Storybook Chariot

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine cut the ribbon today on the new Ohio Children’s Carousel at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus.

The Ohio Children’s Carousel is one of many new projects that fairgoers will enjoy for the first time this year, featuring thirty carousel characters and two Chariots. The Storybook Chariot depicts artwork by Ohio artist Loren Long and represents the importance of reading and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, the free book program for children under the age of five in Ohio. First Lady DeWine has championed the Imagination Library, working to expand the program statewide and increase enrollment.

“We currently have more than 428,000 Ohio children receiving a free Imagination Library book in the mail every single month, which the research shows will help more children become ready for kindergarten,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “It makes sense that a storybook theme is part of this magical experience, along with Ohio’s state flag, state seal, state bird, state flower, and many key Ohio places and moments in history.”

More information about the new Ohio Children’s Carousel can be found at governor.ohio.gov.

More information about the 2026 Ohio State Fair can be found at: ohiostatefair.com.