CANTON − The Stark County Fair is rich in tradition and abundant with reliable attractions: Livestock, food, amusement park rides and country music.
But fair organizers also have added a few new things. Wagering on harness racing, Agri-Puppet shows, trick-performing dogs with Aim High Canines, and a national touring comedian who broke out on the internet several years ago.
There’s lots to see, eat and do. While some fairgoers show up every day, others can make it only a day or two. So depending on your free time and level of fair fandom, here are the top five can’t miss things at the Stark County Fair this year, with a few extras tossed in.
The fair starts Tuesday and continues through Sept. 5 (Labor Day). Grandstand entertainment features country music artist Chris Lane on Wednesday night and comedian Trey Kennedy on Thursday night.
For a full schedule of events and list of attractions, go to https://starkcountyfair.com/.
And every detail imaginable about the fair is packed within the online 77-page Stark County Fair Book at https://starkcountyfair.com/news/2022-fairbook-published. There’s even a recipe for grilled steakhouse lamb pizza.
More:Stark County Fair will entertain with country music, comedian, Frisbee-catching dogs
It’s all about the food … George’s burgers, Lerch’s donuts, Tim’s Tavern
County fairs have a rural ambience outlasting the decades ― tractor pulls, grandstand entertainment, 4-H kids showing their animals … and of course, the food.
The aroma of fresh-cut fries, candy apples, cotton candy, stromboli, steak on a stick, and Italian sausage sandwiches topped with grilled onions and peppers waft in food vendor row.
“The neat thing about our food concessions is we’re back up to pre-COVID levels of vendors at the fairgrounds,” said Jill Sterling, a fair board member who heads the entertainment.
Local flavor is also represented at the fair, including George’s Lounge, Tim’s Tavern and Fat Freddie’s BBQ.
Fair time is also the best time to treat yourself to Lerch’s Donuts. Legendary in Wayne County, the simple yet terrifically tasty cake-style donuts are best when served warm and fresh off the cooling racks. Standard varieties include plain, cinnamon and sugared, but Lerch’s has been known to feature special flavors at the fair, including cherry, blueberry and pumpkin.
“We have some of our past queens that come back who have been Stark County Fair queens who meet up, and it’s their tradition to go to Lerch’s Donuts,” Sterling said. “And they take their picture to post on social media ― it’s the memory.”
George’s burgers are another must. The fair stand will be open Wednesday through Labor Day.
Served hot off the flat top grill, burgers come dressed up gourmet style or as a regular cheeseburger ($6) or burger ($5.50). Located in downtown Canton, George’s Lounge uses grass-fed patties on a toasted egg roll.
More:George’s Lounge serving its famous burgers at fair
Popular varieties include the Blue Ribbon Burger ($7) topped with ranch dressing, grilled onions, melted PBR beer cheese and bacon.
Also on the fair menu will be the King George Burger ($8) featuring blue cheese, jerk spice, bacon and mushrooms. Another option is the Big O’Nesto Burger ($7) with bacon, egg and American cheese.
George’s is also known for its hand-cut fries ($4) and Glazed Guy Fries ($6) topped with PBR cheese, onions and bacon.
A morning menu includes breakfast croissant and biscuit sandwiches ($6), as well as biscuits and gravy ($8).
Another local legend is beer-battered fried fish from Tim’s Tavern, served both as a sandwich or dinner. Tim’s Tavern and its take on North Atlantic cod have been a strong draw at the fair for roughly a couple decades.
More:Lerch’s Donuts: Legendary goodies served up at Stark County Fair
Milkshakes at the Junior Fair stand are another temptation. Peanut butter is the top seller, Sterling confirmed, “and I think they have a new fruit flavor.”
“They’re really, really rich,” Sterling said of the shakes, which will be served north of the grandstand.
First time for a comedian at the Stark County Fair
Clean-cut, relatable and uniquely funny aptly describes the humor of Trey Kennedy.
Not only is a headlining comedian a first for the Stark County Fair. But the touring funnyman said it’s the first time he’s performed at a fair.
Tickets are $15 to $40 for Kennedy’s 8 pm show Thursday. For more information, go to https://starkcountyfair.com/. Tickets don’t include the $8 fair admission.
“I’ve been trying to push a comedian for the fair for three or four years now to try something different,” Sterling said. “And this year it just happened to work out because so much goes into trying to secure talent.”
