Governor officially declares Ohio State Fair open

COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland has opened the 155th annual Ohio State Fair with a prediction that it will be a big draw for Ohioans stung by the high price of gasoline.

Mr. Strickland cut a red ribbon to get the festivities under way yesterday and said he expects Ohioans will visit the 12-day fair instead of vacationing out of state.

One of the fair's most popular attractions this year is "Mount Buckeye," a one-ton hill of butter featuring the likenesses of the eight U.S. presidents from Ohio.