New kayaking pond part of ODNR exhibit at Ohio State Fair

COLUMBUS, OH - A new kayaking pond aimed at introducing families to the excitement of paddle sports will be the centerpiece of the 8-acre Natural Resources Park at the upcoming Ohio State Fair. This year's fair runs from Wednesday, July 30, through Sunday, August 10, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.
 
Kids age 18 and younger are encouraged to visit the 4,000 square foot pond, located behind the Smokey Bear exhibit and the Natural Resources Park's Pavilion building. Kayaks and lifejackets will be provided free of charge for participants who can paddle in the pond for a brief time under the supervision and instruction of watercraft professionals. A signed waiver is required for participation.
 
Explore the Outdoors is the theme of this year's Natural Resources Park, with many exhibits aimed at elementary school-age children. Among the youth-oriented activities are a walk-through aviary and butterfly garden, kids' fishing pond, Ohio wildlife exhibit and a 15-foot animated Smokey Bear who greets visitors by name.  Smokey Bear stands beside an educational Pavilion filled with informative exhibits on a variety of natural resource and recreation topics, such as recreational trails, geology, recycling, mining and conservation.
 
Shady picnic groves, an outdoor amphitheater with family-oriented entertainment, the historic log cabin and an Ohio State Parks gift shop with nature-related items are just a few of the amenities that make the Natural Resources Park a fair favorite. The park is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
 
The park's 500-seat amphitheater stage will provide the backdrop for a variety of acts from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. This year's entertainment includes the Great Lakes Lumberjack Show, Columbus Zoo animals, retriever dog demonstrations on the weekends, and musical and educational activities.
 
The kids' fishing pond is fully stocked with channel catfish and bluegill. Kids age 14 and younger may fish daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. using cane poles and tackle provided by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The division also offers hands-on demonstrations of outdoors skills, including a laser-shot simulator and archery range.
 
New this year in the Ohio wildlife exhibit is a display on bats and their habitats. Nearby, live river otters, wild turkeys, bald eagles and a bobcat - all animals that call Ohio home - are on display