Despite the postponement of this year’s 181st ECF, Western New Yorkers will still be able to “Taste the Fair” this summer. Through a collaborative effort between the Flying Bison Brewing Company and the Erie County Agricultural Society… “FairTastic Lemon Strawberry Ale” will soon hit store shelves. 

The brew is based on the ever popular, freshly squeezed lemonade that has been a tradition on the Fair midway for generation while strawberries represent the rich bounty of WNY produce that is celebrated each year inside the Fair’s Agricultural Grange Building. 

Six packs of this limited edition fair flavor will be available through Try-It Distributing at Buffalo area Tops Friendly Markets and 17 Western New York locations of Consumer’s Beverages beginning the week of June 29^th.

On Wednesday, May 27th, The Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the Erie County Fair, announced its decision to postpone the 181st Erie County Fair (originally scheduled to be held August 12-23, 2020).

 

“Although our Board and staff share a feeling of profound disappointment in making the announcement to postpone the 2020 Erie County Fair, it has become clear that cancelling is the responsible choice for the Fair to do its part to support community health and safety, and to minimize the spread of COVID 19,” said CEO and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg.

 

The impact of the Erie County Fair’s cancellation will be felt far beyond the loss of the “Best 12 Days of Summer,” said Underberg.  “We are heartbroken for the small businesses, family farms, competitors and exhibitors impacted in so many ways by this decision.”  However, Underberg added that the Erie County Fair staff is exploring ways in which regional youth agricultural-based organizations may be able to participate in “hands-on” programs at the Fairgrounds with the necessary safeguards to create a safe environment for the participants.

 

Underberg added, “As difficult as this time in our history is, we know that the Erie County Agricultural Society and Western New York will emerge from this challenging moment and will be ready for the 2021 Erie County Fair, scheduled to be held on August 11^th – 22^nd, 2021. We look forward to brighter, better days ahead when we can gather to celebrate the “Best 12 Days of Summer in Western New York.”

 

 

12-Day Pass Refund Information

 

Full refunds for 2020 Erie County Fair 12-Day passes will be processed by mailing the passes back to the Fair office at 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, New York 14075. Please include the name and address of the individual requesting the refund. In-person refunds will not be handled at the Fair’s main office, as it is closed due to COVID-19.

 

Historical Context of Cancellation

 

The postponement of the 2020 Erie County Fair marks only the SECOND time since 1841 that the Fair has been cancelled. During World War II, the 1943 Fair was cancelled to support the patriotic rationing of gasoline and other vital wartime commodities. The fair returned the following year to record breaking attendance.

 

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 181st Erie County Fair will be held August 11th – 22nd, 2021. (www.ECFair.org). 

 

In 2019, a ranking of top fairs and exhibitions named the Erie County Fair the largest county fair east of the Rocky Mountains, the 3^rd largest county fair in the United States (up from 4^th position in 2018) and 12^th largest fair overall in North America in 2019 (up from 13^th place in 2018). The ranking of fairs, based on attendance, is published annually by CarnivalWarehouse.com. The “Top 50 Fair” list includes all county and state fairs, exhibitions and rodeo shows in the United States and Canada.

 

Final 2019 attendance was 1,238,456. This number represented a 3.3% increase from 2018 and made 2019’s number the highest attended Fair in the history of the Erie County Agricultural Society.

 

In the interest of public health, and to comply with New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s workforce reduction orders, the Erie County Fairgrounds Main Office will be closed until further notice. Our staff will continue to work from home and will be available by email and phone to keep business moving forward. As previously announced, all events on the Fairgrounds have been cancelled or postponed until April 30th.

 

The Erie County Agricultural Society thanks you in advance for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing you on the Fairgrounds in the future. The well-being and safety of our guests, staff and community are our top priority.

 

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

 

Please visit www.The-Fairgrounds.com for updates.

