The Canfield Fair- it’s SO Ohio…
“She’s So Ohio,” takes on the 2026 Canfield Fair.
If there’s anything I love more than corn, it’s art.
Photo Credits: Nathan Taylor
Another Fair Come, Another One Gone
This year, I had two days at the Fair- and I got in for free both times! Some kind strangers gave me their extra ticket on Labor Day. And the second time…. I snuck into clean-up day.
For me, clean-up day was not all that spectacular. Sure, I was chasing an adventure. The truth- I just wanted to see the giant pumpkins! I felt like Linus from Peanuts. I waited too late to visit the pumpkin and vegetable barn on Labor Day, and just missed entrance. However, a kind stranger encouraged me to visit on clean-up and get a chance then. So, I did.
After lapping the property a few times, I mustered enough courage to park and embrace my inner crazy Ohioan. Now, perhaps I am just a looney adventure seeker, as I show off my acting cap as an impromptu journalist. I would argue that my Ohio roots instilled the power of determination and seeking opportunity- so readers, judge me as you will…
Anyways, as I walked around the grounds during clean-up, a lesson was thrown in my face: the Fair is really just a bunch of empty barns.
Clean-up shots of the Fair.
Photo Creds: Alexandra Morar
What makes the grounds come to life? Art! Whether the art of seeds and produce, the beautiful delicacies of baked goods and treats, or the crafted masterpiece quilts and paintings- the intentionality and effort artists fuel into their handiwork is truly what decorates and builds the Fair. Art is what make the fair what it is.
So readers, enjoy the highlighted artsy side of the farm and country- both your eyes and hearts will be impressed by the stories of these wonderful women I randomly met and interviewed this past Tuesday.
The Fine Arts Barn: Bringing the Fair to Life
Image is of the metal rooster with locks- the lock tradition began
in 2014 as a way for fair enthusiasts to “lock up their love” for the Canfield Fair.
Photo Creds: Alexandra Morar
Managed by Director Lisa Jordan, the Fine Arts Building saw 2,048 entries of all ages in the fair this year. Two main categories highlighted the 250th birthday of the United States, as well as the 180th birthday of the Canfield Fair.
As a way to commemorate the 250th year of the U.S., artists could revolve their themes to reflect the service of our nation’s heroes. The building’s display featured many works of art honoring the sacrifices performed in the past and hope for the future. Veterans were invited last Thursday to share their own stories of time in the military. And as they finished, were given a thank you gift of a card and pin, and proceeded to have their picture in front of an eagle statue.
For Jordan, the category focusing on the nation’s veterans was the most meaningful to her.
“That was more moving than anything else,” Jordan said. “[It will] live on with me for years.”
In addition to supporting veterans, Jordan explained that the Fine Arts Building plays a crucial role in the Fair. The Building serves as a way to foster community and encourage local artists.
“Just to be here and lift them up,” she said. “We come to life.”
Superstar Sisters: Ensuring the Baking and Crafting Worlds Thrive
“Oh my goodness, they can make just about anything,” Ruth Kurtz, Superintendent of the Arts and Crafts Building, said about the Junior participants.
The Arts and Crafts Building sees a variety of ages and categories each year at the Canfield Fair. The Junior participants are students 12 years old and younger. Art categories vary from needlework (quilting, sewing, wall hangings, crocheting, knitting, etc.) and crafts (wreaths, scrapbooking, dolls, etc.), to Baked Goods.
The Baked Goods section each year features a variety of themes. This year’s consisted of a “ballgame” topic, where participants could bake a dessert in honor of the World Series. Others showcased international dishes and even a “Silver Spoon” contest.
For Juniors, an option of entry is the Irene Houk Award. In honor of Irene, an esteemed baker, the Houk family offer this award each year in her memory. Bakers must follow a chosen recipe exactly and compete for the best results. This year’s recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Guidelines for the 2026 Irene Houk Award.
Photo from Pg. 21 of the 2026 Arts and Crafts Handbook.
For Superintendent Kurtz, working with the kids and being a part of the ribbon process brings her a lot of joy.
“The disability kids getting excited about the ribbons,” Kurtz said. “Seeing their faces as they see their hard work and accomplishments.”
Kurtz has been a part of the Canfield Fair since she was a child. She always entered a creative work in the art section, while her sister, Lisa, entered in the baking categories. Occasionally they would compete against each other in cake decorating, but for Ruth, these are fond memories.
“That is bittersweet,” she said. “Because I lost my sister just before the fair.”
Lisa Kurtz passed away in August, just weeks before the start of the Fair. Ruth Kurtz explained that they worked the Fair in some capacity each year. They frequently volunteered with the Arts and Crafts Building, and eventually were both promoted to co-superintendents.
Despite the loss of her sister, Kurtz continues to press on and ensure the arts and crafts thrive at the Fair. So much so, she is already looking ahead to next year.
“No rest,” she said. “I already started 2027 plans. Seeing trends to bring in to try and make it better.”