The historical fair is once again being celebrated in Sinclairville on Saturday.
Now in its 14th year, the Sinclairville History Fair has been a symbol of pride and joy to the community for many years. The success of the fair is largely due to the hard work and dedication that the entire village puts forth to bring new and exciting activities to the people.
Following tradition, the parade begins at 10 a.m. Ken France is chairman for the parade and can be reached at 962-3253 for registration.
Article Photos
Chairman Larry Dorman with his creation “The Dorman Dumper” for the outhouse race event. Contestants are tasked with building an outhouse on wheels in which a rider can race. The event is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Lester Street in Sinclairville.
The new activities scheduled for this year's event include: an outhouse race at 3:30 p.m. on Lester Street planned by chairman Larry Dorman; an all breeds dog show at 1 p.m. organized by chairperson Lori Brockelbank; a movie in the park for kids at dusk; a street dance with Smokehouse at 5 p.m.; and a teen dance at the firehall with DJ Felony at 6 p.m.
The outhouse races are based on the winter sport where participants equip an outhouse with skis to navigate through snow. Since there is no snow right now, participants should put their outhouse on wheels, said chairman and vice president of the Valley Historical Society, Larry Barmore. The basic rules are that each outhouse has to have at least three wheels, be 6 feet or taller and less than 6 feet wide, be an actual outhouse equipped with a toilet seat and a roll of paper. The event will feature side by side racing with double elimination, said Barmore.
"We're not sure how many outhouses we're going to get the first year, but we thought we'd give it a try and so far we have six people who've said they will build one," said Barmore. "Hopefully after we run the races this year people will see how much fun it is, and want to build one next year."
According to Barmore, the dog show, sponsored by Purina of Dunkirk, is a fun event that's not too serious. There are only three rules that participants have to follow: have a dog, have it leashed and come prepared to have fun.
"People like dogs, so for the dog show we're going to judge them (to win prizes) on things like nicest coat, loudest bark and such kind of like the baby show except it's dogs," said Barmore. "The only kind of talent we require the dogs to have is for the category of best dog trick. We're hoping to have a good turnout for it, and all you need to do to participate is bring your dog."
All the favorite food options are back again this year as well. The breakfast by the 76ers is scheduled for 7 through 9:30 a.m., the southern style barbecue pulled pork starts at 11 a.m., the chicken barbecue starts at 11:30 a.m. and the sloppy joe dinner is at 5 p.m. Plus, grandma's fruit pie contest is scheduled for 11 a.m. The contest is organized by chairperson Judy Porpiglia. Rules and entry forms are available at the Sinclairville Library and Superette.
The craft show, hosted by chairperson Jane Dorman, runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register, call her at 962-2253. The baby contest for babies under 2 years old is organized by chairperson Mya Christy, and starts at 11 a.m. The classic cars and antique tractor event that runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is held by chairperson Art Anderson. He can be reached at 962-2663.
Local artist David Earl Miller will be providing an artwork display at the library called "Chalk Talk" at 1 p.m. Chairman Jeff Higgs hosts the log cutting contest scheduled for 2 p.m. Guests can bring a saw or use the ones provided. The historic tours of Evergreen Cemetery by George McGonegal start at 2 p.m. There will be a bounce house for the kids again, in addition to a rock-climbing wall. The horse-drawn limo will also be making a return.
Live entertainment for the event includes: DJ Felony karaoke at 11 a.m., Rustic Ramblers at 12:30 p.m., Shawn Huestis at 1 p.m., and Andy Cusimano and friends at 3 p.m.
The celebration culminates with the fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m.
The festival is hosted by The Valley Historical Society and the village of Sinclairville. According to Barmore, there was a fair in Sinclairville in the 1800s, and it was the largest fair in all of Chautauqua County, but it only lasted for 11 years. So, when Barmore started the current running fair as a celebration of the 190th birthday of Sinclairville, he didn't expect it continue every year. But, it was so much fun that it lasted even longer than the original.
"We wanted it to run for 11 years until the bicentennial, and the thing we're the most proud of is that this is our 14th year," said Barmore. "We do this for the people of the valley or anybody else who wants to come. We're also proud because we work our tails off to make the event so that the only thing you have to spend money on is food; everything else is free."