Prepping for the 168th Canfield Fair begins

CANFIELD

Many Valley residents are anticipating the Canfield Fair’s 168th opening day, and the fair board and vendors are preparing to bring in thousands of fairgoers.

“You put 100,000 people on the grounds, and you get something cooking and something burning — anything can happen,” said Andy Frost Jr., who oversees emergency medical services and fire at the fair. “We have a great system.”

Red Cross volunteers, firefighters from multiple departments and police officers are what make the system work.

On average, there are three fire calls, 102 medical runs, the Red Cross sees 750 people at two medical stations staffed by 30 to 40 volunteers.

This year, there is a new barn substation for medical calls on Austintown Drive inside the fairgrounds. It is between the medical and floral and fine arts buildings. The main medical hub is on Jackson Drive in front of the race tack.

“We work hand in hand with the police,” Frost said.

Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court oversees the police at the fair. There are about 200 police officers sworn in to secure the fairgrounds during the six-day fair. During the day there are typically 25 officers on the grounds and then more are added in the evening. The officers working the fairgrounds are from a variety of area departments.

“We really have to go with the flow,” Judge Evans said.

... Read more in Sunday's Vindicator!