CANFIELD FAIR | Fun facts

SIZE

The Canfield Fair is the largest county fair in the state of Ohio.

Its 353 acres comprise 178 acres of midway and 175 acres of parking.

The parking areas require regular mowing, cleaning, draining and manicuring.

There were more than 1,000 concessions at the 2009 Canfield Fair. A total of 14,286 square feet was sold to concessionaires.

ADMINISTRATION

The fair is under the direction of one fair manager and a 17-member board of directors. The latter serve without compensation.

There are 69 departments within the Senior Fair, and more than 75 judges for its many events.

There are 77 departments within the Junior Fair, and more than 80 judges for its many events — including July judging for the Ohio State Fair.

Trophies and awards purchased for the 2007 Canfield Fair totaled over $9,500.

The Canfield Fair also maintains its own police department.

ATTENDANCE

Average attendance at the fair is 380,000.

Attendance in 2008 was 302,186.

The record attendance for one year was 539,437 in 1979.

The record single-day attendance is 158,423, set on Sunday of that year.

FACILITIES

There are 16 restroom buildings located throughout the grounds, plus 72 Port-a-John units that are rented for the duration of the Fair.

Shuttle vehicles convey fair patrons from the parking lots to the gates. In 2008, shuttle drivers logged 1,009.75 total hours.

The fair has a full-time maintenance crew of up to 25 workers.

Between 1,600 and 1,800 garbage “totes” are placed around the grounds. Each is emptied three times daily.

Total waste hauled away in the course of the fair: more than 300 tons.

Manure management at the 2008 fair cost $21,600.

Recent capital improvements at the fairgrounds — undertaken at a cost of over $250,000 — include building upgrades, drainage, painting and equipment.

UTILITIES

Total annual electric bill at the Canfield Fairgrounds: $236,000+.

Electric bill during the Canfield Fair: $94,000+.

Ride operators also provide three generator rigs.

MISCELLANEOUS

In 2008, some 1,100 cases of lemons were purchased to make lemon shakes, a perennial fair favorite.

At 140 lemons per case, this works out to 154,000 lemons.

Since a half a lemon is used in each lemon shake, 308,000 of the thirst-quenching treats were sold in 2008.

Source: Canfield Fair Board