Columbus, OH – Due to The Buckeye Institute’s unrelenting defense of the U.S. and Ohio constitutions, the Champaign County Agriculture Society Board has rescinded its unconstitutional policy that banned firearms on county fairgrounds. Buckeye’s efforts to overturn this constitutional violation started in January 2025 and culminated in a victory for all those visiting the county fairgrounds.

“Ohioans don’t leave their constitutional rights at the fairground gates,” said David C. Tryon, director of litigation at The Buckeye Institute. “This victory is for all those visiting the county fairgrounds who can now freely exercise their constitutional rights while enjoying a uniquely American tradition.”

In January 2025, The Buckeye Institute demanded that the Champaign County Agriculture Society Board release records related to its unconstitutional firearms ban and was later forced to sue the board to obtain those public records. As a result of The Buckeye Institute’s defense of the U.S. and Ohio constitutions, the Champaign County Agriculture Society Board changed its policy in June 2025, banning firearms just in time for the 2025 Champaign County Fair. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost agreed with Buckeye’s interpretation of Ohio law and the Ohio Constitution in his July 28, 2025, advisory opinion to the Champaign County prosecuting attorney. At the conclusion of the case, the board agreed to pay The Buckeye Institute’s court costs. 

# # #