Author: Erie County Fair

The Erie County Agricultural Society has announced that Weidner’s BBQ will be returning to the 179^th Erie County Fair after a devastating fire destroyed its long-time location on the Fairgrounds last year. One of the Fair’s heritage concessionaires, Weidner’s BBQ, has been an Erie County Fair tradition for 62 years.

 

During the evening of Saturday, August 19, 2017 a fire destroyed the six decade old home of Weidner’s BBQ which was located behind the Buffalo.com Grandstand. Weidner’s new location will be situated on the Avenue of Flags near the Conservation Building. As the Fairgrounds has continued to evolve to accommodate a growing schedule of agricultural shows and events, the Fair took the opportunity to relocate Weidner’s BBQ away from the show barns. The new location will provide a larger, park-like setting for increased dining capacity.

 

“We are excited to welcome the Gerber Family and Weidner’s BBQ back to the Fair for their 62^nd year,” said Jessica Underberg, Fair CEO. “For many, it would not be the same Fair without a chicken dinner from Weidner’s. We wish them continued success as they open their new Fair location in August.”

 

“We are extremely happy to be coming back to the Fair,” said Weidner’s Ryan Gerber. “Many of our employees only work during the Fair so for me it’s like a friends and family reunion for two weeks.”

 

In 1956, Eden-based chicken farmer Bert Weidner, his wife and his two brothers Jerry and Fran set up a small stand at the Erie County Fair and began serving BBQ chicken. They slow cooked fresh chicken over an open flame that was basted with their own special recipe BBQ sauce until it was cooked to perfection- tender and juicy on the inside, crispy and golden brown on the outside. The family eventually expanded its menu to include grilled steak and ribs. In the 1990s, Charlie Gerber and his wife, Mary Weidner, took over operations to continue the family tradition.

 

“The Fair is something, as a family, we look forward to each year,” said Weidner’s owner Charlie Gerber. “I believe our loyal customers think the same.”

 

In addition to BBQ chicken and ribs, Weidner’s will again be featuring the “1885 Burger” at its new Fair location. The burger celebrates the invention of the “hamburger sandwich” by the Menches Brothers of Ohio at the 1885 Erie County Fair.

 

 

Since the mid-1930s the Erie County Fairgrounds has been home to some of the wildest and most spectacular summertime stunts, crashes and thrills. The tradition continues during this year’s 179^th Erie County Fair as tickets go on sale Saturday June 2^nd at 10am for motor events inside the Buffalo.com Grandstand. This year’s series includes:

 

Freestyle Motocross Championship Series, August 15, 7:30pm, FREE – Two wheeled mayhem roars into the Buffalo.com Grandstand as the Freestyle Motocross Champion Series returns to the Erie County Fair. Don’t miss the highflying excitement of motorcycle stunts with the U.S. FMX National Championship Series. The series is the only national championship title that is decided by performing aerial stunts while launching motorcycles up to 70 feet into the air! The show will feature the nation’s top riders who will defend their titles as champions of extreme sports.  See why Freestyle Motocross reigns king among fans of extreme sports with spectacular mid-air maneuvers and insane back flips. This performance is free with paid admission to the Fair.

 

Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Truck & Tractor Pull Champions Tour, August 16-17, 6:00pm, Tickets: $12 Grandstand, $16 Infield, $20 Pit Pass- Kids 12 and Under FREE in the Grandstand – The biggest, loudest, and toughest trucks and tractors around will be pulling each night of the Truck and Tractor Pull. An annual tradition at the Fair, these two pulls pack the Buffalo.com Grandstand with fans who have a passion for pulling and loud noises. The Empire State Pullers will also be featured to showcase the best pulling New York State has to offer. Thursday’s pull will feature Super Modified Tractors, Unlimited Super Stock Tractors, Super Modified 2WD Trucks, Super Farm Tractors, 2.6 Diesel Trucks (ESP) and Light Weight Super Stock Tractors (ESP). Friday’s classes include Super Modified Tractors, Unlimited Super Stock Tractors, Super Modified 2WD Trucks, Super Farm Tractors and 2.6 Diesel Trucks.

