Celebrate Ohio's 200th with a visit to the fair

If last year's Canfield Fair was special because it reflected America's indomitable spirit in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our mainland, this year's fair certainly has something for everyone to crow about: Ohio's 200th birthday.
From the casting of Mahoning County's Bicentennial Bell, to "Decorating Ohio Cookies," to "Our Salute to Beautiful Ohio" domestic arts and crafts, to "Buckeye Bonanza," the six-day event at the Canfield Fairgrounds will get your patriotic juices flowing.
This morning, children from each of the 14 school districts in Mahoning County took part in creating the symbol of our nation's freedom by passing bronze ingots that were melted in the furnace -- part of a portable foundry -- where the bell was to be cast this afternoon.
The mold will be broken Thursday morning, and the dedication and ceremonial first ringing is scheduled for 4 p.m.
This is a chance for us to celebrate Ohio and the United States of America.
But the fair isn't only about pomp and ceremony. It's about fun, and as always, there's something for everyone.
Back flips
Think your pooch is the world's greatest because he can roll over and play dead? Wait until you see the Nestle Purina Dog Chow Incredible Dog Team featuring Breezy, Teagan, Jazz, Hannah and Ziggy. Under the direction of trainer John Casey, the performers do back flips, headstands and back vaults and jump 15 feet into the air to snare flying discs. (Oh, well, your pooch does bring in The Vindicator, right?)
There's the Junior Fair, where youngsters get to exhibit their achievements in livestock production, show the animals they've raised and demonstrate other skills they've developed that are part of agricultural life today. There are grandstand acts, including the always popular truck-and-tractor pull, there's food galore and loads of things to see and do. The musical entertainment this year features Tracy Byrd, Crosby, Stills & amp; Nash and Vince Gill and Terri Clark, but there will also be some free events, such as harness racing and the Pig Iron Derby.
A visit to the Canfield Fair is the perfect escape from what has been a tumultuous summer -- meteorologically, politically and economically.