A weekend that has made memories for decades

For 160 years now, the last unofficial weekend of the summer has been the most exciting in these parts. The reason can be summed up in three words, the Canfield Fair.

Well, that sentence isn’t exactly true. For one thing, the fair hasn’t always been held Labor Day weekend. Indeed, the fair is about 35 years older than Labor Day. And in its early days, the Canfield Fair was a pretty tame event. It was largely of interest to the agricultural community and was held on Canfield’s village green.

But today, it is difficult to find anyone in the Mahoning Valley who doesn’t know that the Canfield Fair is an event that has something for everyone.

That’s entertainment

Over the years, some of the biggest entertainers in the country have appeared on the Grandstand stage. And this year, as in recent years, the Grandstand will host some of the best Country Western music outside of Nashville.

The fair got off to a great start this year, with 24,589 admissions on opening day Wednesday and strong crowds for Youth Day on Thursday. Among the not-so-young was Gov. Ted Strickland, who came to cut the ribbon Thursday morning.

By the end of the weekend, hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far will pour through the gates. They’ll examine the exhibits.
4-H youngsters will get ribbons attesting to their hard work. City children will get to see goats and pigs and chickens up close. Fine arts, practical arts, baked and canned goods and fresh vegetables will be on display. Among the latter will be this year’s record pumpkin at 991 pounds.

On the midway there are rides for young and old, games and the unmistakable aroma of sausage, onions and peppers, grilled steaks, chicken and ribs, french fries and elephant ears and international delights ranging from the Asian to the Mediterranean.

Fringe benefit

And while those tempting dishes may not be the most healthful, the fair offers something no restaurant does: An opportunity to walk it off.

And while walking, you can visit tents where you can meet some of the television and radio personalities you only see or hear the other 364 days of the year. You can look at the latest in farm and garden equipment. Depending on the day, there’s harness racing, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, pig iron derby, costume competition for cows, goats and even guinea pigs. Sunday morning, there are four different religious services to choose from.

Indeed, there are too many events to list here. Besides, a full calendar appears in today’s B section. Check it out. If you can’t find a reason to head out to the Fairgrounds between today and Monday, you’re not looking hard enough.

We’ll see you there. Just stop by The Vindicator’s tent right outside the Grandstand.