“I think we just need to laugh,” she added. “Everybody’s been so stressed out with everything in life lately, and especially going back to school and stuff.”
Sterling suggests buying tickets in advance because there could be a long line for those waiting to buy them at the event.
Kennedy, an Oklahoma native, was a finance major in college when he started posting funny video snippets on Vine, a now-defunct short-form video hosting service. He eventually gave up the finance and corporate world and became an online comedic sensation on YouTube and other platforms, attracting millions of thousands and sometimes millions of views.
Jokes about everyday life dominate Kennedy’s online videos and skits. Topics have included marriage proposals, middle schoolers, far left and far right politics, bachelor parties, COVID-19 rules, youth pastors, teen drama television series, girls who study abroad and guys who only drink IPAs.
Kennedy said he will locate some of the jokes and play off the fair theme.
Traditional stand-up comedy will be mixed with music and theatrical bits, he said. Unbeknownst to some fans, he’s a talented singer with R&B-influenced pop songs available on Apple Music and other streaming platforms, including songs from his 2016 EP “Take Me to the River.”
“I’m really excited to get up there at the fair,” Kennedy said in a telephone interview last week.
Kennedy looks forward to engaging with the audience.
“I always love, when it feels right, trying to interact and chat with whoever’s out there,” he said. “My goal is to make sure everybody feels they’re comfortable, and it’s a big party, and we’re all laughing together.”
Bet on a harness horse
Betting on horses is back at the Stark County Fair after a hiatus of a few years.
Harness racing is at noon Wednesday and Thursday at the grandstand and track.
Wagering will be similar to Northfield Park, including win, place and show and trifecta bets, Sterling said. Purses are estimated at up to $10,000.
Harness racing at the fair is overseen by the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.
live country music
Country music and county fairs just go together.
Lane will take the grandstand stage at 8 pm Wednesday.
More:How Chris Lane’s Role as a Dad Is Changing His Life in Country Music
Lane most recently released a country-tinged, fun rendition of the 1970s classic, “Dancing in the Moonlight.” Accompanied by Lauren Alaina, Lane’s version is titled, “Dancin’ in the Moonlight.”
Lane’s other popular songs include, “I Don’t Know About You,” which has attracted nearly 100 million views on YouTube. “Fill Them Boots” and “Ain’t Even Met You Yet” have attracted more than 1 million views each.
The Kernersville, North Carolina, native has appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as on “The Bachelor,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”
Lane was also featured in People’s 2019 Sexiest Man Alive issue. The artist previously has toured with Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown and Brad Paisley.
Meat doesn’t get fresher and more homegrown than this
Fairgoers can bid on a chicken, lamb, pig or cow to purchase and have processed later for fresh, locally-produced meat they can store in a freezer.
Livestock auctions are on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
“Anybody can show up,” Sterling said. “They need to go and register for a bidder’s number in the Junior Fair (area).” Details are posted about the auction on the fair’s website and at www.facebook.com/StarkCountyFair.
“You select your processor, and we make sure it gets to the processor … and the processor will want to know how you like your meat cut up,” she explained.
Best of the rest
Sterling said there’s plenty more to experience at the fair.
The Stark County Band Show is 5:30 pm Tuesday at the grandstands.
Two classes of drivers will compete at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday in National Tractor Pullers Association events.
Demolition derbies are scheduled for 7:30 pm Sunday and 4:30 pm Sept. 5. A draft horse show is at noon Sunday at the grandstands.
Kids also can enjoy educational puppet shows, and dogs will catch Frisbees and perform other tricks at the south end of the fairgrounds.
The Grange Building will showcase contests for the best vegetables, homemade wines, fruit, honey, grain, hay, flowers, homebrewing, cookies, cakes, pies, eggs, quilting, photography, needlepoint, basket weaving and other categories.
Pavilion entertainment includes The Eric Sowers Band, Robin Roseberry, Douglas Domineck, TFree & the Panic Attacks, the D’gara Band and La Flavor.
There will be a couple of new amusement rides, Sterling said.
“The Cliff Hanger kind of looks like you’re parasailing,” she said of the ride provided by Kissel Amusement Co. “You’re laying down on the ride.”
The Sizzler is a modern version of the classic Scrambler ride that spins riders in two different directions. As the center of the ride rotates, so do the spindles which the seats are on, according to Kissel Amusement.
Sterling summed up the appeal of the fair: “It’s for everybody; it’s not just for agriculture.”
Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com
On Twitter @ebalintREP
