COLUMBIANA CO. County prepares for a week of thrills on wheels (and horses, too) at fair

Area residents will get a chance to find fame.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Country recording artist David Lee Murphy is the headline performer for the Columbiana County Fair this year, but for most of the rest of the week, the entertainment spotlight will be on local talent.
Fair officials and participants are gearing up for the 157th annual fair, Monday through Sunday here.
Terry Hunter, fair manager, said while 4-H members and other exhibitors are showing judges what they know in the exhibition barns and show rings, the grandstand events this year will provide local thrill seekers with many opportunities for a few minutes of fame.
Competitions
The car demolition derbies, always a heart-stopping fair favorite, will be Wednesday and Sunday this year, Hunter said.
On Tuesday, teams of three horsemen will participate in team penning, a rodeo-style event in which three riders try to move steers into a pen in the fastest time.
Team penning will be followed Tuesday by the Tough Truck competition. Competitors race against the clock as they navigate their trucks through slaloms, jumps and tight turns. Hunter said the event added in recent years is full of action and has quickly become a crowd-pleaser.
Thursday, area dirt motorcycle riders can test their skills during the motocross event as they navigate their motorcycles through an obstacle course for the fastest time.
Friday morning, area high school students will flex their muscles during weightlifting competitions.
Car demolition derbies, always a popular event, are Wednesday and Sunday evenings, she said.
Anyone wishing to participate in the demolition derbies or other local talent events can get information in person at the fair office at the main entrance gate or by calling the fair office at (330) 424-5532.
Harness racing
Hunter said another traditional crowd-pleaser at the fair is the harness racing.
Harness racing Monday and Tuesday will bring some of the top horses and drivers in Ohio to the fair, said Kelsey Hall, a fair intern responsible for harness racing publicity.
Hall said races Monday will be the 3-year-old pace, 2-year-old colt trot, 2-year-old colt pace, 3-year-old colt trot and the free-for-all trot.
Tuesday's races will highlight the 3-year-old filly pace, 2-year-old filly trot, 2-year-old filly pace, 3-year-old filly trot and the free-for-all pace.
Hunter said as usual there will be plenty of food, games and other attractions on the midway, and amusement ride fans should notice a difference this year with improved rides. Tickets are $1 per ride, or $8 for an all-day pass.