The Erie County Agricultural Society has announced it is extending the cancellation and postponement of events on the Erie County Fairgrounds until April 30th. In addition, pari-mutuel harness racing at Buffalo Raceway has been suspended until May 2nd and New York State has closed Hamburg Gaming until further notice. These decisions were made to keep the safety, health and well-being of all visitors and employees of the Erie County Fairgrounds a top priority as we work together to limit the spread of COVID 19.

 

Previously announced cancellations and postponements:

 

Plantasia Garden & Landscape Show March 18-22 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show March 21-22 (rescheduled for May 16-17)

WNY Equifest March 21-22

Springtime In the Country March 27-29 (rescheduled for May 1-3)

Motorcycle Swap Meet March 29

 

Newly announced cancellations and postponements of non-fair events include:

 

National Pool & Spa Show April 3-5

Hamburg High School Band Fundraiser April 4

Empire State Beef Classic April 9-11

Meyers RV Show April 15-19

Spring Fling Quarter Horse Show April 16-19; 24-26

Gold & Silver Show April 17-19

Collectors Haven Show April 18 Conservation Dist. Seedling Pickup &Sale April 25 (Drive-through Pick Up ONLY)

Niagara Frontier Gun Show April 25-26

 

The Fairgrounds would like to thank Western New York for its support, understanding and loyalty during these challenging times. Visit www.The-Fairgrounds.com for updates and event refund information when it becomes available.

In an effort to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a ban today on all public gatherings of 500 people or more. As a result of the Governor’s declaration, all Fairgrounds events, scheduled through March 31st, have been canceled or postponed. This includes the following:

 

Mothertime Marketplace March 12-15

Shrine Circus March 13-14

Out of the Blue Fundraiser March 14

Plantasia Garden & Landscape Show March 18-22

Gem, Mineral, Fossil Show March 21-22 (rescheduled for May 16-17)

WNY Equifest March 21-22

Springtime In the Country March 27-29 (rescheduled for May 1-3)

Motorcycle Swap Meet March 29

 

The health and safety of our employees, exhibitors, patrons and volunteers is our utmost priority and we truly apologize to all impacted by this announcement. Information on refunds for ticketed events will be released once confirmed with individual shows and promoters. Updates to the public will be made on the Fairgrounds social media channels and website www.the-fairgrounds.com

 

 

For an unprecedented second year in row, The Erie County Fair was recognized internationally with the “Best Overall Marketing Campaign” award during the annual convention of International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) held in San Antonio, Texas. This is only the second time in the Fair’s 181-year history that it has won the top marketing award in North America.

 

 

The Fair received the award for its 2019 advertising campaign titled, “Summerific.” The professionally judged campaign included all advertising elements including poster graphics, brochures, outdoor, television, radio, print display advertising, digital media, use of social media, website, merchandise and related promotional materials. The Erie County Fair competed in “Division 5” of the IAFE’s Hall of Honor Communication Awards which represents fairs with attendance of one million or more. These fairs include the Minnesota State Fair, New York State Fair, Wisconsin State Fair, the Canadian National Exposition, the Los Angeles County Fair and the Texas State Fair.

 

 

“The 2019 campaign embodied the dynamic, textured, fun-filled atmosphere that is uniquely the Erie County Fair, “said Erie County Fair Marketing & Brand Manager Marty Biniasz. “We created the word Summerific to describe the feeling you have when the weather is warm, the days are long and the summer just can’t get any better. It’s a place where the food tastes amazing, the music makes you dance, and everyone has a smile. It’s Summerific. It’s the Erie County Fair.”

 

 

In addition to the “Best Overall Marketing Campaign” recognition, the Erie County Fair’s marketing team received a total of 14 awards for excellence in the various communications and sponsorship categories including “Best Brochure,” “Best Electronic Newsletter,” “Best Outdoor Billboard,” “Best Social Media Campaign,” and “Best Marketing Promotional Display or Piece.”

 

 

The Erie County Fair partnered with Buffalo’s Wynne Creative Group, a nationally recognized marketing and branding firm, to develop the 2019 campaign. Wynne Creative Group has served the Erie County Fair since 2003. Wynne Creative Group specializes in design, brand development and advertising. Website design and support was provided by Saffire.