 

Ultimate Night of Destruction, August 18, 7:30pm, Tickets: $16, Kids 12 and Under are Free – An evening of family fun with free admission for children 12 and under to the Buffalo.com Grandstand! The 2018 Ultimate Night of Destruction will feature the School Bus Demo Spectacular, the Compact Car Double Figure 8 Racing Championship and the Automobile Rollover Contest. Produced by JM Motorsport Productions.

 

World’s Largest Demolition Derby, August 19, 1:00pm & 6:00pm, Tickets: $20 – This annual event welcomes more than 100 cars from across Western New York to the Fairgrounds to see who can outlast the rest. Cars must navigate the track to keep damage to a minimum if they are to win the heat and make it into the finals. Prior to each heat, cars are judged by the crowd as to who has the wildest and wackiest decorations. New this year is the addition of a modified truck/SUV class that will take place during each of the two shows. Produced by JM Motorsport Productions.

 

Tickets for all Motor Event Series shows go on sale Saturday, June 2^nd at 10am and will be available for purchase at Tickets.com, by phone at 1-888-223-6000, or in person at the Fairgrounds Main Office until 2pm. Tickets will also be available during office hours, Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-4:30pm. Tickets purchased prior to the day of the show include admission to the Erie County Fair on the day of the show.

 

 

The Erie County Agricultural Society is proud to present the 16^th Annual Western New York Spring Dairy Preview. The show is scheduled to take place inside the Showplex at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York on Thursday, June 14^th to Saturday, June 16^th.

 

This year, over 300 head of cattle from throughout New York State, Pennsylvania, Canada, Ohio and Michigan are expected to compete for over $3,000 in awards and premiums. The show’s goal is to provide a competition experience prior to showing at local county and/or state fairs this summer. The schedule for the show includes:

 

Thursday, June 14^th, 6pm – Youth Judging Contest sponsored by NY Junior Holstein Association.

Friday, June 15^th, 9am –Jersey, Guernsey, Ayrshire & AOB Show; Judged by Mr. Justin Burdette of Mercersburg, PA.

Friday, June 15^th 6pm – Youth Showmanship- Showmen are judged based on their knowledge of their animal and their ability to show off the animals best attributes. To be judged by Mr. Justin Crowley of West Hastings, Ontario, Canada.

Saturday, June 16^th, 9am – Holstein, Red and White & Brown Swiss Show; Judged by Mr. Justin Burdette of Mercersburg, PA.

 

 

The early entry deadline is Friday, May 25th.  Entries will also be accepted until Thursday, June 14th at 4pm, but for a higher fee. Animals must be in place by 4pm on Thursday, June 14^th. All animals must be registered with a breed association (i.e. The Holstein Association) to show.  Check with breed associations for more information about registering animals. For more information visit https://bit.ly/1W5Enfh. You can also call the Fairgrounds at (716) 649-3900 for more information. The Western New York Spring Dairy Preview is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society.

 

 

The Erie County Agricultural Society is proud to present the 18^th Annual Western New York Hog & Lamb Preview Classic. The show is scheduled to take place inside the Agriculture Discovery Center at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York May 31^st to June 3^rd.

 

This is a National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) recommended show that is open to exhibitors of all ages. The show’s goal is to provide a competition experience prior to showing at local county and/or state fairs this summer. The schedule for the show includes:

 

Friday, June 1^st, 3pm – Lamb Show #1

Saturday, June 2^nd, 8am – Lamb Show #2

Saturday, June 2^nd, 11am – Skill-a-thon

Saturday, June 2^nd, 12 Noon – Hog Show #1

Sunday, June 3^rd, 8am – Hog Show #2

 

Judging the lambs will be Mr. Keaton Dodd of College Station, TX and Mr. Jordan Amburgey of Mt. Sterling, KY. Hog Show Judges will be Mr. David Ammann of Highland, IL and Mr. Brock Herren of Minco, OK.

 

Late entries will be accepted up until 8pm on Saturday, June 2^nd. For more information or an entry form please visit www.the-fairgrounds.com and click on “Livestock/ Equine Events.” You can also call the Fairgrounds at (716) 649-3900 for more information.

 

The Western New York Hog & Lamb Preview Classic is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society with support from Show-Rite Feeds, Shamel Milling and Crystalyx Brand Supplements.

