Vindy's fair convert dives into newest attraction: a selfie scavenger hunt

CANFIELD

I’ll admit it.

Before I was assigned to cover the Canfield Fair as a reporter, I wasn’t an avid fairgoer.

I usually stopped by one night each year to grab some food, hop on a ride or two and visit the animals (and then maybe grab some more food).

Don’t get me wrong, I had fun at the fair – but by no means was I in the class of Mahoning Valley natives who pride themselves on the countless fairgoing hours they’ve racked up over the years.

That all changed last year when I was assigned to cover the fair for five days; I’m back this year doing the same thing, and my appreciation of this place has blossomed.

I decided to get to know the fairgrounds even better Thursday by participating in a fairgrounds scavenger hunt created by dedicated fair fans Jim Davis and Mike McAndrew.

“I worked at the fair from the mid-’80s to 2000 in the sound department. It’s been in my blood since, not missing a day [then],” said McAndrew. “I’ve made a lot of friends and have met so many through the years. [With] the selfie factor of this game and the social media aspect, anyone who plays will create a special moment, and at some point, a cherished memory of theirs.”

The idea came about after McAndrew developed a following of former Valley residents who enjoyed his annual posts about the fair. Davis urged him to turn it into a game.

Read more about the hunt and Jordyn's tally in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.