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Longtime residents of the Mahoning Valley have recognized for decades that the Canfield Fair truly is something to crow about. Now, however, its proud blue-ribbon status has been shouted out for the entire nation and world to recognize.
A recent issue of Business View, a national and international digital magazine, featured the upcoming 180th Canfield Fair as its featured profile of May 2026 with a 10-page color-illustrated spread. It rightfully trumpeted Canfield's status as the largest county fair in the Buckeye State, the third largest in the nation and for the whopping $30 million in economic impact it brings to our region each year.
To be sure, from its austere beginnings 180 years ago, the fair has steadily grown in size and stature, hitting attendance milestones of 500,000 in the 1970s. Today, it boasts more than 60 buildings, including a 6,500-seat grandstand, on 353 expansive acres.
But just as in 1846, the 2026 Canfield Fair blends the best of traditional farm fare with the latest in state-of-the-art forward-thinking flair. We're confident that diverse mix will pave the way for yet another successful and enriching six-day run Wednesday through Labor Day.
Fair organizers have much to rightly crow about when it comes to new treats at the 180th incarnation of the grand exposition. Among them:
● A military C-130 flyover from the Youngstown Air Reserve Station to highlight the official opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Thursday. They also will include an airplane jump from longtime fair supporter Pat Moran and remarks from legendary former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar.
● The addition of a spiffy and fully restored 1926 Model T Ford to the ever-popular Western Reserve Historic Village.
● The marriage of the beloved and iconic fair rooster to the newfound love of his life, Grace the Hen, at 11 a.m. Saturday at Western Reserve Village. A wedding shower for Grace benefiting United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley is planned throughout the day Wednesday, which is the unofficial opening day of the fair.
● Beer and wine will be sold outside of the grandstand for the first time in fair history, featuring craft brewers from Youngstown, Warren and Columbiana.
● The fair will proudly induct Brenda Anderson Markley, Howard Moff and Jerome Hull into its Agricultural Hall of Fame at 11 a.m. Wednesday on the Concourse stage.
● The Rich Center for Autism will debut its new mobile sensory van on the fairgrounds to provide a calming, sensory-friendly environment for those on the autism spectrum and others needing a brief respite from the sometimes overstimulation of crowds, noises, flashing lights and other hoopla and hubbub.
● Three new rides will join the approximately 50 mechanical rides on the expansive midway, including the daunting Mega Drop, a 120-foot tall drop tower that lifts riders to the top before briskly dropping to the ground.
● Of the 400-plus vendors, 23 new ones will set up shop on the grounds, including Grain & Berry, Suzie's Dogs, Allie's Sweet Tooth and DonutNV.
Collectively, the hard yearlong work of Fair Manager Skye N. Tancer, her 17 fair board directors and fairgrounds staff will once again result in renewing the fair's hallowed legacy as the highlight of late summer in the Valley..
As Tancer has aptly put it, "The Canfield Fair is more than just an event -- it is the heart of the Mahoning Valley."
But as we ponder the past, present and future of the fair, its primary assets transcend time. Just as in 1846, the Canfield Fair remains at its core a celebration of the important role agriculture plays in Mahoning County.
As tens of thousands stroll the midways, they will have ample opportunities to appreciate local farmers. At Canfield Fair time -- and all the time through the year -- 21st century farmers continue to provide nutritious food for our tables and vital fuel for our local economy.
So as we visit this year's Grand Annual Fair, as it originally was called, and treat ourselves to all of its joyful amusements and tantalizing food fare, we would do well to remember that where it's been, where it's now and where it's going remain deeply embedded in Mahoning County's rich agrarian roots.