Saturday, August 30, 2003
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Ringing up sales of bells that commemorate Ohio's bicentennial is keeping the team from the Verdin Co. of Cincinnati hopping.
Dozens of people who turned out to watch the professional bell makers cast Mahoning County's bicentennial bell crowded Verdin's display area eager to browse and buy collectible bells that commemorate the state's 200th birthday.
By midday Wednesday, the opening day of the fair, 20 of the 100 limited edition state bells available in Mahoning County were sold, said Debbie Kayse, Ohio Bicentennial sales coordinator for the Verdin Co.
"Everybody wants one because this is a piece of history," Kayse said. "We've met a million bell collectors."
What's offered
In addition to the limited edition state bells, which cost $60, three bicentennial bells are available. The small bell is 2 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall and costs $20. The medium bell is 3 inches in diameter, 6 inches tall and costs $40. The large bell is 4 inches in diameter, 8 inches tall and costs $60.
For Kate Bowden, who arrived at the fairgrounds too late to watch the bell makers cast the county's bicentennial bell, visiting the Verdin Co.'s display provided her with an understanding of what she missed.
"It's pretty cool. I really liked where it showed how bells are made. I didn't realize there were so many steps," Bowden said.
Bowden didn't buy a bell, but she said she is honored that Mahoning County's bicentennial bell was cast in Canfield. "Of all the towns they could have picked, I feel proud that they chose our town."
Last day
This is the Verdin Co.'s last day at the fair. The team of professional bell makers and bicentennial sales team must be in Wauseon to cast Fulton County's bicentennial bell on Friday. Before the end of October, they will have visited and cast bicentennial bells in all of Ohio's 88 counties.
To buy bells after the Verdin Co. leaves the Canfield Fair, call (800) 543-0488.
kubik@vindy.com