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Ribbon is cut as an official opening to the fair
By Kalea Hall
CANFIELD
Mums lined the stage.
The podium was rooster stamped.
And the directors were dressed in their best.
On the Concourse Stage at the Canfield Fair, the 17 members of the Canfield Fair Board along with Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel and others cut a red ribbon as an official opening to the fair Thursday morning.
“The opportunities are here, if you want to create memories with your family or friends. They are endless,” said Canfield Fair Board President Craig Myers during his ribbon-cutting speech. “This week as you go out and visit the fair, don’t just visit — experience it.”
A representative from every branch of the military performed the Color Guard ceremony to kick off the 169th Canfield Fair. The Western Reserve Marching Band then brought more patriotism with a heart-pounding rendition of the national anthem.
The guest of honor and speaker, Tressel, reminisced about his time as head coach for the YSU football team.
“We knew no one was going to enjoy the upcoming football season or upcoming school year until they came to the Canfield Fair,” Tressel said. “I am glad we have the chance to be here and thank all the people who have created this tremendous tradition. To think, 169 years of so much fun; so much collaboration; so much happening; and we are proud to be a part of this tradition.”
Myers made sure the 16 other directors and office staff were thanked for their efforts in making the fair what it is. Myers read a Canfield Fair Times story from 1965 about the balance at the fair that has led to its success.
“The planning of the fair by these 17 directors is done with an eye for producing a well balanced fair, so that every interest is well served – rural, urban and city,” he said.
Before the ribbon cutting, a moment of silence was observed for Judge James C. Evans who died in August. The judge celebrated his 20 years as a fair director in charge of security in May of this year. Canfield Fair Chief of Police Bill Arnaut, Canfield City Chief Chuck Colucci, Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Nakia Hendrix and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene stood in for the judge during the ribbon cutting. Judge Evans ensured that the Canfied Fair was a safe place, Myers told the crowd.
“Everything about him was integrity,” Myers said