Author: Erie County Fair

 

Deep Fried Piggy Mac Tacos, a Donut Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Bacon and the debut of the Surf & Turf Pierogi are among the new foods on this year’s lineup during the Best 12 Days of Summer.

 

 

It’s no surprise, in a region that loves to eat, that the number one reason why people attend the annual Erie County Fair is food. During the 12-days of the 2018 Fair, the Fairgrounds plays host to over 500 food items available at 125 food stands. This year’s bill-of-fare ranges from time-honored regional favorites to limited edition, deep fried novelty treats only found at the Fair.

 

 

New items have been added to the menu and are part of the Fair’s New Food Showdown. Fair food fans will again be able to vote for the “Best New Food at the Fair.” Voting will begin opening day August 8^th and continue to August 14^th. The winner will be announced on Thursday, August 16^th. Past champions have included Mineo & Sapio’s Chorizo Ciabatta Sandwich (2015), Mark’s Pizza and Subs’ Deep Fried Bologna Bites (2016) and Babcia’s Pierogi’s Crab Stuffed Mushroom Pierogi (2017).

 

 

Along with the “fairgoer’s vote,” for the new food of the Fair, 2018 will see the inauguration of a new element to the “showdown.  On Thursday, August 9^th at 11:30am, a panel of guest judges will provide their own take on the Fair’s food innovations. The panel will consist of culinary professionals from the Niagara Falls Niagara Culinary Institute, SUNY Erie’s Culinary Arts Program, Delaware North along with media judges including Spectrum News’s, Alex Haight, WGRZ’s Kate Welshofer, WBEN’s Brian Mazurowski, WKBW’s Mike Randall, Business First’s Jim Fink, WIVB’s Angela Christoforos and WECK‘s Steve Cichon.

 

 

 

This year’s “New Food Showdown” will not disappoint Fairgoers with a sense of culinary adventure. Highlights include:

 

• Deep Fried Piggy Mac Taco, Jim’s Taco, Trackside. Pulled pork, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw all inside a taco shell then deep fried. (G7)
• Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon, The Big Cheese near Creative Arts Building. Cheddar & American cheese with bacon grilled on a glazed donut for a delicious combination (J10)
• Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob, The Crafted Cob near Creative Arts Building. Corn on the cob with garlic butter and parmesan cheese (J10)
• Apple Quesadilla, Jacks Delicious Fries on Broadway. Apple quesadilla dipped in butter, deep fried, topped with confectionary sugar & drizzled with icing. (L7)
• Cookie Dough Extreme, 4 Dogs Dessert on Slade Park, Homemade edible cookie dough, Chocolate Chip, Cake Batter, Oreo or Surprise Flavor (I6)
• Sweeter Than Sweet Tots, Fun Time Foods on Broadway. Sweet potato tater tots with marsh mellow fluff and a drizzle of maple syrup (K6)
• Surf & Turf Pierogi, Babcia’s Pierogi on Trackside. Shaved beef, mushroom, and onion filled pierogi, topped with grilled garlic shrimp & basil parmesan sauce. (H7)
• Cowboy Nachos, Big G’s Food Service on Trackside. Chips, cheese, chili, beans, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, jalapenos (G7)
• Loganberry Sundae, Dippin Dots on Avenue of Flags. Loganberry syrup, white chocolate syrup and whipped cream (K9)
• The Dirty Bird, Mineo & Sapio on Broadway. Chicken Italian sausage patties with BBQ glaze, caramelized, onion, cheddar cheese & Asian slaw served on grilled ciabatta (J7)

 

2018 marks the 3^rd year of the Erie County Fair’s participation in the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options program. Participating restaurants have signed on to offer a healthy menu item that has been approved by the Independent Health Foundation.

 

 

Growing each year in popularity, the “Taste of Fair” Food Festival will return on Monday, August 13^th.  Fair vendors will feature over 125 “taste” sized portions for only $2. Alongside traditional Fair foods like Italian sausage and cotton candy, the Taste of the Fair’s menu includes stuffed banana peppers from Antone’s and Deep Fried Mac & Cheese from Diventuri. A complete listing of items and locations will be available on the Fair’s website, mobile app and on menus located at Fair gates the day of the event.

