Ohio Department of Commerce to Host Engaging 'Exploration Commerce' Booth at 2025 Ohio State Fair

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Get ready to explore how consumers are protected through the Ohio Department of Commerce at the 2025 Ohio State Fair.

Commerce is thrilled to announce its new booth at the fair this year, 'Exploration Commerce.' The booth brings an adventure theme to life in the Bricker Marketplace Building with a massive overhead airplane, which gives way to an array of interactive activities, educational experiences, opportunities for top-shelf giveaways, and fun for visitors of all ages.

"'Exploration Commerce' is all about engaging visitors in an exciting and meaningful way," said Sherry Maxfield, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. "We want this booth to be both fun and educational, showcasing how the Department impacts Ohioans' lives daily."

The 'Exploration Commerce' booth offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about the Department's vital work, while enjoying exciting attractions and prizes. Visitors will have an opportunity to earn treasure chest keys by engaging with various elements of the booth, such as the "Lucky Money Grab" wind machine and a trivia challenge. Attendees can then see if their key is one of hundreds that will unlock a treasure chest containing a special Yeti thermos prize. In addition to the thermos grand prize, fairgoers will have a chance to win additional useful items, such as flashlights, waterproof wallet-sized storage cases, and a magnified ruler and bookmark two-in-one tool - perfect souvenirs from a day at the fairgrounds.

Agency staff will be on hand to walk attendees through other unique interactive activities such as the Fire Extinguisher Simulator and Smoke Crawl Space, where guests can practice fire safety skills, and the Creative Corner, a space designed to inspire kids with fun and educational crafts.

Booth visitors can also quickly search for unclaimed funds through our on-site kiosk and even initiate a claim. The agency is the custodian of more than $4 billion dollars in assets. During last year's fair, Commerce helped nearly 1,000 claimants find more than $332,000 in missing money, including two fairgoers who each found claims of more than $55,000. The average claim amount was $334.

Additionally, the agency will host a bottle lottery for attendees throughout the fair. Visitors to the booth will have an opportunity to win the chance to buy Stagg Single Barrel bourbon at their preferred OHLQ location. Visitors over 21 will receive a ticket that they can use to enter the bottle lottery online while visiting the booth.

Attendees are encouraged to share their booth experience on social media using #OhioCommerce and #ExplorationCommerce to continue the conversation online. With thousands of visitors expected, the booth underscores the Department's commitment to fostering connections and informing residents about the resources and services it offers.

"Exploration Commerce is sure to delight fairgoers," Maxfield said. "It's the largest outreach event for our agency and we hope to engage thousands of explorers throughout the fair."

The Ohio State Fair operates daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, giving everyone ample opportunity to stop by and explore everything the 'Exploration Commerce' booth has to offer.

About the Ohio Department of Commerce

The Ohio Department of Commerce is the state's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.