 

 

About the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)

Based in Springfield, Mo., the IAFE is a nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. The IAFE was founded in 1885 with a half dozen fairs as members. Today, over 2,500 fairs, festivals, expositions and suppliers in the United States and internationally, are members of IAFE.

 

About Wynne Creative Group

A nationally recognized firm headquartered in downtown Buffalo, NY. Founded in 2002, the group specializes in design, advertising, publications and brand development. The firm provides communication and marketing solutions to local, national and global businesses. Their industry experience includes hospitality, financial services, food and beverage, medical services and not-for-profits (www.WynneCreative.com).

 

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 2020 Erie County Fair is scheduled for August 12^th -23^rd (www.ECFair.org).

 

A ranking of top fairs and exhibitions has again named the Erie County Fair the largest county fair east of the Rocky Mountains, the 3^rd largest county fair in the United States (up from 4^th position in 2018) and 12^th largest fair overall in North America in 2019 (up from 13^th place in 2018). The ranking of fairs, based on attendance, is published annually by CarnivalWarehouse.com. The “Top 50 Fair” list includes all county and state fairs, exhibitions and rodeo shows in the United States and Canada.

 

 

1 San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, CA   1,531,199        31 days

2 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA   1,393,482        31 days

3 ERIE COUNTY FAIR, HAMBURG, NY   1,238,456        12 days

4 Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, CA   1,100,000        24 days

 

 

 

“This ranking is something that the entire Buffalo-Niagara region can take pride in accomplishing,” said Marty Biniasz, Erie County Fair Marketing Manager. “When looking at the ranking, you need to consider that the Erie County Fair out draws most state fairs in the United States. The west coast county fairs that rank above us benefit from a much longer operating run and are located in top 10 US population markets.”

 

 

In 2019, the all-time attendance record for the Erie County Fair was shattered as the “Best 12 Days of Summer” in Western New York State concluded with a final attendance of 1,238,456. This number represented a 3.3% increase from 2018 and made 2019’s number the highest attended Fair in the history of the Erie County Agricultural Society. The previous all-time record was achieved in 2014 (1,220,101).

 

The following is CarnivalWarehouse.com’s 2019 Top 25 Fairs:

 

1          Texas State Fair, Dallas, TX – 2,514,637

2          Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Houston, TX – 2,506,263

3          Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, MN – 2,126,551

4          San Antonio Livestock Show, San Antonio, TX – 1,900,000

5          Eastern State Exhibition, Springfield, MA – 1,629,527

6          San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, CA – 1,531,199

7          Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, ON – 1,500,000

8          Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA – 1,393,482

9          New York State Fair, Syracuse, NY – 1,329,275 (13 Days)

10        Calgary Stampede, Calgary, ALB – 1,275,465

11        Arizona State Fair, Phoenix, AZ – 1,262,868

12        ERIE COUNTY FAIR, HAMBURG, NY –  1,238,456 (12 Days)

13        Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Fort Worth, TX – 1,216,140

14        Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA – 1,170,375

15        Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, WI – 1,130,572

16        Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, CA – 1,100,000

17        Washington State Fair, Puyallup, WA – 1,100,000

18        Tulsa State Fair, Tulsa, OK – 1,040,000

19        North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, NC – 939,039

20        Ohio State Fair, Columbus, OH – 934,925

21        Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma City, OK – 900,000

22        Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, IN – 878,857

23        Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC – 732,000

24        K Days, Edmonton, ALB – 702,327

25        National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO – 701,656

 

 

See complete list at: https://carnivalwarehouse.com/images/site/pageserver/file/top50/2019list.pdf

 

 

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 2020 Erie County Fair is scheduled for August 12^th – 23^rd. (www.ECFair.org).

 

Bringing together the region’s farming community and the services necessary for daily operations is the goal of the 10^th Annual Western New York Farm Show, January 30 – February 1, 2019 at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York. The exposition is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society.