 

 

The Fair’s culinary arts center, the “Erie County Fair Cooks! Kitchen & Shoppe,” will continue to highlight regionally sourced and grown products, promote easy to cook at home meal options and to expose Fairgoers to Western New York’s dynamic culinary scene. Over 70 demonstrations have been schedule to take place during the 12-days of the fair. Highlights include the return of Howard Rosenthal of Mr. Food’s Test Kitchen (August 14) and Arthur Bovino, author of Buffalo Everything: A Guide to Eating in the Nickel City (August 18 & 19). The Fair is also proud to partner with the Niagara Falls Niagara Culinary Institute, SUNY Erie’s Culinary Arts Program and the Tops Cooking School on a series of demonstrations.

 

 

Adult fairgoers will be able to wash down all their Fair food with one of two limited edition beers. A Vienna Lager, the “Best of Show” winner during the Erie County Fair’s 2018 Home Brew Competition and an American Pale Ale based on the 2015 championship beer will be available at the Fair’s beer gardens. Both beers were brewed by Buffalo’s Flying Bison Brewing Company.

 

 

The Erie County Fair will partner with the Food Bank of WNY to help fill their warehouse with canned goods. Fairgoers will gain FREE admission to the Fair on Opening Day, Wednesday, August 8^th with the donation of a canned food. Donations will be accepted at all Fair gates beginning at Noon.

 

 

Following the conclusion of the 179^th Fair, on Tuesday, September 18^th, the Fair will celebrate “National Birth of the Burger Day.” The day has been set aside to commemorate the invention of the hamburger sandwich that took place during the 1885 Erie County Fair by Frank and Charles Menches of Canton, Ohio.  During the Fair, Weidner’s BBQ located on the Avenue of Flags will feature their culinary tribute to the birth of America’s favorite sandwich with the “1885 Burger.”

 

 

The annual Erie County Fair 5K Run, presented by Good Health Saunas,  returns to the Fairgrounds on Saturday August 11, 2018 with pistol start at 8:30am. This USA Track & Field (USATF) 3.1 mile route has been certified as the flattest route in Western New York. The start and finish lines are located on the famous “Hamburg Oval” racetrack inside the Gusto Grandstand. The route then proceeds through the picturesque Town and Village of Hamburg featuring a zero percent grade.

 

Pre-registration cost is $25 ($30 day of race) and includes preferred, onsite parking, two adult admission passes to the fair and a post-race picnic. The first 500 registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.  Registration is now available online at www. ECFair.org. Pre-registered participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets on Thursday August 9 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Made In America Store located at the McKinley Mall in Hamburg. Participants can still register the morning of the race with race day registration beginning at 7:00am.

 

All ages are welcome to participate in the 5K, however, no pets, skateboards, rollerblades or bicycles are allowed on the course. Water stations will be provided. Awards will be given to the top three males and females in each age division.

 

The proceeds from the event will benefit the Erie County Agricultural Society Scholarship Fund. Since 2000 the fund has made available over $225,000 in scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in agriculture as well as those who participate in other aspects of the Fair. Past recipients include marching band members, media/marketing interns, concessionaires, volunteers, and exhibitors.

 

The Erie County Fair 5K Run is presented by Good Health Saunas with additional support from Tops Friendly Markets, Bryant & Stratton College, G&G Fitness, Made In America Stores, and Upstate Farms. The event is timed by ITS Buffalo Time. For more information on the Erie County Fair 5K, please call (716) 649-3900 or email hollys@ecfair.org.

 

Hamburg Residents Note: There will be limited access to Clark Street between 8:30am and 9:30am on Saturday, August 11th for the safety of the participants. Local fire companies and police agencies will assist in traffic control.

 

One year ago, on July 20^th, an EF-2 tornado touched down in Hamburg, New York taking a path that directly crossed the Erie County Fairgrounds. This was one of four confirmed tornadoes that occurred during the storm. Estimated wind speeds reaching 115 mph caused millions of dollars in damage just weeks before opening day of the 2017 Erie County Fair. Hundreds of people consisting of Fairgrounds staff, private contractors and dedicated volunteers worked non-stop during a 20-day period to ensure the Fair would open as scheduled.

 

To commemorate the community-wide effort to rebuild after the storm, Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream will offer small “twist” soft-serve ice cream cones for 50¢ cents on Friday, July 20th. The cones will be on sale exclusively at the Village of Hamburg location of Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream located at the Clark Street & South Park Avenue traffic circle from 2-5pm.

