In Canfield it’s opening day for a Mahoning County tradition

The Canfield Fair continues to entertain and amaze.

The 166th edition of the fair opens today and runs through Monday. During those days, boys and girls of all ages are guaranteed to find something to enjoy. There is, after all, nothing like the fair to bring out the inner child, regardless of chronological age. And regardless of whether this is someone’s first or fiftieth visit to the fairgrounds.

As little as $2 and no more than $7, depending on age and day of attendance, buys entry into a complex where urban, suburban and rural families can find entertainment and education. For an additional charge there are midway rides and topflight grandstand shows.

For a few dollars more, there is the uniquely American culinary experience of fair food. Much of what’s on the bill of fare may not be what the dietician ordered, but this is a once-a-year event. Sausage sandwiches, french fries, lemon shakes and elephant ears provide a four-course meal that will tide you over for a year, at which time you can come back for more.

For all the other attractions, the fair has not lost its agricultural roots, and 4-H youngsters will be there with their animals — ranging from pocket pets to ponies, from rabbits to sheep, goats, pigs, cows and llamas. There are demonstrations, judging and contests in dozens of categories throughout the fair. Schedules of events have been running in The Vindicator and are available on the fair’s website.

From morning till night

There is not a minute between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. when there isn’t something to do or see at the fairgrounds.

In keeping with a tradition of top-flight entertainment, the grandstand will feature concerts by Blake Shelton and by Martina McBride and Scotty McCreery. There will also be the U.S. National Freestyle Motocross Championship Series, the world’s largest demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, the pig iron derby and harness racing. ,

But there is no charge for other stellar attractions at the fair, including Western Reserve Village, Old McDonald’s Barn and the antique and steam-powered equipment show. Not far from the antique equipment are displays of the latest in farm machinery. Lining 175 acres of midway there are rides, animal barns, show rings, produce, fine arts and domestic arts and commercial displays. And permeating the midway are the aromas of those traditional foods already mentioned and dozens of other treats.

There is a reason that millions of people have gone to the Canfield Fair during a span that covers three centuries. And it is the same reason that tens of thousands of fans from far and near can’t wait for this week. The Canfield Fair is a fun place to be. Oh, and there’s always something to crow about.