The Canfield Fair is still going strong at 163

The Canfield Fair is still going strong at 163

We stand on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the loss of one of the Mahoning Valley’s entertainment institutions, Idora Park. And yet we celebrate the annual opening of another area institution, the Canfield Fair,

Idora Park barely survived 85 years, struggling through the last few of those even before a disastrous fire. The Canfield Fair, meanwhile, is still something to crow about as it opens its 163rd edition.

The fair is, quite simply, an amazing community asset, an attraction that continues to draw about a million visitors every three years. Bad weather kept attendance low last year, barely topping 300,000, but watch for it to spring back this year with sunny skies and moderate temperatures forecast for almost its entire six-day run. Even the sunniest optimist, however, would not predict a return to the recording-setting days of 30 years ago, when attendance exceeded a half-million people.

Other attractions may claim something for everyone, but the Canfield Fair has been delivering on that promise for generations. Some of the biggest names in show business have taken the stage there, including Bob Hope, Bill Cosby, the Beach Boys, Dolly Parton, the Lennon Sisters and more country and western stars (and future stars) anywhere short of Nashville. Sunday, Hank Williams Jr. and George Jones will be the grandstand attraction. Tickets for that special attraction are $36 and $48.

What’s up

Other days at the grandstand there will be band performances, cheerleader competition, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls, and on Friday, what’s billed as the world’s largest demolition derby.

But grandstand attractions must compete with more than 1,000 concessions on the midway, the steam machinery exhibition that always fascinates young and old, Old MacDonald’s Barn (catering more to the young), Western Reserve Village, with its restored buildings and carriages, fruit and vegetable displays, fine and domestic art, 4-H and Scout booths and Educational Building displays. There are large and small animals on display in several barns, 4-H auctions, horse and pony competition and, for the iron horses, a bike night on Thursday.

And, of course, there is the food. Legendary french fries and hot sausage, sticky buns and lemon shakes, steak sandwiches, ribs, chicken dinners and ethnic foods — something to appeal to every palate.

Almost all the attractions except major grandstand performances, (Hank Williams Jr., the demolition derby and the championship truck and tractor pull) are covered by the $7 adult admission fee ($5 for teens, $2 for youth). Ride tickets are extra ($15 weekdays, $20 on Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day).

The fair offers a full day of entertainment at a modest price, especially on Thursday when teens 13 to 17 get in for only $2 and youth 7 to 12 get in free. Children 6 and younger are free every day.

If the weather kept you away last year, make up for it this year. The fair always provides a day worth remembering.