Canfield Fair continues long tradition

By KATIE SEMINARA

CANFIELD — In 1846, those attending the Canfield Fair were decked out in bonnets and top hats.

In 2008, you are more likely to spot cowboy hats and bonnets only on animals participating in dress-up contests.

Whatever the attire, the fair is a staple tradition in the Mahoning Valley, and with an attendance of 342,992 last year, it’s a tradition that isn’t going anywhere.

Fair Manager Bev Fisher said she is looking for similar attendance numbers this year, closer to 350,000 to 360,000.

Those planning on attending the 162nd Canfield Fair can expect to see the usual suspects, but they should watch for a few differences as well.

Building No. 25, which displays the junior fair youth exhibits (nonlivestock) had major renovations this past year. The building’s $50,000 face-lift will be one of the changes for fairgoers to check out.

Most of the projects on the grounds were underground renovations, said Judge James Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who is head of the fair board. Catch basins, water and sewer lines are all part of the grounds’ constant updates.

The underground work is a necessity that people who attend don’t see, but expect to be there, Judge Evans said.

For those fair veterans who visit the floral displays, they should take note that the floral section moved from Building No. 2 to Building No. 44. Both the floral displays and fine-arts displays needed more room for exhibits, Fisher said.

These improvements are just some of the modifications made on the grounds, and though some people may not notice the changes, they will notice the happenings around the grounds.

The fair attracts people for different reasons, Fisher said.

The fair is still primarily an agricultural exposition, so many come for that reason. Some come to simply see how their animals or produce measure up in competition.

“Some people strictly come for the food or to meet one last time before the end of summer,” Fisher added.

No matter the reason, the fair offers activities for all ages and all interests.

The big grandstand acts this year are Disney stars Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu, country hit makers Josh Turner and Jo Dee Messina and one of the most well-known classic rock bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Of course the fair wouldn’t be complete without the demolition derby and the truck and tractor pull.

If locally grown heros strike more of a chord with you, don’t miss the fair’s opening ceremonies with Kelly Pavlik, Youngstown’s own world middleweight boxing champion, at 10 a.m. Thursday.