Horseshoe Pitching a Traditional Sport at the Ross County Fair

Ross County Fairgrounds — The clink of steel or slap of clay is often heard in one corner of the fair. The Ross County Horseshoe Club holds sway at their court between the 4-H Building and Livestock Show Arena.

I spoke with Randy Shoemaker, treasurer of the club and vice president of Ohio State Horseshoe Pitching Association. He said they have been at the fairgrounds since 1955, but the pits were moved to make way for more concession space at the grandstands in 1965.

Shoemaker said Ross County’s is one of few fairgrounds in the state that still has its horseshoe courts. The club also plays at their grounds in Camp Sherman Memorial Park in Frenchtown near State Route 104.

He says they host three or four tournaments a month there, with pitchers from regional states. In the fairgrounds, tournaments start at 6pm each day except Saturday, with pitching starting at 4:00.

Learn and see more in the article on the Scioto Post, including the video interview. The Ross County Horseshoe Club has a Facebook page.

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.


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