 

Plan to host a company picnic, organization outing, family reunion or children’s birthday party at the Fair. The Erie County Agricultural Society is pleased to announce that reservations are now being accepted for its picnic shelter program during the 2018 Erie County Fair, August 8 to 19, 2018. Shelter reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

 

 

Shelters are located at Hickory Tree Park just steps from the Fair’s midway, entertainment, livestock barns, games and shopping. This tranquil Fairgrounds setting can accommodate 25 to 1,000 guests. Each shelter reservation includes tables/chairs, electricity, option for discount gate admissions and ride packages.  Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks but the use of glass containers, alcohol, grills and outside caterers is prohibited.  Patrons wishing to have their party catered may use one of our three Fair vendors that include BW’s BBQ, Chiavetta’s Catering or Weidner’s BBQ.

 

 

For more information, including rental rates and ticket packages, visit https://bit.ly/2Eyd3Rp or contact the Fair’s Liz Collins at (716) 649-3900 x6206. Reservation and payment must be completed by Wednesday July, 25^th.

 

 

Image: 2018 Erie County Fair “Best In Show” home brewer Kevin DiTondo (C), with Flying Bison Brewery Founder Tim Herzog (L) and Flying Bison Master Brewer Colin Herzog (R).

 

A Vienna Lager brewed by Kevin DiTondo of Cheektowaga, New York was named “Best of Show” during the Erie County Fair’s 2018 Home Brew Competition. Judging for the Fair’s competition, now in its fifth year, took place on Thursday, April 19^th and Saturday, April 21^st at the Fairgrounds. A panel of 23 judges and master judges evaluated the submissions according to nationally recognized Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) protocols.

 

According to BJCP’s published style guidelines, Vienna Lagers are an amber colored brew with a rich toasty character. The Fair’s winning entry had an attractive light brown copper appearance filled with bread and raisin aroma with a slight hops taste. Judges noted that the brew has “just enough sweetness to keep it from bring crisp.” Vienna lagers were first introduced in the Austrian capital in the mid-19th century. The beer style is known for pairing well with chicken, pizza, barbeques and spicy dishes…a good match for all Fair foods!

 

Winning brewer Kevin DiTondo is a member of the Niagara Association of Homebrewers. He has been brewing since 2010 when he received a home brew kit as a Christmas gift. He is a multi-award winning home brewer who took top and second honors at the Amber Waves of Grain (AWOG) competition in 2017. 2018 was his 3rd year entering the Erie County Fair Home Brew competition.

 

His winning lager was brewed in late December 2017. When coming up with his recipe, DiTondo used a Vienna Lager brewed commercially by the Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company located in Roseland, VA as a reference. Locally, the most popular commercial Vienna Lager is Flying Bison Brewing Company’s “Rusty Chain.”

 

Once crowned “Best Of Show,” DiTondo submitted the beer’s recipe to the professional brew staff at Flying Bison Brewery. Kegged product, based on the homebrew recipe, will be offered by Try-It Distributing to select Western New York establishments for public purchase prior to the Fair. During the 179^th Erie County Fair, on premise “beer gardens” will feature the award winning beer.

 

DiTondo also placed 2^nd Best of Show in this year’s competition with his Irish Extra Stout.  Other top honors were also given to Kenneth Demarree who received 3^rd Best of Show for his Fruit Lambic. Steve Landgren of Webster, New York received an honorable mention for his American IPA. A complete listing of winners is available online at: https://bit.ly/2K9ZTht

 

The Erie County Fair Home Brew competition is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society with support from Try-It Distributing, Flying Bison Brewing and KATZ Americas.

 

The judging of home brewed beer is just one of the competitions held annually by the Erie County Fair. In 2018, over 12,500 entries are expected to be received and judged by the Fair’s Competitive Exhibits Office. The wide range of ribbon winning categories include agriculture, conservation and creative arts among others. 2018 entries will be accepted online beginning May 1^st at www.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 2018 Erie County Fair will be held August 8^th – 19^th (www.ECFair.org)

 

At the Erie County Fair, we love to compete! Spirited competition among peers is at the heart of the fair experience. Who has the best photograph? Best jam? Biggest stalk of corn? Annually the Erie County Fair offers a chance to show off our region’s creativity in a variety of exhibits from wine making, fine arts, conservation, woodworking and agriculture just to name a few. More than 12,500 entries in 8,985 classes are processed each year for a chance to win cash prizes, but more importantly, the bragging rights that’s associated with taking home a championship ribbon.