 

Charlap’s has been a partner of the Erie County Fair for over 40 years. In 1961, dairy farmer Henry Charlap along with his father Nicholas, his uncle Leo Mrugala, and his brother-in-law Louis Fronczak purchased an existing dairy in North Boston and began make fresh dairy products using locally sourced milk. Originally just a rural farm and dairy, Charlap’s soon became famous for its creamy rich ice cream. Henry’s son Nicholas took over the business in the 2000s.

 

Watch some never seen before video from last year.

 

 

The keg will be officially tapped on the 2018 Erie County Fair Craft Beer during a free community celebration and ceremony at 5:30pm at the Flying Bison Brewery, 840 Seneca Street, Buffalo on Thursday, July 19^th. This year’s winning brew, a “Vienna Lager” developed by homebrewer Kevin DiTondo of Cheektowaga was named “Best of Show” during the Erie County Fair’s 2018 Home Brew Competition.

The “Roll Out the Barrel” party, will feature samples of the Erie County Fair Craft Beers and R&B/Soul music by Robert “Freight Train” Parker. The event runs from 5-8pm and is free and open to the public.

The brewing of the “Vienna Lager” took place at the Flying Bison Brewing Company in June.  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.” Also featured will be an American Pale Ale based on the 2015 winning beer submitted by North Tonawanda’s John Crossett and Brian Milleville from Niagara Falls.

The Erie County Fair Home Brew Competition, now in its fifth year, is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society with support from Try-It Distributing, Flying Bison Brewing and KATZ Americas.

 

What is believed to be the world’s first, practical use “ketchup dispensing robot” was officially unveiled in anticipation of the start of the 179^th Erie County Fair. The robot, affectionately named “Molly” by its inventors, will be part of the “I-Hub at the Fair” series of exhibits and experiences.

 

Over 300 hours of Western New York-born engineering and computer programming have been invested into this unique mechanism built by Hamburg’s Staub Precision Machine. Technically known as a, “cobot” or collaborative robot, this type of automation is intended to physically interact with humans in a shared workspace. The design of the ketchup dispensing robot utilized the computer aided design skills, machining work, 3D printing, computer programing and fabrication with a dose of old fashion carnival showmanship. At the Fair, the robot will be put to work interacting with Fairgoers and providing ketchup at the popular “Jim’s Fries.” The machine is meant to symbolize and represent “homegrown” ingenuity.

 

The “I-Hub at the Fair” is a newly created exhibit area that will focus on Western New York’s growing technology, engineering and science economy as well as education. “I-Hub at the Fair,” with the “I” standing for “innovation, imagination & ingenuity,” will be located inside the Fair’s Showplace Building with other displays being highlighted around the Fairgrounds. Displays will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) based businesses and education through daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities.

 

 

 

To create it’s new “I-Hub at the Fair” exhibit, the Erie County Fair has enlisted the support of  Western New York State‘s leading science, technology, engineer and mathematic (STEM) companies and organizations. During the 12-days of the Fair, various I-Hub at the Fair partners will provide daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities. 2018 partners include:

 

Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance: Established in 2010, the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA) is the region’s largest non-profit organization representing area manufacturers. A number of BNMA members including the Buffalo Manufacturing Works, National Grid and Moog will provide displays during the course of the Fair.

 

Northland Workforce Training: Part of New York State’s “Buffalo Billion” investment, the center will serve as a new hub which will focus primarily on training for careers in the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. Northland will coordinate interactive labs that will include an Interactive Welding Simulator & CNC Lathe.  In addition Northland will provide a Mechanical Advantage Lab, which will allow participants to build basic machines using pullies, levers, and gear systems.  Companies partnered with Northland that will help support this space are; Haun Welding, NYMAT, Oeticker, Keller Technology, Hebeler Corp, Moog, Air Sep, & Staub

 

WNY Stem: The region’s leading non-for-profit whose goal is to bring together Western New Yorkers to advance the interdisciplinary teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

 

EagleHawk LLC: EagleHawk is a drone technology company based in Buffalo.  EagleHawk will be engaging fair goers during iHub with a variety of drone activities!  These activities include drone simulators where fair goers get a chance at the controls and get first person views from high above the fair with an EagleHawk drone pilot.  EagleHawk will also provide flight demonstrations and education on different types of drone platforms.  Smaller toy drones will also be available for visitors to fly with EagleHawk.

