I grew up in Columbus, and to me, summer is just not complete without a trip to the Ohio State Fair. One of the largest fairs in the country, the Ohio State Fair offers a sample of all that's best in the "Buckeye" state. There are animals, midway rides, horse events, fair food, live entertainment, and funky quintessentially Ohioan things, like the "butter cow" and the giant cardinal in the center of the fairgrounds.

This year's fair runs from July 30 to August 10 at the Ohio Expo Center (aka the Ohio State Fairgrounds). Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children 5-12. Children under 5 enter free.

Scheduled performers include Melissa Etheridge, Ted Nugent, Chaka Khan, and the Oak Ridge Boys. The concerts carry an additional fee.

To learn more about this year's fair, read the following:

• Official Ohio State Fair Website
• Ohio State Fair Guide from the About Guide to Columbus
• Directions, parking, and nearby hotels from the About Guide to Columbus

^{(logo courtesy of the Ohio State Fair)}

Chubby Checker, best known for his 1960s hit single "The Twist," was awarded the first ever platinum record and the first Grammy Award for a rock and roll record. "The Twist" was the #1 song of the 1960s.

Chubby continues to perform and his enthusiasm is infectious. His newest CD, "All the Best," is dropping today and he'll be promoting it at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a concert and CD signing tomorrow, July 23 at 630pm. Admission is free.

I recently had the good fortune to speak with Chubby about his work, his relationship with the Rock Hall, and what's in the future for him. Here's what he had to say:

Your new CD, "All the Best" is being released on July 22. Can you tell us a little about it?It's a mixture of new and orginal material. The hot new song is "Knock Down the Walls," a high-energy tune, you just gotta hear.

It's been almost 50 years since "The Twist" came out. To what do you attribute the song's lasting appeal?
It's like talking to Alexander Graham Bell about his invention..."The Twist" is as new as today and as old as "American Bandstand." Keep in mind the "The Twist" was the first dance performance together with a song, the first song with dancing apart from the beat. Now you see that everywhere, but "The Twist" was the first.

In addition to the Rock Hall appearance, will you be touring in conjunction with the new CD?
I tour pretty much continually. I think there are five or six shows in August. I hit a lot of the state fairs.

You've played Cleveland before. What strikes you about the city's music fans?
Cleveland's fans are great. They really know their music. Plus it was the home of Alan Freed, who gave original (black) artists a break when few other DJs were playing those artists. Without him, there would have been no Fats Domino, no Platters, no Chuck Berry.

I have to ask: In 2004, you picketed the Rock Hall induction ceremony. Now you're appearing at the Rock Hall. Have you made your peace with them?
There was never any "bad blood" between me and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame people. The reason I was marching was to get more play for "Chubby's Music." Here I have the #1 song of an entire decade, the first dance music, the first platinum album, and the first Rock and Roll Grammy and nobody's playing my music. That was what that was all about.

What's coming up for Chubby Checker?
Well, in addition to promoting the CD, we've got a new candy bar, the CheckerBar (see Chubby's Website for details), a "King of Twist" tee-shirt, and some other fun products.

Finally, what's one thing that fans would be surprised to learn about you?
I've really thankful to my fans. They're the best.

^{(photo © Scott Gries/Getty Images)}

Living along the shores of Lake Erie is a wonderful thing, particularly in the middle of summer. There are beaches on which to relax, lighthouses to explore, and opportunities to venture out on the lake in a powerboat.

However, Lake Erie also has its dark side. Every year a handful of swimmers and boaters lose their lives to her.

Learn more about keeping yourself and your family safe on the lake with these resources from around the About.com network and beyond:

• Swim Safe in the Lake, from "Kid's Health.com"
• Prevent Children from Drowning
• Powerboating Safety
• Free Boating Safety Books

^{(photo credit © istockphoto; licensed to About, Inc.)}

There's something fresh and exciting about college football...and around these parts that means Ohio State Football.

The Big Ten Conference team rarely disappoints and there's just a certain energy found with college games that you don't get in the NFL.

The 2008 season kicks off on August 30 in Columbus against Youngstown State. For more about the Buckeyes, see:

• 2008 Ohio State Football Schedule
• Directions to OSU Stadium
• Ohio State Apparel
• Official Ohio State Sports Page
• To shop for OSU game tickets

Go Buckeyes!

^{(Photo © istockphoto; licensed to About, Inc.)}