaunt!
JP
You took some great photos. Wish I had something like that to go to down my part of the world! 🙂
Wow, Jennifer – You were only about 20 minutes or so from my house when you were at the fair. I went to it a few years ago and really enjoyed it but I did think a lot of things were pretty pricey and it got really crowded in the afternoon. But I definitely enjoyed a yummy peach cobbler before I left. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It is fun to see all of the creativity and vintage goodies!!
What a fun event to attend! Great photos and looks like a beautiful day! LOVE that crochet chair…brilliant!
xx
Anne
oh, I would have loved to attend this!
Glad you had a fun day! I used to live in Columbus – wish I could have joined you! Aren’t Sarah Gray and Cari amazing – met them at the NY fair!
Kelly
I went a couple of years ago, and your pictures make me want to go back! I thought everything was overpriced, too, but it was fun. We kept hearing about a great antique sale nearby at Springfield, Ohio, but didn’t have time to stop. Looks like you had a great time!
I have been longing to go to this event for so long. I subscribe to Country Living!
I hope you had a BLAST!!!
Brandi
I met Cari last year at the one in Atlanta and hope I get to go this year. So much fun!
Hi Jennifer! Just found your post and love your photos and descriptions. You really caught the feel of the Fair! I am the designer of that soap sign that you covet, and I have to tell you that the logo and name are registered trademarks of my business… However, enough people at the Columbus AND at the Atlanta Fairs have mentioned that they want to purchase the sign that we are considering creating some for sale. Would you really want one that big? Glad you like it!
Hi! Does anyone know the Columbus Country Living Fair vendor who sold cabinet paint? Their sample cabinet doors looked great and the sign said no sanding or scraping required. I wish I would have picked up a brochure…