Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the excitement, traditions and memories of the Ross County Fair!
The Pioneer Center is proud to partner with the Ross County Agricultural Society to help make the fair more accessible and welcoming for individuals of all abilities.
This guide highlights accessibility resources and services available throughout the 2026 Ross County Fair, August 8–15, so you can plan your visit with confidence.
Accessibility at a Glance
- ♿ Accessible parking
- 🚻 Accessible restrooms
- 🛏️ Universal changing table
- 🧩 Calming & Sensory Room
- 🔌 Wheelchair and mobility-device charging
- 🧰 Sensory resources
- ♿ Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables
- 🐄 Fair 4 All
- 🎡 Sensory Friendly Morning
- 🗺️ Accessible fair map
- 🖼️ Fair Picture Communication Board
- 📖 Social stories
Plan Your Visit
Download these resources before your visit to help plan a comfortable and enjoyable fair experience.
📖Sensory Friendly Morning Social Story
🗺️2026 Accessible Ross County Fair Map
🖼️Fair Picture Communication Board
Questions Before Your Visit?
If you have questions or would like assistance before arriving at the fair, contact The Pioneer Center at (740) 773-8044. We look forward to welcoming you to the Ross County Fair and helping make your visit enjoyable, accessible and memorable.
♿Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking is available at all gates for vehicles displaying a valid disability placard or license plate.
🚻 Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located:
- In the Multipurpose Building
- In the Restroom Building next to the Bandstand
🛏️Universal Changing Table
Designed to support older children and adults who require assistance with personal care, the universal changing table provides a safe, comfortable and dignified space for individuals and their caregivers.
A universal changing table is available in the changing room located at the rear of the restroom building next to the Bandstand.
🧩 Calming & Sensory Room
Visit the Calming & Sensory Room in the GloFiber Building for a quiet, comfortable break from the sights, sounds and activity of the fair.
Open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Hours may vary based on the fair schedule and activities.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Comfortable seating and a quiet place to relax
- Air conditioning
- Sensory support and calming activities
🔌 Wheelchair & Mobility-Device Charging
Complimentary charging for wheelchairs and other mobility devices is available in the Calming & Sensory Room.
If you have the charger required for your device, additional electrical outlets are available throughout the GloFiber Building and at the Sheriff/EMT Building.
🧰 Wheelchair-Accessible Picnic Tables
Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables are located outside The Pioneer Center Penny Candy Store.
These tables provide an accessible place for individuals and families to relax, enjoy refreshments or take a break during their visit.
Sensory Kits
Sensory kits are available to borrow from the Calming & Sensory Room during your visit. Sensory kits include noise reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidgets and other related items to help you enjoy your time at the fair.
Visitors wishing to purchase a sensory kit can visit The Sweetbriar Collective in the Commercial Building. The kits were assembled by Pioneer School students. Maggie’s Farm and Aromatics also offer sensory-friendly products for purchase.
Need Assistance During the Fair?
Call (740) 656-5041 if you or someone in your group needs assistance with accessibility or sensory needs while visiting the fair. A Pioneer Center volunteer identified by their orange Pioneer Center shirts will respond as quickly as possible, based on availability, to provide support and help connect you with available resources.
The Sheriff/EMT Building and the Sheriff’s Office also have sensory resources available to support individuals as needed.
Help Us Improve
Your feedback helps us make the Ross County Fair more welcoming and accessible each year.
Complete the 2026 Ross County Fair Accessibility Feedback Form
Learn More About The Pioneer Center
Download out digital service brochures:
- Health & Respite
- Service and Support Administrators
- Early Intervention
- The Pioneer School
- The Pioneer Center
EVENTS
🐄Fair 4 All
Sunday, August 9 at 2:00 P.M.
Large Animal Show Arena
Fair 4 All gives Ross County youth ages 8–18 with disabilities the opportunity to experience showing an animal alongside a Junior Fair exhibitor. Every participant receives a show ribbon.
The Pioneer Center provides complimentary fair admission for Fair 4 All participants. Family admission is made possible through the support of The Sweetbriar Collective.
The Calming & Sensory Room will be open during the event, and Junior Fair Board members can provide golf-cart transportation to and from the arena as needed.
Download the Fair 4 All Social Story
🎡Sensory Friendly Morning
Thursday, August 13 from 10:00-11:30 A.M.
Midway, select rides
Enjoy a quieter fair experience with reduced announcements and lower music and lighting on participating Midway rides and games.
At 11:00 A.M., the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library will host a sensory-friendly story time at the Bandstand.
Pioneer Center volunteers, easily identified by their orange Pioneer Center shirts, will be available to provide sensory support, accessibility resources and ride buddies for families.
Download the Sensory Friendly Morning Social Story
🚍School Bus Derby
Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 P.M.
Grandstand
Get ready for the action! The Pioneer School is hitting the track in the second annual School Bus Derby! Cheer on Pioneer Center employees as they drive the bus beautifully painted by our Camp Explore students.
If your child needs a sensory item during the event, keep an eye out for Pioneer Center volunteers in orange shirts. They’ll have sensory items available to help everyone enjoy the fun!
Acknowledgments
The Pioneer Center extends its sincere appreciation to the organizations, businesses and volunteers whose partnership helped make the 2026 Ross County Fair more accessible and inclusive.
Special thanks to:
- The Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities for its vision, leadership and commitment to creating a more inclusive community
- The Ross County Agricultural Society for its partnership, guidance and commitment to accessibility throughout the planning process
- GloFiber for providing the use of its building as the home of the Calming & Sensory Room
- The Ross County Junior Fair Board for partnering with The Pioneer Center to make Fair 4 All possible
- Kissel Amusement for supporting Sensory Friendly Morning by reducing music and lighting on participating Midway rides and games
- The Sweetbriar Collective for sponsoring family admission for Fair 4 All participants and partnering with Pioneer School students to offer sensory kits for purchase
The Pioneer Center also extends its gratitude to the volunteers, exhibitors, first responders, fair staff and community members whose kindness and dedication help create a welcoming and inclusive fair experience for everyone.
Our mission is simple:
Improving lives by supporting choices of people through community partnerships and quality services.
We are grateful to work alongside organizations that share our commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to participate, belong and create lasting memories at the Ross County Fair.
Disclaimer: This accessibility guide was developed by The Pioneer Center in partnership with the Ross County Agricultural Society to help visitors plan an accessible and enjoyable fair experience. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, schedules, activities and accommodations may change. Any errors or omissions in this guide are the responsibility of The Pioneer Center.