CANFIELD, Ohio - After more than 30 years at the Canfield Fair, this is the last year for Bates Amusement and Bates Brothers Amusements to operate the rides and games.

The decision was made back in January when Bates Amusement announced it is retiring from the ride business altogether. 

An owner says it is time to step away from the consuming on the road lifestyle because they have children still in school and aging parents.

"It has been a wonderful experience. I've grown up in this industry, so has our children and I wish all of our Ohio county fairs all the continued success. All the people that we have served, all of the friends that we've made all these years, that's what we'll miss most," said Kim Bates-Bozich of Bates Amusement.

Bates will still operate some concessions at the Canfield Fair next year but Reithoffer Shows out of Florida is lined up to handle the rides.

"They have been part of our family for 30 years and we really appreciate everything they did for the fair. They go over and beyond what happens that people don't see; the safety records," said Canfield Fair Board Vice President Dave Dickey, a co-director of concessions, rides, and games.

Bates Brothers Amusement Company was formed in 1975 by two brothers, Eric and Geary Bates.

In 1993, the family run company split into two separate businesses-- Bates Brothers, run by Eric, and Bates Amusement, run by Geary. The companies were restructured due to "growing needs, ideas, and families," according to Bates Amusement's web site.

Although Bates Amusement is putting the brakes on rides, Bates Brothers will continue to operate rides at other events. 

The Canfield Fair was unique in that the two companies came together to run a large number of rides at this fair.