Wednesday, August 31, 2016
CANFIELD — There hasn't been a time in Gordon Withers' life that he hasn't been involved in the Canfield Fair.
"I was here when I was born," he said, laughing.
This year marks the 100th year that his family's farm – Withers Honey Creek Farms, based in Petersburg – has shown cows at the Canfield Fair. The tradition is now in its fifth generation of family members, from Gordon's grandfather to his own grandchildren.
Family from near and far have converged on the fair this year to mark the milestone.
His niece Sherri Staib and her children, Jon and Lori, drove 12 hours from New York with a truck and trailer to bring their own cows to the fair and to be with the family.
Gordon's daughter, Ginger, is traveling cross-country from Washington to visit.
Other family members – son, Howie, daughter-in-law Tricia, and granddaughters Olivia, Ivy and Ruby – are involved in the farm, and will be here throughout the week helping.
Looking back on their years at the fair, Gordon and his wife, Beverly, grow reflective.
"This is home. And it's a neater, bigger, better county fair than any you'll go to," he said. "It's a good experience. You meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends."
It means a lot to them, too, that the younger Withers generations are carrying on their legacy.
"It's nice to know that they have an interest, and they want to carry it on," said Beverly. "It's heartwarming."
For the full story, check out Thursday's Vindicator. Follow us on Twitter at @vindyatthefair for video, pictures and live commentary from the fairgrounds.