 

Girl Scouts of Western New York: The preeminent leadership development organization for girls will offer interactive STEM based activities as well as be on hand to provide information on how to join.

 

Praxair: Buffalo’s Praxair develops technology, products and services to help sustain and protect the planet. The company’s STEAM Team will be on hand with cryogenic liquids and air experiments.  Fairgoers be able to watch how cryogenic liquids change the properties of everyday items such as balloons and flowers.

 

SomaDetect: Founded in 2016, provides farmers with information they want and need in formats that are easy to use. Dairy farmers can gain access to real time analytics of milk quality and herd health indicators from every cow at every milking through SomaDetect technology. SomaDetect was the winner of the $1 million grand prize in the 2017 43North business plan competition.

 

University at Buffalo GEM: The UB GEM Community of Excellence focuses on advancing genome science to help give people the tools necessary to understand personal health issues. GEM has an expanded understanding of the genome, microbiome and environmental factors to revolutionize the emerging field of personalized medicine. GEM will provide activity involving Mircobiomes or DNA with the help of a few of her students.

 

UB Society for Automotive Engineers: The UB Society for Automotive Engineers is organized to train students in hands-on engineering and design skills. The SAE student chapter forms teams to work on projects that participate in national competitions focused on Formula Car, Go-Karts and more.

 

NanoSat: A student research lab at the University at Buffalo under the direction of Dr. John Crassidis. This group of students works with the Air Force Research Lab, NASA, and Moog, Inc. to build satellites from concept to launch.

 

First Robotics: Founded in 1989 First Robotics is a not-for-profit public charity designed to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, and to motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM fields. First will demonstrate competition style robots as well as allow fairgoers to experience this technology up-close and personal.

 

New York State Power Authority: Get a hair-raising experience at the New York Power Authority booth. Watch a short film to learn about the Niagara Power Vista and its recently updated exhibit space featuring a simulated ride, interactive game challenges and photo opportunities using the RFID Power Player badge; learn about NYPA’s free community events, onsite Power Vista programs and more.

 

Staub Precision Machine: Located in the Village of Hamburg, Staub Precision Machine operates as a production shop, machining component parts for manufacturers across the country. Staub’s “ketchup dispensing robot” will be on display at Jim’s French Fries concession stand.

 

The “I-Hub at the Fair” is sponsored by Bunzl and L. A. Wooley Electric Inc.

 

The 179^th Erie County Fair will see the debut of a newly created exhibit area with the goal of exciting Western New Yorker’s about technology, engineering and the sciences. “I-Hub at the Fair,” with the “I” standing for “innovation, imagination & ingenuity,” which will be located inside the Fair’s Showplace Building. The display will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based businesses and education through daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities.

 

“Fairs have acted as public stages for innovation since their inception,” said CEO & Fair Manager Jessica Underberg. “Whether it was new steam powered farm implements in the 1870s, automobiles in the 1910s or the introduction of television in the late 1940s, the Erie County Fair allowed Western New Yorkers to experience new technology up-close and in person.”

 

One of the key goals behind the creation of the “I-Hub at the Fair” is to stimulate interest in the sciences amongst fairgoers and to encourage them to consider careers in areas that are driving the region’s economy. To accomplish this, the Erie County Fair has partnered with some of Western New York State‘s leading companies and organizations who are currently leading the charge including the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, National Grid, WNY Stem Hub, EagleHawk, Staub Precision Machine, Praxair, SomaDetect, University at Buffalo GEM (Genome, Environment & Microbiome), UB Society for Automotive Engineers, Girl Scouts of Western New York, UB NanoSat, The Buffalo Manufacturing Works, The New York Power Authority, FIRST Robotics and the Northland Workforce Training Center. The “I-Hub at the Fair” is sponsored by Bunzl and L. A. Wooley Electric Inc.

 

At the center of the I-Hub at the Fair experience will be the STEM Museum produced by Mobile Ed Productions. A portion of the Fair’s Showplace Building will be turned into a state-of-the-art, hands-on children’s museum focused on STEM education. Fairgoers will be encouraged to explore, at their own pace, a variety of stations that will include 3D printing, parabolic arch building and the ability to turn kinetic energy into electricity.

