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CANFIELD -- Rock legend John “Cougar” Mellencamp headlines the 171st Canfield Fair.
The fair kicks off on Wednesday with opening activities set for Thursday, but Mellencamp’s Sad Clowns & Hillbillies Tour with special guest Carlene Carter, daughter of country great June Carter, at 8 p.m. Sunday is center stage this year.
A co-founder of FarmAid, Mellencamp with his midwestern background will return to the Mahoning Valley for the first time since his sold-out Covelli Centre performance in 2006.
Mellencamp rose to stardom in the 1980s, releasing a string of hits that includes “Hurts So Good,” “Jack & Diane,” “Crumblin’ Down,” “Pink Houses,” “Lonely Ol’ Night,” “Small Town,” “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “Check It Out,” “Paper in Fire” and “Cherry Bomb.”
He has 22 albums under his belt, with the most recent being 2014’s “Plain Spoken.” Mellencamp and Carter released a duets album, “Sad Clowns and Hillbillies,” earlier this year.
Mellencamp was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
The only other concert on tap is country star Chris Young at 7 p.m. Monday.
Young’s career includes hits such as “I’m Comin’ Over,” “Sober Saturday Night” and “The Man I Want to Be.” He most recently toured with Jason Aldean.
Tickets for both concerts can be purchased online at canfieldfair.com.
The fair, which runs through Labor Day, opens on Wednesday with grandstand entertainment including a free cheerleading demonstration from local high schools at 11 a.m.
Opening ceremonies on Thursday include the ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on the concourse stage and Junior Fair Youth Day Program featuring the coronation of the 4-H king and queen and the junior fair Most Outstanding Youth award at 2 p.m. on the concourse stage. There is also a free school band concert featuring marching bands from local high schools at 11 a.m. at the grandstand.
Friday’s activities include the World’s Largest Demolition Derby at 8 p.m. at the grandstand, as well as Harness Racing with pari-mutuel betting at 11 a.m. at the grandstand, the Arts and Crafts one-day special Canfield Fair “Flatbread Pizza” Contest at 1:15 p.m. in the Hay and Grain Building and a Youngstown State University pep rally at 5 p.m. on the south stage. Bike Nite will also be held Friday beginning at 3 p.m.
On Saturday grandstand entertainment will include the Canfield Fair Championship Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m., plus the Draft Pony Pig Iron Derby from 8 to 11 a.m. and Harness Racing with pari-mutuel betting at 11 a.m.
In addition to the Mellencamp concert, Sunday’s activity slate will include the Junior Saddlehorse Drill Team at 12:30 p.m. in the north ring, Draft Horse Exhibitor’s Show at 1 p.m. in the east ring and the Dress-a-Cow Contest at 1 p.m. in the south cattle complex.
The fair closes Labor Day with the Young concert, plus the Open Draft Horse Pig Iron Derby from 8 to 11 a.m. and Harness Racing with pari-mutuel betting at noon. Monday will also feature a Rooster Crowing Contest at 9:30 a.m. in the south ring and the 4-H Saddle Horse Show at 9 a.m. in the north ring.
Daily 4-H and open judging for animals is available morning to night at both ends of the fairgrounds. For the full judging schedule visit CanfieldFair.com. There are also daily free exhibits including giant pumpkins, antique and modern farm equipment and machinery, handmade garments and crafts, fruit and vegetables, live entertainment and displays from local 4-H groups, school districts and granges.
Cost of admission if $8 for adults 13 and over. Reduced admission is available Wednesday, Thursday (youth day: children under 12 free and youth 13-17 $3) and Friday (senior day: 62 and over $6). Children 6 and under receive free admission daily. Rides cost $17 Wednesday and Thursday, and $20 Friday through Labor Day. Parking is free.
khowell@salemnews.net