From City Boy to Fair Advocate: How the Canfield Fair Shaped My Life

Long before I embraced my calling as a Catholic priest, my heart belonged to the county fair. Growing up in the Mahoning Valley, it was a cherished tradition to spend at least one day of Labor Day weekend at the Mahoning County Canfield Fair. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visiting the fair with my parents and sister, camping with my scout troop, and catching performances by rising country music stars at the grandstand. I never imagined how a simple invitation from one of my scout leaders would change my entire understanding of the county fair and impact my life in profound ways.

In the fall of 2007, the late George Grim, one of my scout leaders, extended a unique invitation to me and my best friend Michael, who was also in scouting. He encouraged us to apply to join the Junior Fair Board at the Canfield Fair. My initial reaction was one of doubt—“I don’t live in the country or on a farm; how could I possibly contribute to the fair board?” Despite my reservations, Michael and I saw it as a new opportunity and decided to apply, even though we didn’t fully understand what the Junior Fair Board was all about or how a “city boy” like me could contribute.

Excitement grew as I filled out the application and handed it back to Mr. Grim, who was also an advisor for the Junior Fair Board. However, that excitement was short-lived when I received a letter stating that the 2008 Junior Fair Board had already been selected. I was encouraged to apply again the following year, but I didn’t dwell on it much, thinking it simply wasn’t meant to be.

The following year, after the 2008 Canfield Fair, I was once again encouraged to apply. I hesitated, telling Mr. Grim that I didn’t feel like the group was the right fit for me, despite their encouragement. My perception of the fair as primarily an agricultural event made me question what I could possibly bring to the table. Yet, with some persistent encouragement, I applied again for the Junior Fair Board. This time, I was pleasantly surprised when I received a letter welcoming me as a member of the 2009 Mahoning County Junior Fair Board.

Those four years as a youth member of the Junior Fair Board were transformative. Since 2013, I’ve continued to serve as an adult advisor, a role that has allowed me to give back to an organization that profoundly shaped my life. The friendships I made during those early years have become lifelong connections, and the countless life lessons I learned continue to guide me, even 16 years after my first Junior Fair meeting.

It was the encouragement from my friends on the Junior Fair Board that led me to join

4H and, in my final year of eligibility, to take on a livestock project. Remember, I was a city boy who grew up with a cat—so this was uncharted territory for me! Yet, in my first and only year as a 4H member, I took on a goat project. After months of hard work and dedication, I was thrilled to win Grand Champion Kinder Goat at the 2012 Canfield Fair.

The Canfield Fair has been a significant part of my life, and now, as a priest, it has become a part of my ministry as well. This year, I’ve been honored by the Office of Rural Life and Ministry with an invitation to preside at the Sunday Fair Mass. The Canfield Fair is more than just an event; it’s a time for family, friends, and community to come together in support of our local farmers and 4H members. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, I encourage you to join us at the 178th Canfield Fair. You never know how it might shape your own life.