 

Outside of the main I-Hub exhibit area, Fair patrons will be able to discover technology and innovation found throughout the Fair. A “passport” stamp program will lead participants to the Fair’s 4-H Youth Development Building and the Agriculture Discovery Center among other Fair sites to experience STEM in action. One of the “passport stamp” stops will be located at “Jim’s French Fries” concession where people will be able to interact with the world’s first, practical use “ketchup dispensing robot.” Over 300 hours of Western New York-born engineering and computer programming have been invested into this unique mechanism built by Hamburg’s Staub Precision Machine. The machine is meant to symbolize and represent “homegrown” ingenuity.

 

“The I-Hub represents the future of our industry. In an ever increasing virtual world, Fairs continue to be a place where the community experiences life first hand,” said Fair Marketing Manager Marty Biniasz. “From the raising of champion livestock to inventions being created in our backyards, fairs celebrate and let people interact with the best of human accomplishments.”

 

Showcasing the region’s best amateur talent on the stage. From singing to dancing or playing an instrument… we’re looking to see who’s got talent!

 

The Erie County Talent Show returns to the Tops Friendly Markets Avenue of Flag Stage. This is a free contest with all contestants receiving free admission into the Fair.

 

Both mini & maxi divisions will take place on Thursday, August 9th. Registration for both mini/maxi divisions begins at 10:30am with the mini division beginning at 11am. The Maxi division will begin following the conclusion of the mini program.

 

All applications must be received by Monday, August 6^th. For rules, regulations and a downloadable application visit: https://bit.ly/2mhOQsa

Are you or someone you know deserving of the title of the greatest “Fair Fan” in Western New York? The Erie County Fair is now accepting nominations for someone to be named the 2018 Ultimate Fairgoer.

 

Established in 2005, the Erie County Fair’s Ultimate Fairgoer honor is bestowed each year on an individual who lives and breathes the Erie County Fair all year long. The chosen candidate is not only passionate and enthusiastic about the Fair but actively promotes and shares their love with family, friends and the community.

 

Nomination forms are currently available on the Fair’s website, https://bit.ly/2KFqHKE,  must be submitted by Friday, July 27^th. Nominations must include a short essay as to why the candidate, above everyone else, deserves the title of “Ultimate Fairgoer.” Past winning nominations have included photos, references, news clippings or collateral materials that provide further background. Management and staff of the Erie County Agricultural Society and/or the Erie County Fair are not eligible.

 

The 2018 Erie County Fair Ultimate Fairgoer will be officially announced during a ceremony outside of the Fair’s McKinley Gate on Opening Day, Wednesday August 8^th at 11:30am.

 

 

The 2018 Erie County Fair Sire Stakes County Fair Races will be dedicated to the memory of longtime Erie County Agricultural Society Board Member Frank A. Newton who passed away just day before the opening of last year’s Erie County Fair. The race will take place at the historic “Hamburg Oval” on Friday, July 20^th at 1pm and is free and open to the public. The New York Sire Stakes promote the breeding, buying, and racing of Standard bred horses in New York State, and are administered by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

 

The Erie County Fair Race is part of a series of non-pari-mutuel betting harness races hosted at county fairs across New York State. The races are open to eligible two and three-year-old New York Standard breds and are separated into eight divisions based on age and gait. The start of the race is the first official event of the 179^th Erie County Fair that opens its gates on Wednesday, August 8^th.

 

Harness racing at the Erie County Fair is a tradition that dates back to the 1850s when the Fair was held at various racetracks across the County. Racing at the “Hamburg  Oval” predates the Erie County Fair’s move to its current location at the Hamburg Fairgrounds as the site was originally home to the Hamburg Driving Grounds.

 

Mr. Frank E. Newton of Orchard Park passed away on August 2^nd, 2017. Newton served the Erie County Agricultural Society for over 55 years. Following in the footsteps of his father J. C. Newton, Frank joined the Erie County Agricultural Society in 1962. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1965 and served as Society President during the 1974-1975 season. He took Director Emeritus status in 2012 and continued to serve the Society. Newton took great pride in his affiliation with the Fair and attended the 2017 pre-Fair meeting just days before his death. Newton was 93 at the time of his death.