The Canfield Fair in 2025 installed fiber optic lines to improve communication and opened a new gate to the parking lot.
Because the fairgrounds is over 360 acres, maintaining reliable bandwidth across the site has always been a challenge, says Steve Moff, board president.
Adding fiber optic lines greatly strengthened connectivity, allowing the Wi-Fi network to better handle the high-capacity usage during peak times.
A new parking gate – 9A – was opened for the fair. Located off state Route 46 near Leffingwell Road, it helped reduce congestion at the other gates.
Other improvements added last year include a digital information sign board at the entrance to the grandstand, replacing a hand-lettered sign that had to be updated each year.
The fair extended its online reach in 2025.
One video created by its marketing agency, Sweet Marketing & Management, surpassed 1 million views.
The marketing effort was designed to reach a younger demographic and stretch beyond Mahoning County, Moff says.
The fair also collaborated with Penguin City Brewing Co. on a commemorative can design, garnering recognition from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
Four new members were inducted into the Mahoning County Agricultural Hall of Fame during the fourth annual induction ceremony. Honorees included Edward and Charles Barth, and Larry and Kathy Bennett.
This year’s fair – the 180th – will take place Sept. 2-7. It will be celebrated with a fireworks extravaganza in July to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
