43
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The Austintown Marching Band rifle line performed during the Canfield Fair August 30.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The Austintown Marching Band flag line marched during the Canfield Fair high school band demonstrations August 30.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The Austintown Fitch High School Marching Band performed during the Canfield Fair August 30.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Senior Drum Major Nick Mattiussi directed the band during their demonstration at the Canfield Fair August 30.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Austintown Band Director Wes O'Connor stood in front of the band during the demonstrations at the Canfield Fair August 30.
Photo
Neighbors | Jessica Harker.The Austintown Marching Band performed during the Canfield Fair's high school band demonstrations August 30.
By JESSICA HARKER
The Austintown Fitch High School marching band attended the Canfield Fair on Aug. 30 for the annual high school band demonstrations.
Austintown was joined by 14 other local bands, including South Range and Canfield.
“It’s a great way to get the kids out there, and show off their talent,” said the Band’s Director Wes O’Connor.
He said that the band has been attending the fair for years.
“The kids love the fair so to come out and perform at the grand stand is a treat for them,” O’Connor said.
During the performance the band played their first show, a tribute to World War I.
They dressed in full uniform and showed off their marching skills in a smaller space then they are used to performing in.
“It takes a little getting used to,” O’Connor said. “But I think they did great.”
This year is the 172nd anniversary of the Canfield Fair.
All Austintown schools began the year on Aug. 28, but students only went until Wednesday.
This, O’Connor said, allowed students and their families time to partake in the fair before the school year gets into full swing.
“It’s a new thing but its a nice treat for the students,” O’Connor said.
He emphasized how helpful it was for band members, who had a full week of events planned.
The Austintown marching band started the week with their annual band night on Aug. 27.
They also played in the Canfield band night on Aug. 28, the fair performance and their first home football game on Aug. 31.
“We have a lot to go to but we are excited to show off our students talent,” O’Connor said. “It’s going to be a good year.”