 

The Erie County Fair welcomes public participation as most competitions have no residency requirement. Only the Fair’s “Home Wine,”  “Home Brew” and “Conservation” categories are restricted to residents of New York State.  Children as young as 5 years of age are encouraged to take part in Junior Creative Arts submissions that include Lego building block sculptures, handmade jewelry and doll making.

 

New for 2018 is a Mystery Dress Challenge in Creative Arts.  Based on the theme, “outer space,” the Fair will provide a dress form and a bag of mystery items. With the provided elements, competitors must design and complete a dress during a three hour time period on Wednesday, August 15^th. The winning dress will be named 2018 “Miss Universe.”

 

Entry information that includes terms/conditions, class listings and deadlines will be available exclusively online at the Erie County Fair’s website (www.ECFair.org) on May 1^st. Questions regarding the Fair’s Competitive Exhibits may be directed to Entries@ECFair.org or at (716) 649-3900 x6407.

Tickets for the 2018 Erie County Fair National Grid Concert Series at the Buffalo.com Grandstand go on sale this morning, Thursday, April 19^th at 10am. The lineup of ticketed shows includes:

 

Thursday, August 9^th, 7:30p – Country music star Chris Young. Tickets are $70 for preferred track, $50 for track reserved and $30 for general admission.

 

Friday, August 10^th, 8:30p – The legendary classic rockers ZZ Top. Tickets are $60 for preferred track, $45 for track reserved and $30 for general admission.

 

Sunday, August 12^th, 7:30p – Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell, also known as Dick Fox’s Golden Boys. Reserved seats will be $35 and general admission tickets are $20.

 

Monday, August 13^th, 7:30p – Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, The Oak Ridge Boys. Reserved track seating for the show is $20. General admission seating is FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show for general admission.

 

Tuesday, August 14^th, 7:30p – 2018 Academy of Country Music’s “New Vocal Group of the Year” winner Midland. Reserved track seating for the show is $20. General admission seating is FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show for general admission.

 

Tickets for all paid shows will go on sale at 10a, Thursday, April 19^th at Tickets.com, by phone at 1-888-223-6000, or in person at the Fairgrounds Main Office. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30a-4:30p. Tickets purchased prior to the day of the show include admission to the Erie County Fair on the day of the performance.

To purchase tickets visit: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=1589&campid=web_concerts_0419

 

 

 

The return of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, an energized country music lineup, an increase in free concerts and new preferred track seating highlight the Erie County Fair’s at the Buffalo.com Grandstand during the 179^th Fair this August.

 

“The energy behind this year’s Buffalo.com Grandstand lineup will be intense,” said CEO & Fair Manager Jessica Underberg. “From music legends to current chart toppers, our team worked extremely hard to find the best entertainers possible while all along trying to add more free shows and to keep ticketed shows reasonably priced.”

 

To celebrate the Fair’s 150^th year in Hamburg, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a special sesquicentennial concert on the Fair’s Opening Night, Wednesday, August 8th at 8p. This will mark only the fifth time in the Fair’s 197 year history that the BPO has performed at the Fair. The region’s beloved orchestra previously appeared at the Fair in 1955, 1956, 1993 and 2014. The show is FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show.

 

The number of free Buffalo.com Grandstand concerts has doubled to four shows in 2018. In addition to being FREE with gate admission access, the Fair also unveiled a new ticket pricing structure that includes a “preferred track” paid seating option for two of the Buffalo.com Grandstand’s four free concerts. The $20 per ticket option will be available for the Monday, August 13^th Oak Ridge Boys show and the Tuesday, August 14^th Midland concert that will provide priority seating in the center track sections. General admission seating for these shows will remain FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show for general admission.

 

“The new preferred track option for free concerts will allow the Erie County Fair to increase its entertainment offerings as well as allow diehard fans to get the best seats possible,” said Underberg.

