New sights coming to Trumbull Fair

By Ed Runyan

runyan@vindy.com

BAZETTA

People interested in Trumbull County history will find new exhibits from about a dozen local historical societies at this year’s county fair, which opens today.

The 2017 Trumbull County Fair Board says its Historical Village is having “a new beginning to preserve the past.”

Among the groups showing exhibits will be ones from Cort- land-Bazetta, Fowler, Howland, Leavittsburg, Niles, North Bloomfield, Southington, Trumbull County, Vienna and Warren.

Some people may have stopped paying attention to a small red and white building to the west of the grandstand, but Jeff Ford will bring the history of the former Orangeville Jail alive this year with facts he’s uncovered.

For instance, the jail was built in 1845 with two one-man cells, each with sitting and sleeping benches and a toilet hole. The last prisoners were housed there in 1968, and the building was moved to the fairgrounds in 1971.

On a practical note, the new restrooms to the west of the grandstand will be unveiled Tuesday.

And harness racing returns this year after a 10-year absence. Most other nearby counties still have harness racing, but 28 of Ohio’s 88 counties do not.

The county commissioners also will host Area Agency on Aging 11 staff at its booth Tuesday.

Fairgoers are encouraged to visit the commissioners’ booth underneath the grandstand, where staff of the agency’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program will be available to discuss services, especially questions or concerns about MyCare Ohio. Staff will be available from noon to 6 p.m.

MyCare Ohio is the coordinating plan for Ohioans who have both Medicaid and Medicare. The Long-term Care Ombudsman Program, while known for its work in nursing homes, also handles complaints and concerns about long-term care services consumers receive in the home and in the community, agency officials said.

Also new to the fair will be a motorcycle show from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. And, instead of a shark exhibit, there will be a Bengal tiger and African lion show Tuesday through Sunday three times a day near the grandstand.

All the regular motor sports shows will be back, including car races, tractor pull and demolition derby. Fireworks close festivities next Sunday after the demolition derby concludes.

The official opening ceremony is set for noon Tuesday, which is a free-admission day, although rides still cost $6. The fair is free Wednesday for military veterans, and Thursday is a free- admission day for kids 14 and under.

The admission price is $8 Wednesday and Thursday and $10 Friday through Sunday. Mechanical rides are free with the purchase of an admission ticket.

Admission price to the grandstand for the Chris Higbee concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday is $5.