New aquarium scales up the fun at Trumbull County Fair

BAZETTA -- The Trumbull County Fair has had its share of cows, horses, rabbits, pigs, goats and sheep, but for the 180th fair, there also are fish from all seven continents showcased in an aquarium display.

The fair kicked off Tuesday with rides, food vendors and entertainment -- and premiered the new weiner dog race at the grandstand.

In the Commercial Building are 10 large aquariums filled with a variety of fish species from around the world. Niles resident Rob Williams, owner of Awesome Aquatics in Cortland, said the aquatic life includes not only fish, but also turtles.

"This is the sixth year we have been at the fair. Because the fair is celebrating 180 years this year, we have 80 feet of space with 25 fish in all shapes and sizes inside 10 large aquariums and 630 gallons of water," Williams said.

Since he was 9, Williams has always had an aquarium and has an angelfish in his logo in memory of his aunt and grandmother who raised him. He said his very first fish was a red betta fish.

"When people stop here, they always ask me about their fish and how long they will live. Many people tell me about fish they won at the fair. These fish can live up to 30 years,'' he said.

Williams said people are surprised how big some of the fish are, including "Floyd," a reddish-orange-colored Flowerhorn from Thailand.

"He will follow people and swim back and forth. He is very personable,'' Williams said.

The tanks are labeled with what fish are inside, including "South American predator fish," "rainbow fish of Australia" and a Star Wars-themed fish tank.

Children 12 and under can dig in a sandbox to find hidden seashells. They can keep the seashells or trade them in for other items at the display.

Visitors to the aquarium area also may be greeted by a 7-foot-tall inflatable shark.

"This is something different to see at the fair. Some of the fish are really big,'' said Diane Dillon of Warren.

Crista Holland of Champion said, "I think this display is awesome. There are a lot of fish. I like the big white one in there.''

"I like fish. I didn't know this was even here. I like the black fish. I also like the turtles,'' said Autymn Carroll, 9, of Champion.

"She loves to swim, so I am not surprised she likes fish," Holland said.

"The fair has so much to see, so this is another attraction. It's different. You wouldn't expect to find fish at a fair. I think people may want to have an aquarium of their own,'' said George Prvonozac of Warren.

There is also a nearby reptile display with various snakes, lizards and an alligator.

HISTORY ON DISPLAY

Also this week at the fair are the local historical society and history groups' displays in the Historical Village.

Christine Novicky, president of the Vienna Historical Society, said there are 10 different groups with displays set up inside the historic church.

Novicky said Vienna has been part of the exhibit for the past 10 years.

"It's a great way to let people see the history of many different Trumbull County communities,'' she said.

Nancy Jarvis of Youngstown and formerly of Liberty said she loves local history.

"I like seeing the different histories of each town. There is a lot I have learned being here,'' Jarvis said.

Bob Smith of Warren said he is with the Warren Heritage Center and wanted to see what displays other historical groups had set up.

"I am helping at the coal mine. I have done a lot of coal mining history for Trumbull County,'' Smith said.

The historical village has many places to visit, including an 1845 Orangeville jail, the 1848 Bazetta Christian Church, 1928 Ainsley Gas Station, 1979 carriage shed, 1987 gazebo, 2022 saloon, 2022 blacksmith shop, 2023 coal mine and the 2025 penny theater.