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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Canfield cheerleaders performed for the community at the school's bonfire event in preperation for the game against Poland high school Oct. 26.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Canfield high school freshman cheerleaders performed for the community Oct. 26 at the schools annual bonfire event.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The Canfield High School drum line performed for the school's annual community bonfire event Oct. 26.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Members of the Canfield High School marching band performed at the school's annual bonfire celebrating the annual Battle of 224 football game against Poland high school.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The drum line performed for Canfield's annual community bonfire Oct. 26 to prepare for the football game against Poland high school, the school's rival.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Canfield football players attended the school's Community Bonfire event to prepare for the game against Poland Seminary High School in the annual battle of 224 rivalry.
By JESSICA HARKER
jharker@vindy.com
Canfield celebrated their long time rivalry with Poland during their annual Battle of 224 Bonfire on Oct. 25.
Communication Coordinator for the Canfield Local Schools Renee English said that the bonfire has been an ongoing tradition for six years.
“The students love the bonfire. Teachers and students participate in it,” English said.
The event featured a “dog food” eating contest between staff and students, and performances by cheer leaders and the school’s drum line.
The main event takes place with the announcing of the football players, the smashing of pumpkins by the football captains, and then the lighting of the bonfire.
English said that the Gridiron Club helps to put on the bonfire each year.
“They are extremely involved with the football program,” English said.
The club is a nonprofit organization organized to provide financial assistance to the Canfield football program.
English said that the bonfire is a large community event that many people attend, including volunteers throughout Canfield who assist in putting on the event.
“A community member is the volunteer football announcer who is the MC for the bonfire,” she said.
The school celebrates the week before the big game with a pep rally as well as a community bonfire.
During the pep rally, teachers and students have competitions and perform for the school.
This year, according to English, new teachers performed a Saturday Night Live cheer leading skit for students.
“It is always a lot of fun, the students and staff are very engaged,” English said.
The rivalry between the schools has been going on since 1921 when they played their first game.
In 1944, the schools began to play every year in their 11 man football series.
“This is a classic rivalry that the students look forward to each year,” English said.