 

After last year which saw no headline country music at the Fair, officials are excited to announce that country music star Chris Young will perform on Thursday, August 9^th at 7:30p. Young’s country credentials speak for themselves: Ten #1s and 17 Gold or Platinum certifications; nominations from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, and The Recording Academy; a massive, twice-extended headlining tour; and in 2017, he became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Tickets are $70 for preferred track, $50 for track reserved and $30 for general admission.

 

The legendary ZZ Top will take to the stage on Friday, August 10^th at 8:30p. Known as “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” ZZ Top lay undisputed claim to being the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact. In 2004 the Texas trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Of course, there are only three of them – Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard — but it’s still a remarkable achievement that they’re still very much together after almost 50 years of rock, blues, and boogie on the road and in the studio. They’re real, they’re surreal and they’re ZZ Top at the Fair! Tickets are $60 for preferred track, $45 for track reserved and $30 for general admission.

 

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute will return to Hamburg on Saturday, August 11^th at 8p. Regarded as the best Beatles tribute band in the world, the group has travelled the globe impersonating Lennon, McCartney, Ringo, and Harrison. The show is FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show.

 

Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell, also known as Dick Fox’s Golden Boys, will be live in concert at The Erie County Fair on Sunday, August 12^th at 7:30p. These men represent three of the most popular teen idols of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The concert will spotlight each of the performers and their all-time greatest hits like “Turn Me Loose,” “Tiger” and “I’m A Man” (Fabian); “Venus,” “De De Dinah” and “Bobby Sox to Stockings” (Avalon); and “Volare,” “Wild One” and “Kissin’ Time” (Rydell). Reserved seats will be $35 and general admission tickets are $20.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, The Oak Ridge Boys, will return to the Erie County Fair this summer with a performance at the Buffalo.com Grandstand on Monday, August 13^th at 7:30p. This will mark the band’s fifth appearance at the Fair and first since 2001. The Oak Ridge Boys’ first appearance in Hamburg was 1985 and returned again in 1986 and 1990. Known for their four-part harmonies and upbeat songs, the Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits, earned five GRAMMYs®, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards. Preferred track seating for the show is $20. General admission seating is FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show for general admission.

 

The Erie County Fair is pleased to announce that Midland has been confirmed to perform on Tuesday, August 14^th at 7:30p. Midland was recently named 2018’s “Best New Group” by the Academy of Country Music. Made up of singer Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy, Midland is the embodiment of 70’s California country, with smooth Eagles-like harmonies and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics. After endearing themselves to fans with the hit radio single “Drinkin’ Problem” and a self-titled EP, the trio of friends known as Midland unveiled their full-length debut, On the Rocks, which also features the songs “Make a Little” and “Nothin’ New Under the Neon.” Preferred track seating for the show is $20. General admission seating is FREE with gate admission to the Fair. No Grandstand ticket is required for entry to the show for general admission.

 

Tickets for all paid shows will go on sale at 10a, Thursday, April 19^th at Tickets.com, by phone at 1-888-223-6000, or in person at the Fairgrounds Main Office. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30a-4:30p. Tickets purchased prior to the day of the show include admission to the Erie County Fair on the day of the performance.

The Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Erie County Fair, invites brass, woodwind and percussion musicians as well as color guard members in grades 7 through 12 to join the Erie County Fair Marching Band this summer. The band is an “all-star” county ensemble representing schools across Western New York. The band performs at parades and events across the region during July and is featured daily at the Erie County Fair.

 

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to continue developing their confidence and musical skills throughout the summer months,” said CEO & Fair Manager Jessica Underberg. “Participants get to interact with students from other districts as well as showcase their talents at the region’s largest annual event.”

 

Interested students are asked to complete an online application by May 11, 2018. Forms and information about the program are available at https://bit.ly/2H7cSlr.

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Now in its 36^th summer season, the Erie County Fair Marching Band was founded in 1982 under the baton of former Orchard Park music instructor, Chris Revett, at the request of then Fair CEO Paul C. Laing. The Erie County Fair is one of the only county fairs in North America to sponsor its own onsite marching band. The 2018 edition of the band is directed by Kellianne Griffith with assistance by Cameron Griffith. The band’s color guard is guided by Director Carolyn Kosinski.

 

The Erie County Fair Marching Band is presented by Pepsi Cola.