Annual family tradition · Canfield, OH

Canfield Fair: our end-of-summer tradition

We try to make it back to the Canfield Fair every year, even though we live far away now. It is a big, fun fair with a huge Ferris wheel, plenty of sun, barns where we can get out of it, and a little village that gives us a calmer break.

Family tradition Sun + barn breaks Ferris wheel Live bluegrass

Huge colorful Ferris wheel reaching into the sky at the Canfield Fair

When we goEnd of summer, when we can make it

Energy levelBig fair, with calmer detours

Isamu's hitLive bluegrass music

Fair foodCorn dogs, of course

Big fair energy, with options

The Ferris wheel is enormous if we want a thrill, but there is more here than the midway. It can be sunny and exposed, so the barns are useful places to step out of the sun and change the pace of the day.

Our quieter detour

The little village gives us a calmer diversion from the main fair bustle. We also stopped for live bluegrass, which Isamu loved. That unexpected music moment was a highlight for us.

Why we keep coming back

This is a family tradition we try to keep even from far away. Some visits have been more about rides, others about strolling, food and being together. Corn dogs taste even better when Isamu is wearing his corn dog sweatshirt.

How I'd plan our day

I would expect a lot of walking and time in the sun, and mix in barn stops or the village when we want a break from the busiest parts. Having several ways to enjoy the fair is part of why this outing works for our family.

Isamu enjoying a corn dog at the fair — Corn dog in a corn dog sweatshirt.

Children walking through a quiet building in the fair's little village — A calmer moment in the village.

Family walking with a stroller through one of the fair's barns — Barns offered a change of pace.

Family smiling together beneath a fair ride on a sunny day — Fair day with family.

Isamu taking a stroller break with family at the fair — A break from all the walking.

Liz, Isamu and family smiling in front of a pumpkin display — Coming back together is the tradition.

Isamu smiling while sitting down for a snack outdoors — A good pause between fair stops.

Bottom line for autism families

Canfield is a big fair, but it gives us ways to vary the day: midway excitement, barns, a calmer little village and music. Live bluegrass was a particular win for Isamu. We plan for sun and walking, and follow whichever part is working for him.