Deep fryers bubbling. Carnival rides whirling. Friends, old and new hugging. Many Ohio counties host their own signature fairs and festivals every year, and Columbiana County is no different. For this agrarian community such events are especially abundant come summer.
But even as kids head back to school and the weather smells of impending autumn, festivals continue here ushering in the change of seasons. The Columbiana Street Fair is a favorite; a tradition for both the residents here as well as those living in the surrounding areas.
The Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after Labor Day finds Columbiana, Ohio, blocking off the main street through the village as food trucks, carnival rides and the “big white tent” rises above the asphalt signaling it is time for what many feel is the best street festival in the state earning it the moniker “The State Fair of Street Fairs.”
This year’s 134th edition, organized by many volunteers and which supports the activities of the American Legion (Post #290 is the local chapter) and provides a source of income for organizations and merchants of Columbiana, continued the traditional events synonymous with the “Street Fair.”
Thursday evening’s parade featured fire trucks, tractors, home-made floats, marching bands, and local American Legions. The bingo tent is extremely popular with many hoping to snag a seat and play. American Legion Post #290 fries up oodles of their signature hamburgers and festival-goers consume them en mass.
Don’t miss the equally as scrumptious Street Fair Chicken BBQ held Friday and Saturday prepared by Columbiana’s Grace Church located in the heart of the fair.
Don’t miss the equally as scrumptious Street Fair Chicken BBQ held Friday and Saturday prepared by Columbiana’s Grace Church located in the heart of the fair.
Then there are the Molnar sweet rolls and new this year, the Honey Bee Waffle Company food truck featuring waffles made with local honey and topped with, well, just about everything. Ribs, pizza, french fries, funnel cakes; it’s all here.
Music provided by local talent fills the air. Rides for the kids light up the night as does the laughter they create A commercial tent at the end of the street includes everything from a local photo contest (though not this year; don’t worry – it will be back) to vendors, charities, and local groups selling items to support their upcoming activities.
Oh, and the raffles! The American Legion holds raffles continually throughout the three days giving away loads of neat items and thousands of dollars. Again – with all proceeds going to supporting this great organization.
And while all of this is fantastic, as a fair watcher, seeing people smiling as they come across an old friend or former neighbor is probably one of the best aspects of the Columbiana Street Fair. Reconnecting is real at this event and when you mix in great food and fun events; these are the things of which memories are made