43
Columbiana Co. Fair set to begin Monday
By CHELSEA WEIKART
LISBON
The hot and parched conditions this summer aren’t stunting the anticipation for the Columbiana County Fair.
Running Monday through Aug. 5, the county fairgrounds will host the fair that’s been happening for more than 160 years.
Tresa Hall, secretary/treasurer of the fair board, said the heat and dryness of the summer seem to not be affecting the excitement and ticket sales for the fair.
“Everyone seems to be excited. We’re selling lots of tickets; registration is definitely not down,” she said.
The traditions of the truck-and-tractor pull, motorcycle dirt-drag racing and Western Reserve- sponsored motocross will be mixed with some new things such as the concert in the grandstand at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Also on Wednesday, which is youth day, musical artists Zach Paxson and Savannah Jack are scheduled to appear. The concert will be at 8 p.m., and tickets for the show are free.
Another new addition to the fair is the rabbit, turkey and chicken complex. The building has been in the works for years, and will open officially on Monday.
“It’s on top of the hill with beautiful landscaping; we’re very excited about it.” Hall said.
The large chicken statue that welcomes visitors to the fair was moved to the front of the new building.
With the new building housing all poultry and rabbits, the layout of the fair will be different than past years. Hall said the changes will create a better setup for the vendors who will be near the main walkway.
Marion McMale, who is in charge of vendor registration, said she hopes the rearranging of vendor locations will get them much more exposure compared with past years, which is good because vendor turnout is looking great.
“I don’t know exactly how many vendors we have, but we’re pretty full, and probably up in numbers [from last year],” said McMale.
Hall says the weather forecast for the week looks “not too hot” compared with past weeks, and they are anticipating a good turnout.
The fair officially starts at 3 p.m. Monday and will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Aug. 5.
General-admission tickets can be purchased at the gate for $6 before 3 p.m. and $8 after on weekdays and $8 all day next Saturday and Aug. 5. Visit the Columbiana County Fair’s Facebook page or website at columbianacountyfair.org for more information on how to buy tickets.