 

 

“Over the last decade, Western New York State’s agricultural industry has experienced mounting external challenges such as new labor laws, shifts in consumer preferences, lower commodity prices, loss of farmland due to development and higher production costs,” said Erie County Agricultural Society CEO Jessica Underberg. “Events like the Farm Show are part of the Society’s mission to promote the region’s agricultural resources, whether it’s the crops in the field or the hardworking people working in the barns. It’s our hope that the Farm Show helps to strengthen the farm community through education and communications with a little bit of fun thrown in.”

 

 

The Western New York Farm Show strives to educate farmers from around the region about the latest cutting-edge agricultural products and technology. Vendors include feed, seed, and equipment dealers, farm service providers, and non-for-profits that specialize in agriculture education, promotion, and advancement. Industry professionals will lead seminars daily covering a variety of topics and show goers will have an opportunity to earn spray credits during free pesticide recertification classes.

 

 

This year’s show highlights, provided at no cost, include discussions on “Managing Pasture Health,” “Worker Protection Standard and Farm Pesticide Regulations,” and “Keeping Long Term Hay Fields Productive.” Returning for 2020 will be the Farmer’s Bazaar showcasing local, homemade and regionally grown products

 

 

The show will also feature a number of spectator and participant driven competitions. High School students will be able to show off their skills during the Mechanics Competition on Friday, January 31st from 9:30am-1pm. The 5th Annual Farmer Elite Toss Hay Bale Throwing Competition take place each day of the show at Noon inside the Agriculture Discovery Center.  A “pee wee” toss featuring competitors 12 & under will take place daily before the adult competition. The ADMAR Skid Steer Rodeo will time the fastest drivers as they navigate an obstacle course and compete against the clock.

 

 

The 2nd Annual Lumberjack Classic will attract the best timbersport competitors in the northeast to the Farm Show on Saturday, February 1^st (9a-1p)  During this free event, spectators will be able to see competitors chop and saw their way through a series of events that include “Jack and Jill Crosscut,”  “Open Springboard,” and “Open Axe Throw.”

 

 

For little “future farmers,” children 12 & under will be able to compete for prizes during our Pedal Tractor Races on Saturday, February 1st. The popular “Little Hand On The Farm” experience from the Erie County Fair will be on display during the Show. Inside the Agriculture Discovery Center, kids will have the opportunity to collect eggs, apples, maple and milk and “sell” it back at the Farmer’s Market.

 

 

Free and open to the public, the WNY Farm Show will be held inside two heated buildings on the Fairgrounds. Show times are Thursday, January 30^th, 10:00am-4:00pm; Friday, January 31^st, 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday, February 1^st, 9:00am-3:00pm. For more information or to register for any of the open competitions, visit WNYFarmShow.com , email wnyfarmshow@ecfair.org or call 716-649-3900 ext. 6488.

 

 

The Erie County Fairgrounds is located in Hamburg, New York easily accessible by the New York State Thruway (I-90) off exit 56. The grounds are located just 20 minutes south of Buffalo. For GPS users, use the address 5820 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York 14075.

 

For a limited time, the Erie County Agricultural Society will offer 12-day gate admission passes to the 181^st Erie County Fair for $35. The sale beings today, Monday, December 9^th at 9am and continues until the limited supply is gone. Passes allow for one gate admission per day of the Fair (passes do not include parking.)

 

 

“When strategizing how to “Win The Summer” and make the most out of the ‘Best 12-Days of Summer” the 12-day passes is a valuable, money saving tool,” said Marty Biniasz, Erie County Fair Marketing Manager. “With a purchase of the pass, Fairgoers are saving $88 or 71.5% on full-priced admission purchased at the gate. Passes are for adult admission as children 12 and under are always free at the Fair”

 

 

12-day passes may be purchased online at www.ecfair.org/p/info/12daypass or by visiting the Fairgrounds Main Office located in the Lower Grandstand, Monday-Friday from 9am-4:30pm. There is a limit of 4 passes per household. A $1 shipping fee will be added to each card purchased online. The 12-day pass sale will end without notice after limited quantity has be depleted.

