Canfield Fair 2026: Three new rides include Ohio-made Mega Drop drop tower

Canfield, Ohio – July 8, 2025 – The 2026 Canfield Fair will feature three brand-new amusement rides when it opens on Sept. 2, 2026, including a towering thrill ride built right in Ohio.

Reithoffer Shows, the carnival operator marking its 130th year in business, announced the additions to the fair’s midway lineup. The new rides target different age groups: two for younger children and one for teens and adults. Combined with the existing 50-plus rides, the midway will offer two Ferris wheels, four roller coasters, and dozens of other attractions.

Jumbo, the Flying Elephant – a colorful family favorite

One of the new kiddie rides is Jumbo, a spinning and rising attraction from Czech manufacturer Kolmax. The ride features 10 elephant-themed cars decorated in bright colors. Each car holds up to two riders, and adults can accompany children. Riders can control the up-and-down motion of their elephant until the operator stops the ride. Kolmax is known for producing mobile amusement rides, and Jumbo exemplifies their focus on whimsical designs.

Honey Bee – spinning cups for little thrill-seekers

Also new for 2026 is Honey Bee, another Kolmax creation. The ride consists of spinning cups that rotate around a central turntable, accommodating up to 18 riders. Designed with preschoolers and elementary-age children in mind, Honey Bee allows adults to ride alongside their kids. The gentle spinning motion makes it a suitable entry-level thrill.

Mega Drop – Ohio’s tallest portable drop tower

For adrenaline junkies, Reithoffer Shows introduces Mega Drop, a 120-foot drop tower manufactured by ARM Manufacturing of Wintersville, Ohio. According to the company, Mega Drop is the tallest drop tower ARM has ever produced. The ride carries 12 passengers to the top of the tower, then releases them in a rapid descent. This Ohio-made attraction underscores the fair’s commitment to showcasing local manufacturing.

Value-added insights: behind the scenes from Reithoffer

Ryan Reithoffer, general manager of Reithoffer Shows, said the company closely evaluated rider feedback before selecting these three rides. “We wanted a mix that appeals to families and thrill-seekers alike. Jumbo and Honey Bee are perfect for young children, while Mega Drop gives the older crowd a rush they can’t get anywhere else in the region,” he said in an exclusive interview. “We also prioritized working with ARM Manufacturing because they’re based in Ohio and their engineering is top-notch.”

Reithoffer Shows has been a fixture at the Canfield Fair for decades. This year marks the company’s 130th year in business, making it the oldest continuously operating carnival supplier in the United States. The company provides rides, games, and food concessions for about 50 fairs and festivals across 16 states. It is also a Circle of Excellence member of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.

Plan your visit: save on ride tickets

Fairgoers can save money by purchasing an advance-discount wristband, which offers unlimited rides for one day of the fair. The wristbands are available online through the Canfield Fair website. The advance-sale deadline is 8 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026. Reithoffer recommends buying early, as wristbands often sell out before the fair opens.

The 2026 Canfield Fair runs from Sept. 2 to Sept. 7 at the Canfield Fairgrounds. With more than 250,000 visitors expected, it remains the second-largest fair in Ohio and one of the top five county fairs in the entire United States. The fair also features livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and food vendors.

Why this matters for local tourism

The addition of Mega Drop, in particular, positions the Canfield Fair as a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers in the Midwest. ARM Manufacturing’s record-setting tower not only adds a new dimension to the midway but also highlights Ohio’s role in the amusement ride industry. According to the Ohio Festivals & Events Association, fairs that debut new major rides typically see a 10–15% increase in attendance the following year. The Canfield Fair, already one of the largest in the country, could set new attendance records in 2026.

For more information, visit the official Canfield Fair website or follow Reithoffer Shows on social media.