Month: June 2019

 

The 180^th Erie County Fair will honor veterans and active military during its daily flag retreat ceremony at Slade Park. Now in its second year, this patriotic tradition will begin on Wednesday, August 7^th at 6:30p and continuing each evening during the 12-day run of the Fair.

 

“We are asking fairgoers to pause and reflect on our great nation and to remember the men & women for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our country,” said Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair CEO. “We feel this is a wonderful way to extend the mission of our Veterans Day committee to span the entire Fair.”

 

During each 8-10 minute ceremony, participating fairgoers will be asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. As a lone bugler sounds retreat, an American flag will be lowered and folded by an honorary color guard from a local VFW, Amvets or Legion post. The flag, which was flown during that day at the Fair, will be presented to a veteran and/or an active member of the military who will be the “Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day.” The Erie County Fair Marching Band will perform the “Star Spangled Banner,” a chorus of “God Bless America” and the “United States Armed Forces Medley.” Made In America Stores will be donating “made in the USA” flags to be used in the daily presentation.

 

“For Americans, there’s no higher honor than to serve our nation’s military,” said Mark Andol, founder and owner of Made In America Stores. “As Americans, there’s no greater privilege than to say thank you. We are proud to support, what we hope, will be a new tradition at the Fair.”

 

To nominate a veteran or active member of the military to be named “Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day,” the public is being asked to complete a nomination form available at any Made in America Store location or at the Fair’s Main Office. Those chosen must be available to attend one of the Flag Retreat Ceremonies between August 7^th-18^th at 6:30p. They will receive a full-sized American flag, (4) fair admission passes, a parking pass, a Strates Shows midway card and $20 in meal tickets. Deadline for name submissions is July 26^th.

 

The Erie County Fair Flag Retreat Ceremony is sponsored by Made In America Stores.

 

The Erie County Agricultural Society will again offer children between the ages of 11-14 the opportunity to work first-hand with veterinarians and animals. The Erie County Fair Vet Camp, a half day education immersion experience, will take place on Tuesday, August 13^th and Thursday, August 15^th. Sessions will focus on a variety of learning disciplines that include:

 

Pet Wellness & First Aid: Children will learn about general pet welfare and what to do in an emergency situation.  Participants will gain an understanding on what to look for when a pet is not feeling well and what should be included in a home pet first aid kit.

 

Dairy Cow Health: Attendees will be exposed to what it takes to be a Farm Animal Veterinarian through activities like how to administer medication, the reading of vitals (heart rate, temperature, respiratory) and how to check for healthy rumen sounds.

 

Small Ruminant Farm Animals:  Sessions will gain knowledge on how to approach and handle sheep and goats, check for healthy digestion, respiratory and proper nutrition. Children will also have the chance to work one on one with an animal.

 

The program is limited to three sessions that will accommodate 30 children each.  Registration is now open and will be available on a first come first serve basis. The cost for participation is $10 per child. Each participant will receive a Vet Camp t-shirt, lunch and will take home a vet supplies goodie bag. Applicants must be between the ages of 11-14 by January 1, 2019 with proper documentation (copy of birth certificate). Applications are now online at www.ecfair.org and must be postmarked by June 21^st to be eligible for consideration. 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.

 

The 2019 Erie County Fair Vet Camp program is sponsored by Medaille College and the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society.