The vivid colors of a Western New York summer sunset and the slogan “The Best 12 Days of Summer” highlight the 2018 edition of the Erie County Fair’s commemorative poster. The poster was designed by Buffalo’s Wynne Creative Group and illustrated by Michael Gelen of Inkwell Studios.
“For a million Western New Yorkers, the Fair represents the apex of their summer experience,” said CEO & Fair Manager Jessica Underberg. “It’s the best of tradition, family, trills, competitions, food, entertainment all packaged within 12 non-stop days.”
Fairgrounds landmarks featured on this year’s poster include the 1885 Octagon Building, the 1928 West Grandstand and the 2014 Agricultural Discovery Center & Sky Barn Tower. Rides from the famous James E. Strates Shows midway, now it its 94th year of providing carnival amusements at the Erie County Fair, are also included.
The poster also makes reference to this year’s 150th anniversary of the Erie County Fair being held at the Fairgrounds in Hamburg. In 1868, by a one vote margin, the Erie County Agricultural Society’s Board of Directors voted to move the Fair from the Village of Springville to property owned by Luther Titus and the Hamburg Driving Park Association. The decision to relocate only 12 miles from the City of Buffalo began a period of unprecedented growth for the Fair, eventually resulting in the Erie County Fair becoming one of the largest fairs in North America.
Limited copies of the poster are available at the Fair’s Main Office during business hours for a $2 suggested donation to the Erie County Agricultural Society’s Scholarship Fund (limit 5 per person).