FAIR DIGEST || Portman at fair Monday

Portman at fair Monday

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican, will visit the Canfield Fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Also, U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Marietta, R-6th, whose district includes Canfield, will be at the fair about 11 a.m. Sunday.

Blood donors needed

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the fair, next to the Medical Building, through Monday. Hours are 12:30 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.

Prospective donors must be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds. They should bring their photo ID, or Red Cross donor card, as well as the names of medications they’re taking. They should eat a light meal of iron-rich foods and drink plenty of water before giving blood. The actual donation takes between eight and 10 minutes. Donors receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Smartphone contest

For the first time this year, the fair is offering a smartphone photo contest. Photos entered can be of any subject matter, but must be taken between the official start of the fair and the entry deadline, which is 8 p.m. Saturday.

Only one photo can be entered per person, and all photos need to be created from start to finish on a smartphone. The contest is open to anyone 5 years old or older. For information, visit the Fine Arts Building.

Attendance drop

Attendance at the fair Wednesday was 17,695 — a drop from last year’s opening-day attendance of 25,699. Attendance on opening day typically increases from year to year, but inclement weather Wednesday hurt attendance numbers, said fair board officials.

‘Faces of the Fair’

This year is the last for Canfield Fair attendees to participate in the “Faces of the Fair” photography exhibit.

Staff at the Fine Arts Building will take photos of fair attendees, which will then be made into a montage for next year’s fair.

Postcards, posters and prints of the montage created at last year’s fair are now available. The montage shows a tractor image that is filled with the faces of those who attended last year’s fair. All proceeds go toward the fair’s fine arts department.

Demo Derby tonight

Tickets are still available for the Demolition Derby, which begins at 8 tonight at the Grandstand. The box office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets can also be purchased online by visiting the fair’s website, www.canfieldfair.com.

‘Apples, Anyone?’

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the “Apples, Anyone?” contest, which is sponsored by the fair’s arts and crafts department. In celebration of the anniversary, apples will again be the feature, as they were in 1993.

Competitors were asked to prepare a dish using apples as the main ingredient, but pies were not permitted.

Fairgoers are encouraged to watch the judging, which begins at 1:15 p.m. today in the Fruit Hay and Grain Building. Entries will be judged on creativity, taste and appearance.