In 2009, the Erie County Agricultural Society inaugurated its award-winning Fair Camp program with the goal to stimulate an interest in agriculture, a passion for learning and foster a love of the Erie County Fair. In the 11 years of its existence, over 350 children and their parents have slept overnight in a barn, assisted with farm chores, showed animals in a livestock competition and worked inside a fair food concession.
Once again, the Erie County Agricultural Society will offer this two and a half day agricultural and county fair immersion experience for children ages 8-10 and an accompanying parent. Under the supervision of trained Camp Counselors, children will gain first-hand experience in raising, caring for and showing livestock as well as receive a “behind the scenes” look at the Fair.
The Camp hosts two sessions, one each week of the Fair (Friday-Sunday, August 9-11 and 16-18). Campers and a parent/guardian live on the Fairgrounds during the session in our “hay loft” located inside the Agriculture Discovery Center. Number of participants for each session is limited to six children and an accompanying parent. Small groups insure each child gets a unique experience and personal attention.
Children interested in participating are required to apply no later than May 6, 2019. Applications are available online at https://www.ecfair.org/p/other/faircamp. There is no cost to attend Fair Camp, including meals and entertainment, as the program is underwritten by the Erie County Agricultural Society. Questions may be directed to the Fair’s Agriculture Education Office at (716)649-3900 ext 6499 or by emailing Education Coordinator Amber Klein at aklein@ecfair.org.
About the Erie County Fair
The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, the Society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The mission of the Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS), sponsors of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State. The Fair strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York. The 180th Erie County Fair will be held August 7th – 18th, 2019 (www.ECFair.org).
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