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Exciting ‘Tradition’: 145th annual Chautauqua County Fair is underway

DUNKIRK -- The traditional bang from a cannon was replaced by thunder on Tuesday morning, but the result was still the same. The 145th annual Chautauqua County Fair is officially underway.

"This is going to be a great fair," said Linda Lanphere, President of the Chautauqua County Fair Board.

Dignitaries huddled tightly together under shelter as the rain poured, with winds whipping the rain at all in attendance Tuesday morning. Despite several attempts, the cannon would not fire because of the heavy rain and wind, but dramatic flashes of lightning lit up the sky several times for all to see.

"Today's weather is just as exciting as the fair is going to be," Lanphere joked. "It's exciting, you don't know what's going to happen, but you're going to have a great time."

Among those in attendance were Fredonia Mayor Mike Ferguson, Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos, and Dunkirk Town Supervisor Shari Miller, whose family farm, Miller's Apples, proudly received 14 blue ribbons. Others in attendance included Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, County Executive PJ Wendel, County Legislator Marcus Buchanan, representatives from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, and representatives on behalf of Senator George Borrello and Congressman Nick Langworthy's offices.

Wendel made a point to attend the event himself again this year, even in the poor weather, because he values what the fair means to the county. He has attended the opening of the fair every year since he took office.

"It's keeping up the tradition and the legacy of our county," Wendel said. "The fair has been a staple of the county for many, many years. I'm excited to be a part of it."

Wendel ran into many of his former students at the fair and spoke with 4-H students in several of the animal barns on Tuesday. He knows firsthand just how important the 4-H program is.

"I've talked to leaders of industry and business owners who say when they see somebody put 4-H on their application, they understand the dedication, hard work, and determination that these kids have. It's a true testament to them," Wendel said.

The fair has a few new surprises this year, most notably the presence of draft horses for demonstrations. There are also piglets in the pig barn this year, which hasn't been the case in several years.

Amusements of America is in its third year at the fair, and a few new rides are present this year, as well. Many demonstrations with various animals will be conducted by 4-H students throughout the week.

"Bringing the barns to the midway is one of my biggest accomplishments this year," Lanphere said.

The 62nd annual market animal sale, where locally raised animals are available, will be held on Friday, beginning with introductions at 11:30 a.m., with the sale beginning at noon.

"It's a tradition," Wendel said of the fair. "Most fairs don't continue as long as ours. I think it's a great tribute to the fair board and the group of people that run this every year."

Lanphere's focus as Board President is on the agricultural impact of the fair. Other members focus on the rides and events that make the fair an annual tradition for all to enjoy. The Board works for several months to prepare for "fair week" each year.

"We've been here busy working for two months, and all of a sudden, I come in the other day and think that I am supposed to be doing something," Lanphere said. "It's time for me to sit down and enjoy the activities of the fair itself."

Grandstand events include the NYRican Project, an Afrocentric Vintage and New Skool Salsa Band from Rochester, performing Wednesday at 7 p.m.; Empire State Truck and Tractor Pull on Thursday at 7 p.m.; Cross Over the Line Bull Riding on Friday at 7 p.m.; a Monster Truck Show on Saturday at 7 p.m., featuring Krazy Train and Plane Krazy; and two opportunities to see a Demolition Derby, first on Tuesday at 7 p.m., then again on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Admission to the fair is $15, which includes general admission, rides, and grandstand events, excluding the Demolition Derby. Ages 3 and under are free, unless they go on rides or sit in the grandstand.

For more information, visit chautauquacofair.org.