Updated for 2023
Ahhh, the smell of french fries, cinnamon rolls, and cows. It's time for the 177th Canfield Fair!
It's Something to Crow About at this year's fair - did you know the fair covers 353 acres and has over 60 buildings filled with fun things to do?
It's easy to spend a small fortune when you take the family out for the day - believe me, I've been there. Here are some great tips to make your day enjoyable, fun, budget-friendly, and worth the blisters on your feet!
1. Go Early
If you can swing it - take a vacation day and hit the fair up on Wednesday or Thursday. Admission costs are less on Wednesday and Thursday, and it's generally less crowded in the mornings. The rides don't open until later in the day, so you have a great excuse to keep the kids doing all of the free things the fair has to offer.
- Wednesday: $4 youth, $6 adult, $4 senior
- Thursday: FREE 12 and under, $4 ages 13-17, $8 ages 18+
- Friday: $4 youth, $10 adult, $6 senior
- Saturday and Sunday: $5 youth, $10 adult and senior
- Monday: $4 youth, $8 adult and senior
- Youth are ages 7 to 12 years old, adults are 13+ years old and senior citizens are 62+ years old.
- Children 6 and under are free!
- 3 Day Advanced Pass - $21, 6 Day Advanced Pass - $41
2. Bring a Stroller
This is a no brainer if your kids are tiny - of course, they can't walk all day long. Plus you can use it to carry all those prizes and souvenirs!
3. Know Where to Park
Parking on the fairgrounds is free - but you could end up out in the boonies - and nobody wants to walk THAT far. If you are going first thing in the morning, enter from Gate 9 on Route 46. They fill up those side lots first - and you have an easy walk to the gates. If you are going after 3pm, you'll probably end up way in the back. Later in the evening, they might open up some of the front lots again to fill in the spots. If you enter from Fairground Blvd or Leffingwell Road you'll end up in the fields behind the Grandstand. However, there are nice tractors that you can ride to the gate.
Pro Tip - if you are going on Sunday or Monday, sometimes it's worth it to shell out the $5-10 and park at one of the houses on Route 46.
4. Find the Free Stuff
The fair is much more than rides and overpriced (but still delicious) food. There is a list as long as my arm of fun and free activities:
Every Day:
- Antique Farm Equipment (they make popcorn too)
- Wool Spinning in the sheep barn
- Western Reserve Wood Carvers in the Fine Arts Building
- Outdoor art events behind the Fine Arts building
- Watch cows being milked at the Milking Parlor
- Kids activities in the 4-H building
- Kids activities in the Hay & Grain building
- Giant pumpkins in the Pumpkin Barn
- Daily entertainment on several stages around the fairgrounds
- Kids activities with OSU Education - in the 4-H building
Check the daily schedule book for additional free events & judgings. Here are some highlights:
- Cheerleading Demo in the Grandstand (Wednesday)
- High School Band Show in the Grandstand (Thursday)
- Canfield Fair "Strut Your Stuff" Contest (Friday)
- Rooster Run 5K (Sunday)
- Dress a Cow Contest (Sunday)
- Rooster Crowing Contest (Monday)
5. Catch the Buzz
Everyone is talking about the Weiner Dog Derby! Over 80 dogs will race 20 yards down the track in the Grandstand on Saturday.
6. Know Where to "Go "
There is an air-conditioned baby comfort station next to Building #22 - which is on Boardman Dr., and I think the nicest Restrooms are at the corner of Boardman and Miller Dr. - just across from the Floral Building.
7. Try something new!
There are so many hidden treasures at the fair, it's easy to walk right on by. There are great exhibits in the Western Reserve Village, at the Carriage Museum, at the Veteran's Memorial, and in the Buckeye Memorial Grove.
8. Best Food Buys
Did you know the 4-H runs a concession stand called the Pop Shop? It's in the 4-H complex in the north corner of the fair. You won't find a better food deal anywhere else.
