Canfield Fair board hopeful for September event; health officials cautious

CANFIELD — Ohioans are still not permitted to have gatherings of more than 10 people, but the Canfield Fair Board of Directors is hopeful that will change drastically by September.

In a release sent Thursday morning, Mahoning County Agricultural Society President Ward Campbell said it is the board's "hope and intention" to have the fair as scheduled Sept. 2-7. This decision stands in contrast to cancellations of other summer events, like the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest.

"We are monitoring the CDC guidelines and working closely with the Mahoning County District Board of Health. We are committed to providing the best experience we can in an environment that puts the health and safety of our community first," Campbell wrote.

When asked about the release, Mahoning County Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac said, as of right now, such an event would not comply with Gov. Mike DeWine's orders regarding large gatherings.

"As we move forward, we know the fair's in the fall, we'll continue to have to monitor numbers, follow the guidance of the Ohio Department of Health and Gov. DeWine," said Tekac. "We would have to have a lot of discussions with the fair board to provide them guidance if they are allowed."

This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 9:43 AM with the headline "Canfield Fair board hopeful for September event; health officials cautious."