August 8, 2025, Press Release from the Mercer County Fair:
CELINA, Ohio — One of the tastiest traditions at the Mercer County Fair is back! The Blue Ribbon Bites Competition took place on Thursday, August 7 at 11:00 AM in the Beer Garden, as food vendors from across the fairgrounds compete for top honors in flavor, creativity, and crowd appeal.
Three local judges sampled and scored the entries, crowning this year’s Blue Ribbon Bites Champion. The 2025 winner is Amy’s Melt Bar with a Cuban melt! Amy’s Melt Bar is located by the grandstands across from the Box Office. 2nd Place was awarded to Triple D Paninis and 3rd to Buckland Acres Bistro.
2nd Place Winner, Triple D Paninis.
Fairgoers can expect a mouthwatering lineup of food throughout the week—from indulgent classics to exciting new flavors. Favorites on the grounds this year include Crumbl Cookies, steak tip dinners, melty mac and cheese bowls, gourmet grilled melts, hearty jambalaya, cinnamon rolls, and of course, fair staples like corn dogs, funnel cakes, elephant ears, deep-fried Oreos, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The fair also proudly features longstanding staple vendors that support local organizations. Be sure to stop by the Pork Pavilion, operated by Marion Local and St. Henry FFA chapters, or grab a bite from the Parkway and Fort Recovery food stands. Other community-run options include the Mercer County Cattlemen, Milkshake Stand ran by Coldwater Girls Basketball, Unity and Hopewell Granges, the VFW, and the K of C. Every purchase supports local youth programs, agriculture, and civic causes throughout the county.
3rd Place winner, Buckland Acres Bistro.
Don’t miss the lunch special! From Monday through Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, visitors can pay just $5 at the gate. If you leave by 2:00 PM, that $5 is fully refunded—making it the perfect chance to grab lunch at the fair without committing to a full day pass.
Whether you're here to support your favorite food vendor or simply hungry for something delicious, be sure to stop by the Mercer County Fair to get your fried food fix.
For full a full list of 2025 Food Vendors at the fair, please visit www.MercerCountyOhioFair.com/2025-Food-Vendors.
