COLUMBIANA — For the second straight year, the Garwood Arena hosts its “Cans and Calves For A Cause” event.

From Friday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 2, the three-day event benefits the registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, Breakaway From Cancer.

Arena owner Justin Garwood serves as a board member for the organization, which raises money to assist those in the equine community afflicted with cancer.

The show begins at 6 p.m. Friday, with the day’s exhibitions including barrel racing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pole bending from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

An overhead look courtesy of a drone at the Garwood Arena during an event at the Fairfield Township complex. The arena attraction has been an economic boom for the city of Columbiana and area businesses. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

On Saturday, the show starts at noon also will barrel exhibitions earlier that day.

Sunday’s breakaway roping starts at 10 a.m.

Time slots and exhibition runs are $5 each.

Garwood said that donations also can take the form of baskets for the event or monetary contributions through the organization’s Web site, breakawayfromcancer.org.

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This horse statue directs visitors into the G3 supply store located near the front of the main entrance for Garwood Arena. In addition to most anything supplywise you many need, the store also carries various Western-related goods as well as your standard Garwood Arena swag. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA — Justin Garwood may not have seen any cattle born at his 20,000-square-foot calving barn eight years ago; however, it ultimately gave birth to something literally much bigger.

Garwood, who had owned Garwood Cattle Company and now owns and operates the Garwood Arena, constructed the building in 2017 and someone wanted to rent it for an event.

Eight years later, he added some additional buildings and grew it in to one of Ohio’s premier equestrian and rodeo venues.

Located in Fairfield Township, Garwood Arena hosts a variety of authentic Western events, including bull riding, barrel racing as well as steer wrestling.

Family friendly, the arena also periodically hosts youth rodeo events and activities for children.

This cowhide rug is surrounding by everything Western related when you enter the G3 supply store inside Garwood Arena. In addition to most anything supplywise you many need, the store also carries various Western-related goods as well as your standard Garwood Arena swag. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

A variety of horse breeds and equestrian disciplines utilize Garwood Arena for the events year round.

In addition to the massive indoor dirt arena, the complex also includes the Garwood Grill restaurant and the G3 supply store, where you can pick up those last minute equine supplies or even the latest arena swag.

As Garwood explains, the facility is rented by outside entities throughout the summer. He handles the logistics and schedules the arena’s in-house events, which include youth rodeos and benefits throughout the winter months.

Originally that calving barn was 7.5 acres. In 2025, the facility has 634 horse stalls for the family’s personal mounts as well as horse visiting for events.

Garwood said that outside boarding is not available at their facility.

Rustic charm is part of the what makes Garwood Arena special. However, among the amenities next to the ticket window is an ATM as purchase of event tickets is cash only. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

A popular draw from all over North America, the arena’s visitors do bring valuable tourism revenue to not only Fairfield Township but the city of Columbiana and the rest of the county, Garwood said.

“We have a good following, and our events continually draw,” he explained.

Two of the arena’s largest sponsors are Leonard Trucking of North Jackson and Johnny’s Excavating out of North Georgetown, which both sponsor equine events at the facility themselves.

Garwood Arena will hold its inaugural County Christmas vendor event on Saturday, Dec. 6, which he anticipates to be hugely popular based on the interest already expressed.

More information can be learned about all their upcoming events either through their website at garwoodarena.com or following their Facebook page.

Visitors to the Garwood Grill dine at the arena’s official restaurant, which includes casual favorites like burgers, nachos and even Hershey-brand handheld ice cream treats. If visitors decide they want something a little more formal or while the arena is closed, Garwood Arena’s website includes a listing of other restaurant and lodging options for their guests. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Garwood Arena is located at 2538 Middleton Road in Columbiana. For more information, call 330-717-4329.

A dining area adjacent to the Garwood Grill restaurant inside the Garwood Arena complex in Fairfield Township. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)