The Columbiana Street Fair is in the need of a fresh new banner for 2026. Throughout September, banner designs can be printed out and submitted either to American Legion Post 290’s headquarters, 44403 state Route 14 in Columbiana, or the ticket trailer during the Columbiana Street Fair that weekend. (Designer also needs to have submission available in high resolution format to send to have banner made later if chosen.)

Banner designs need to be 2 feet and 6 inches tall and 20 feet wide; incorporating the logos for both the American Legion and Columbiana Street Fair as well as include a spot for the date and the numbered year. For example, 2025 will be the 138th fair and the dates Sept. 4,5 and 6; the slogan, which is “The State Fair of Street Fairs; and convey Americanism within the design (i.e. red, white and blue color scheme).

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COLUMBIANA — The weekend following Labor Day marks a special time for the city, as it hosts its 138th annual Columbiana Street Fair in downtown.

Both the rides and food attract visitors of all ages and species to the Columbiana Street Fair, which is Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 4-6 in downtown Columbiana. This is the 138th annual event, which is the second largest street fair in the state of Ohio. (Submitted photo)

From Thursday to Saturday, Sept. 4-6, Columbiana is the place to be as downtown is filled with a variety of attractions, ranging from carnival-style rides and concessionaires, up and down Main Street from the city’s traffic circle to Pittsburgh Street.

American Legion Post 290 has hosted the event since 1920, when it took it over from Columbiana merchants.

The first Columbiana Street Fair was held on Saturday, Sept. 19, 1885, when it was a single-day even, resembling patterns more after a county fair with judging of community entries.

With their leadership, the Legion expanded it to a three-day event with a quarter-mile midway made up of rides, games, music, food, prizes, arts and crafts, only taking a break in 1943 due to World War II.

Now under the direction of current fair manager Jacob Sevek, it has grown to the second largest street fair in the state behind Loudonville and serves as one of the biggest fundraisers for the Columbiana American Legion post, its Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion through not only the sale of vending spaces but also gate wristbands for the midway rides.

The Columbiana Street Fair — something for everyone to scream about. Perhaps that should be the catch phrase for the three-day event, which is being held Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 4-6 in downtown Columbiana. Whether it is the carnival rides and games or the many concessionaires and Grace Church BBQ chicken dinner, the event has grown to attract thousands over its 138 years. (Submitted photo)

Sevek noted no major changes in previous years; however, he is excited about the stage’s addition to the area. That will allow him to reintroduce live entertainment to the Columbiana Street Fair, which has been absent the last few years.

Food vendors will join the Legion Post trailer, which will be selling Legion burgers during the three days. Although the street fair hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday as well as noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, both the Legion trailer and the midway ticket booth open at noon on all three days.

As part of the celebration, the Columbiana Fire Department organizes a fireman’s parade, which steps off at 6:15 pm. Thursday, including dozens of participating units (including classic cars and fire trucks lining east Park and North Main streets. Anyone interested in participating should register on the street fair’s website and be sure to show up by 5 p.m. Thursday at Firestone Park to check in.

All antique and classic car entrants are asked to enter the park across from Josie’s Restaurant and head to pavilion 4’s parking lot.

One of the highlights every year — especially for families who include special needs members — is their Special Needs Day, which is held at noon Friday.

The Columbiana Street Fair — something for everyone to scream about. Perhaps that should be the catch phrase for the three-day event, which is being held Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 4-6 in downtown Columbiana. Whether it is the carnival rides and games or the many concessionaires and Grace Church BBQ chicken dinner, the event has grown to attract thousands over its 138 years. (Submitted photo)

For a few hours, a group of nearly a hundred children enjoy private fair time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday at the Columbiana Street Fair, where the Legion Provides them with a free lunch and a time of unlimited rides at no charge under the guidance of volunteers.

In addition to American Legion Post 290, event sponsors include CSI Environmental, Shaker Woods Festival Inc., the Columbiana Tourism Bureau, Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission, Sitler The Printer Inc., Columbiana Barber Shop, L&M Greenhouse LLC, Straight From The Tap, Yarian Construction, Clark Carney Realty Group and Stop Traffic Graphic.

Sevek said that this is the third year CSI Environment not only provided the trash receptacles but dumped them at no charge.

For more information, including the wristband prices and hours, visit columbianastreetfair.com.