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Columbiana street fair: It’s ‘a big, citywide reunion’
COLUMBIANA
Many former residents who revisit the area plan their trips around the city’s annual street fair.
The popular three-day event is special for so many because of the city’s quaint atmosphere, its history and its interest in preserving tradition, according to Ginny Perkins, secretary for the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s Columbiana’s homecoming,” she said. “It’s like a big, citywide reunion.”
The 125th annual street fair runs Sept. 8-10 and features rides, merchants, music, food and a parade. It’s sponsored by the American Legion’s Benjamin Firestone Post 290.
Street-fair manager Dave Reash said class and family reunions also are planned for the weekend.
The event runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9. The fair continues from noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 10. All events take place on South Main Street from the square to Railroad Street.
A large parade will kick off the fair at 6:30 opening night. Local band Kelly & Al’s Rock n Roll Heaven will play that night from 7:30 to 10:30.
Rock band Blind Lemon of Columbiana will play from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, and Saturday’s entertainment is by Silver Eagle Band of Weirton, W.Va. The country act will play from 8 to 11 p.m.
Saturday also is Kids Day, and unlimited rides will be offered between noon and 5 p.m. for a set price.
The fair will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, but only for a special group of kids. Reash said disabled children from various county programs will be bused to the event and treated to lunch and rides, courtesy of the American Legion post.
“They will own the midway,” he said. “It’s something we do every year that we’re very proud of.”
An amateur photo contest is being sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 16. Prizes will be awarded for different categories and age groups. For more information, visit www.StreetFairPhotos@aol.com.
Reash said fair food is always a big draw, and many people look forward to the post’s famous Legion burger, a quarter-pounder smothered will grilled onions. Grace Church, 140 S. Main St., is hosting its annual chicken BBQ during the fair. Takeout, ice cream, homemade pies and children’s meals also will be available.
The Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary will have separate drawings each night for cash prizes. Saturday night’s drawing, sponsored by the American Legion, is for $5,000. Winners need not be present.
There is no charge to get into the fair. Because of limited parking, a shuttle will run Friday and Saturday between Firestone Park and the fair. There also will be a handicap drop-off point at the southeast corner of the square.