Board makes moves to help frugal fairgoers

By Elise Franco

The fair board considers adding debit and credit-card machines at some entrances.

CANFIELD — Cutting fairgoers’ overall costs is a priority for Canfield Fair board members this year.

The board discussed the upcoming fair during a Friday morning media day on the fairgrounds.

Timm Schreiber, director of admissions, said several things have been implemented to help patrons save money. One option is purchasing a three- or six-day pass.

“We’re really trying to get word out about the three-day pass we started last year,” he said. “We want to push that this year to help people in this economy.”

The three-day pass costs $15, and a six-day pass costs $30. Schreiber said the three-day pass can be used on any days the fair is open.

“As long as you have the ticket, that’s all we’re concerned with,” he said.

Schreiber said large groups and corporations can also contact the fair office for discounted rates. He said that last year, Farmers National Bank, several area car dealerships and people having family reunions bought tickets in bulk for about two-thirds of the cost.

Another addition to make lives easier for fairgoers is the possibility of adding a debit and credit-card machine at one or two of the gates with the highest traffic flow, Schreiber said. The board is looking into what it will take to make this happen and will be voting on it at an upcoming board meeting.

“We’ve been researching it thoroughly. Fifty-five percent of traffic comes through Gate D, which is the main gate,” Schreiber said. “Having this will alleviate headaches with people running out of cash.”

This year’s fair runs Sept. 2-7.

Director of entertainment George Roman III said the board prides itself on being one of few major Valley events not to charge for parking.

“We’re still very proud of the fact that we don’t charge for parking,” he said. “We’re still one of the best shows in the area.”

Roman said grandstand entertainment for this year’s fair includes the usual — demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, cheerleading competition and high school band concert. Country music superstars Hank Williams Jr. and George Jones will perform in the grandstand Sept. 6.

“This year’s tractor pull includes the best of the best in the country,” Roman said. “These people invest hundreds of thousands of dollars just for 30 seconds of pulling time.”

efranco@vindy.com