Fair attendance rises 21%; revenue from rides up 33%

August 29, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

Wednesday’s attendance at the Canfield Fair was 21,442 — up 21 percent from last year’s opening-day attendance of 17,695. Amusement rides on Wednesday also increased their revenue for the day 33 percent compared with the preview day of the fair last year. Then, rain hampered attendance.

Slightly more than 300,000 people attended the run of the 2013 Canfield Fair.

Demolition derby scheduled for today

Tickets are still available for the demolition derby, which begins at 8 p.m. today at the grandstand. This year’s derby is presented by JM Productions Inc., and it will feature four qualifying heats and a championship heat in the span of two hours.

Reserved grandstand adult tickets are $10, while reserved youth tickets, for children between the age of 7 and 12, are $6. The fair’s box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets also can be purchased online by visiting the Canfield Fair’s website, www.canfieldfair.com

Producer, actor to make appearance at Regional Fair booth

Hollywood producer and actor Randy Wayne will be at the Youngstown Regional Fair Commission’s booth at the Canfield Fair on Saturday and Sunday. At the booth, local actors will be able to have their photo taken, and also get information on auditioning for film roles in the region or appearing as extras.

The booth is located to the left of the grandstand, behind the 21 WFMJ-TV booth. For more information about the YRFC, go to www.projectyounghollywood.com

Blood donors needed

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Canfield Fair through Monday. Hours at the Youngstown Drive location are from 12:30 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday, then from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Prospective donors should bring their photo identification or Red Cross donor card.

Today’s donors will receive a drawstring bag, while those who donate on Saturday, Sunday or Monday will receive a mason jar tumbler, while supplies last.

Fair board receives proclamation from lieutenant governor

Mary Taylor, the state’s lieutenant governor, presented the fair’s board of directors with a proclamation from herself and Gov. John Kasich at the board’s noon meeting Thursday.

Taylor admitted that Thursday marked her first visit to the Canfield Fair, but said she appreciated the opportunity to be here. Reading from the proclamation, Taylor said the Canfield Fair represents a time of year when residents can celebrate their heritage, their families and their communities.

She also said she looked forward to eating a number of chocolate-covered treats while attending the fair.

Ed FitzGerald to stop at Dem Party tent

At 4 p.m. today, Ed FitzGerald, the Democratic nominee for governor, will make a stop at the Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fair.

The visit is part of FitzGerald’s Hometown Tour, which began in early July. Since then, FitzGerald and Sharen Neuhardt, his running mate, have traveled to more than 30 cities across the state to meet with supporters. Before his Canfield Fair stop, Fitzgerald appeared at the Stark County Fair and the Geauga County Fair.

VINDICATOR REPORTS