The Kangaroos ride has 50-year history

The Kangaroos ride has 50-year history

The Bates Brothers Amusement Co. has been providing rides and attractions to the Canfield Fair for 25 years.

One of their gems that kids were able to enjoy during the fair week was the ride called The Kangaroos.

It was built in 1958, so it’s a “bona fide 50-year-old piece,” said Kim Bates-Bozich, co-owner of Bates Brothers.

Kim and her brother, Drew, bought the ride from Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh in 1978. “It was the first ride we ever owned together,” said Bates-Bozich.

The white roos with bright blue eyes moved gently up and down while going a round in a circle, making a fan favorite in kiddy land at the Canfield Fair.

Just like joeys ride in their mothers’ pouches, kids at the fair rode in the pink and yellow pouches of the Bates’ classic.

Wedding in the pony ring

Hitching a horse at the Canfield Fair is a daily happening, but people getting hitched at the fair is a rare occurrence.

A couple decided to share their special day with fairgoers, when they got married in the 4-H pony ring at the Canfield Fair at 2 p.m. Monday.

Judy Tierney and Todd Baird were wed by Judge James Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. The judge is also president of the Canfield Fair Board.

Their ceremony isn’t the first for the Canfield Fair, said Judge Evans, who noted couples are often wed in the chapel and gazebo in Western Reserve Village year around.

Monday’s was a simple ceremony, but it did have music, ring-bearers and a good-sized group of witnesses.

People were inside the ring with the couple and lining the outside of the ring to get a look, said Evans.

Democratic candidates enjoy large crowds

With the November elections rapidly approaching and all the talk of Ohio’s being a swing state, Ohio Democrats were out making their rounds at the Canfield Fair.

Ohio Treasurer of State Richard Cordray and state Rep. Ronald Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, were strolling the fairgrounds and enjoying the large crowds Monday.

“I came out a couple days,” said Gerberry. “It’s always fun, and the reception has been great,” he said.

As for the presidential election, Gerberry believes the nation will go whichever way Ohio goes, and “every indication from this fair is good,” he said.

Cordray said he spends a lot of time in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties and he always enjoys being in the Democratic booth at the Canfield Fair.

“The crowds are magnificent and the energy and activities,” said Cordray who has been to the Canfield fair a number of times.

Cordray is running for attorney general.

Cordray also said Obama and Biden will be coming through Ohio more than once.

“It’s going to be an exciting election,” said Cordray, who thinks Nov. 4 will draw many people out to vote.

Man attends fair for 70th year in row

Homer Freer, 90, attended the Canfield Fair for the 70th consecutive year. Freer, who lives at the Briarfield at the Ridge in Mineral Ridge, was part of the senior center’s annual Labor Day outing to the fair.

“This is my 70th fair, and I look forward to it every year. Life is about having fun,” Freer said.

Freer, who used to own Freer Furniture in East Palestine, said his favorite part of the fair is attending a performance by The Robinsons, a singing group from Kentucky. Freer and his wife, Mabel, recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

Red Cross sets training in CPR and first aid

BOARDMAN — The Mahoning Chapter of the Red Cross will hold training in adult CPR and basic first aid from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 13. The cost is $50.

Those who complete the class will qualify to be part of the American Red Cross First Aid Corps, which is a group of volunteers that treats people at the Canfield Fair.

To register, call (330) 726-6063 or go to www.mahoning.redcross.org.