 

 

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 181^st Erie County Fair is scheduled for August 12^th -23^rd, 2020 (www.ECFair.org).

A note from our friends at the Western New York Garden Railway Society:

 

In 2019, Easy Moving Equipment (EMC) of Canada again sponsored a building contest for Club members.  They have sponsored this contest for several years, offering cash prizes to the winners.  In past years, the winners have been picked by club member voting, sometimes coupled with fair visitors’ votes.  In 2019, the winners were selected solely by fair visitors.  A new feature this year was the use of turn tables so the visitors could see all sides of the model.  The purpose of the contest is to encourage members to explore new techniques for model making and to make models for the train layouts that are not available from commercial kits.  In the past, members have made models of the picnic pavilion on the Arcade and Attica railroad, the A&A station, the historic colored musicians club of Buffalo, and other local landmarks.  This year, we had 2,700 votes cast by fair visitors, the highest number of votes ever cast.

 

There were five entries in this year’s contest, with one being submitted by our youngest member and one submitted by one of our older members with the ages spanning from preteen to the 80’s.  We are please to announce the following winners.

 

First place went to Gary Tebo, one of the founding members of the club.  He did Beetle Bailey’s car lot.  Gary is an accomplished modeler, having submitted a bicycle sales store last year and a hot dog stand the year before.  Gary uses several media for modeling.  This year’s entry was made using for insulation board that was carved to represent brick construction.  The interior was also detailed and lite.

 

 

Second place went to one of our club’s youngest members, Derrick Gillette.  This is the third year that Derrick has entered the contest, beginning with the first year he was a member.  Over the three years, we have watched as Derrick has increased his modeling skills.  He did a submarine our of storiform, an airplane hanger from cardboard, and this year, a combination of cardboard and clay.  His building was from a video game which few of our club members recognized, but many of the younger fair visitor knew exactly what it was!

 

 

Third place winner was Ron Brounschidle, the current club president.  Ron is also an accomplished model builder, have several buildings on this and other club shows that demonstrates his abilities.  This year, his classic water tower was something that everyone could relate to.  He had the mandatory FAA warning lite on top to warn low flying airplanes of the water tower.  He used a combination of carbon fiber tubes for the legs with coffee can for the actual water tank, and brass strips and wire for the railings and ladder.  The inside of the pump house was also detailed with a pump, plumbing, and an electrical control panel on the wall for the system.

 

 

Fourth place went to Jack Henderson, again one of our founding members and oldest modeler in this year’s contest.  Using wood as his modeling media, he modeled a filling station and car maintenance facility typical of the mid 20^th century.  Jack has made many buildings for the club both as part of these modeling contest and buildings for the layout in general.  One of his pieces that many fairgoers might remember seeing in various club events is a model of the Arcade station.

 

 

Fifth place went to Charles Bartel for the CB Gizmo office and manufacturing facility.  It was made using a 3D printer to create the outer walls and entrance doorway, and custom milled wood for interior floors and walls, as well as the loading dock and loading dock doors.  Primary activity in this model was in generating the print program to simulate cinder block construction.  Though not model for a specific building, it was designed to be representative of a small company served by a rail siding from the 1940’s.

 

 

It should be noted that some had their favorite models and visited the train display on multiple days, casting a ballot each day they were there!  We appreciate the dedication of those visitor who took the time out to make a visit to the layout and trust that you thoroughly enjoyed this year’s display.  We will be back in 2020 with a new display in the Grange building but in a different location.  Please mark your calendars to attend the fair and vote for your favorite display.  Unlike our political elections, please come often and vote often.  No ID required!

 

For information on the Western New York Garden Railway Society, please visit our web page at https://wnygrs.com.  Come join us and enter next years contest.  You do not need to have your own trains to join, just and interest in Garden Railroading.