Ohio's Only County Fair Band
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The Great Geauga County Fair Band, organized in 1937, is Ohio's only all-volunteer county fair band. The band entertains audiences at parades, concerts in the park, and various community events. Twice daily concerts at The Great Geauga County Fair include marches, show tunes, patriotic favorites and diverse musical styles and compositions.
Band membership is open to anyone 15 years of age and older. Practice begins in April and the Band plays at festivals, parades, homecomings and other events during the summer and continues through the Fair each year. A collection of trophies for its many appearances is housed at the Fairgrounds. Come hear the band practice Tuesday evenings, weather permitting, 7:30 p.m. at the Vernon Howard Band Pavilion on the South end of the fairgrounds. Bring a lawn chair, relax and enjoy the music. |
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Fair Band ScheduleFirst Rehearsal - Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Berkshire High School
Sunday, May 30: Blossom Time Parade Sunday, May 31: Hamden Memorial Day Parade Tuesday, TBD: Metzenbaum Center, Chesterland at 7 PM Tuesday, TBD Cleveland Sight Center, Highbrook Lodge at 6:30 PM Saturday, July 4: Fireworks Show- 8:15 PM for band, 10 PM Fireworks Friday, TBD: Troy Community Days Tuesday, TBD: Thompson Township Summer Entertainment on the Square 7-8:30 PM Wednesday, August 18, 2021: Chesterland Concert, 7-9 PM TBD: Claridon Church Strawberry Social The Great Geauga County Fair Band Performances at the Fair Sept 2-6, 2021: 2 concerts daily in the Vernon Howard Pavilion Thursday: 3 PM & 8 PM Friday - Sunday: 3 PM & 7 PM Monday: 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM March 19, 2020 - "Fair Band Marches On" Article in the Maple Leaf
March 23, 2017 - Geauga Fair Announces New Band Director |
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Fair Band History
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The Band was first organized by Cliff Rossiter after the 1936 Fair, under the direction of Azro Cheney, with high school band members and other musicians from around the county. The forerunner and inspiration was an All-County high school band, under the direction of Raymond Dehnbostle, which played during the 1930s until 1936. The Band became known as the official Geauga County Fair Band and played at the Geauga County Fair in 1938 and has played at every fair since that time.
The band has had members from seven counties in northeast Ohio: Geauga, Lake, Portage, Ashtabula, Trumbull, Cuyahoga, Lorain, plus several other Ohio counties and states and has played in many area communities. Over the years, more than one hundred members have participated in the band, including many members of area families, and in many ways the Fair Band has become like one large extended family. Today, the Band has about forty to fifty active members.
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The Band by T. Dwight Ladd (original charter member)
When it comes to tastes in music I'm not one of the elite, For my choices run from Mozart Down to lower Basin Street. But I get most satisfaction Through the ear and through the eye On the fairgrounds down in Burton When the band goes marching by. I remember marching proudly In my suit of grey and red, One eye always looking downward If the horses were ahead; Days of rain-and sweat-soaked garments, Sunburned faces, throats parched dry, All are part of the big picture When the band goes marching by. Fifty years and more of tooting: Summer, autumn, sun, and shade; And some players now are stepping Down the trails their grandsires made; And a number now are waiting In that bandroom in the sky Where there's no one late for practice When the band goes marching by. If my life on earth allows me To escape the sinners' fate, I prefer no tinkling harp strings When I reach that golden gate, But some good old solid Sousa To re-echo through the sky And set angels' feet to tapping As the band goes marching by. |
Pictures from the "Red Coat" Days - 1956-1970
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"The Geauga County Fair Band is a unique organization. We have played at every Great Geauga County Fair since 1938. All of our members, past and present, are proud to be part of the history of the Great Geauga County Fair." from charter member Vernon Howard's "History of the Geauga County Fair Band"