Fair officials have big plans for new event center
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CANFIELD – If the iconic Canfield Fairgrounds is a pivotal piece in the tapestry of the Mahoning Valley and its storied history, then its newest major addition needs to become increasingly relevant and used, a Canfield Fair official contends.
"We want the community in our fairgrounds," Bob Jarvis, fair board president, said Sunday. "We want to be the center of the community."
Jarvis was referring to the newest addition to the more than 100 buildings on the vast 353-acre fairground property: the Michael Kusalaba Fund of the Youngstown Foundation Event Center, the first phase of which was finished in 2020 at a $3.2 million estimated cost.
Phase II, estimated at $1.3 million, was finished this year and entails the lobby, restrooms, a meeting room and classrooms.
Jarvis outlined his vision for the 35,000-square-foot, year-round multi-purpose facility, the core of which entails his desire to see the building's year-round usage increase. So far, it is rented about 30 weeks per year, mostly on weekends, with a goal of reaching 45 weeks yearly, Jarvis noted.
The facility has been the site of a variety of events, including Youngstown Comic Con, which resumed in July after a four-year hiatus. In early March, the center held the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of the Mahoning Valley's 72nd annual Home & Garden Show, which had been moved from Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center in Boardman to the event center because of the need for added space.
Most recently, the building was the site of the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to usher in this year's fair, in its 177th year. The building often is used for Junior Fair programs, but also is vital for a diverse slate of events and gatherings all year, Jarvis emphasized.
Jarvis also expressed excitement about the project's third phase that will be a 35,000-square-foot addition to mainly house many of the fair's animals. Between $2 million and $3 million needs to be raised for that portion, he noted.
The Canfield Fair Foundation and the board of directors have launched a five-year, $4.5 million capital campaign to raise money for Phase III. Some of the funds also will go toward new livestock barns and buildings.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the campaign, email marketing@canfieldfair.com.
In addition, Jarvis' vision for the event center entails creating an atmosphere to allow children and teenagers to better get to know and work with one another, he said.
"The fair is the hub of the Mahoning Valley," Jarvis said.