Genesee County Fair

Record attendance of 70,000 people, the best year in recent history for vendors, the best midway year, and an increase in 4-H participants up from 35 two years ago to 165.

That upbeat news was in Norm Pimm’s 2022 annual fair report for Genesee County legislators; however, this year’s county fair is only expected to be bigger, better, and livelier than ever, the spokesman for Genesee County Agricultural Society said.

“People love our fairgrounds, they love our set-up,” Pimm said during this week’s Human Services meeting. “We have one of the top animal exhibits, at least one of the top three in New York State. That’s what the fair’s all about.”

The fair’s veterinarian went to check on the animals and “couldn’t believe how many we had,” Pimm said.

Ready for the numbers? There were:

• 81 Dairy Cattle
• 80 Goats
• 48 Beef
• 80 Swine
• 65 Sheep
• 204 Horses
• 90 Rabbits
• 155 Poultry
• 18 Cavies

The Empire Classic Youth Sheep Show had 55 participants and 270 entries; the Genesee County Open Beef Show had 75 participants and 190 entries; Genesee County Open Swine Show had 50 participants and 160 entries; Draft Horse Show had 12 six-horse hitch teams from all over the country, the second largest show in the state.

So, what’s coming this summer? Some of it is new, and other features are bringing back or adding to old favorites, he said, such as more remote-control race cars, which will be free for kids, Pimm said. They were “a huge hit last year,” and will be locally sponsored by businesses.

There will be three kids’ days, with entertainment and midway discounts; nightly entertainment throughout the week; a petting zoo; two nights of fireworks; karaoke; the demolition derby and figure eight racing.

The Ag Society continues to invest proceeds into the fairgrounds, including $250,000 of mostly grant funds for electrical and sound upgrades — a work still in progress; upgrades of new siding, roof and furnace to the Kennedy Building; another construction/remodel project in the works for a new Agriculture Education Building; and upgraded wastewater/drainage.

The nonprofit is not dependent and focused merely on the fair and grounds, Pimm said, but also on additional events:

• Six large horse shows booked for this year
• Stockyard Classic Show Series
• Food Truck Rodeo
• A state Junior Beef Producers Show in April

“New, beginning in May … Memorial Day weekend … we’ll have a Stockyard Classic beef/sheep/swine and beef cattle series,” he said. “We’re doing a lot outside of the fair as well, to keep bringing money back to the fair.”

The Human Services Committee approved a resolution for the county to give $11,000 to the Genesee County Agricultural Society, to be used for 4-H judging and premium expenses, fair operations and related costs associated with the 2023 Genesee County Fair.

A resolution will be passed on to the next committee and eventually to the county Legislature for final vote. Funding has fluctuated over the years, with the highest level at $25,000, when the Society requested additional funding to make fair enhancements in 1999 to 2001; and zero funding in 2020 when the Society did not seek funding due to COVID-19.

This year's fair is set for July 22-29. To keep up-to-date on all of the fair events and the main page countdown clock, go to GC Fair. As it stands, there are 77 days, three hours, 11 minutes and nine seconds, no, eight, seven, six ...

There was only one thing to say about the fantastic weather, record numbers, dependable help and community support at this year’s Genesee County Fair, volunteer Norm Pimm says.

“It’s pretty wild,” he said to The Batavian Monday afternoon. “When last year just blew away our numbers that we hadn’t done before — for the last 13 years we had double-digit growth — we figured that no way we were going to top that. After the first Saturday and Sunday, we were already ahead of the pace.”

The fair has risen from attendance of 13,000 a dozen years ago to this year’s intake of 75,000. That’s a 15 percent increase from 2021, which was touted as a record-breaking year for the Agricultural Society’s yearly event.

Pimm believes that, at least in part, people were really anxious to get out and do something after the pandemic lockdown. Plus, the event itself has added new attractions, a midway vendor, more 4-H participants and farm animals, and the volunteer group has invested money into water, electrical and other amenities to continuously improve the grounds, he said. Its reputation has spread beyond Genesee into neighboring counties, often due to word-of-mouth praise, he said.

“I truly believe we’ve had a great county fair; it’s sort of in the back yard of Western New York,” he said. “People say ‘this is the fair I grew up on.’”

There was an impressive 1,100 animals at the fair, albeit in shifts, since they all couldn’t fit into the barns all at once, he said. The meat auction drew 60 new bidders from last year, which raised more than $320,000, and “smashed” the current total. Most of the proceeds went to each youth participant, with a “very small” percentage to help cover Cornell Cooperative Extension’s costs, he said.

“This is huge for the kids, because many of them use the money to purchase their following year’s project,” he said.

About 150 Genesee County 4-H youths participated, with 88 in the auction, and another 100 from throughout New York State in the open livestock shows, he said. Come September, 20 of those youths will go on to participate in events at the State Fair in Syracuse.

Arcade resident Thomas Keele’s steer brought in a whopping $32,000, thanks to a community that agreed to jack up the bids to help his family out after his father was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Pimm knew the boy’s father, and also knew that people had loosely set a goal to raise $10,000 before the bids just kept going and going, he said.

“People just stood up for him,” Pimm said.

In addition to the animals, there was also a baked goods auction that helped the grand total, he said.

No slacker at the grandstand, the demolition derby seated 2,500 people, and opened up the infield to accommodate the overflow.

“So that we didn’t have to turn away people,” he said. “They were excited to see it.”

He credited Bruce Scofield of Stafford for overseeing the derby and securing a 25 percent increase in attendance from last year. Even the amount of cars broke a record, with 60 entered for the smash ‘em up event.

There were problems, Pimm said, such as running out of food at least three or four times at the Chuckwagon, and other vendors reporting that they sold out of products a few times as well. That was “a great problem to have,” he said.

A mini car race was supported by area businesses that sponsored each car, which helped to cover costs and made it free for kids to do. Pig races, a dog comedy act, “fantastic” bands and Hammerl Amusements were all new or fairly new additions that kept bringing the crowds in, he said.

As for the work involved, Pimm laughed as he shared his daughter’s reaction while riding in her dad’s car with him. He kept making calls regarding next year’s fair festivities.

“She said, ‘it never stops, does it?” Pimm said. “For us to continue to grow, we have to add new stuff, and we’re tweaking some things. If it wasn’t for the businesses … and the volunteers, there’s no way we could do this.”

Top photo by Kristin Smith

Photo by Kristin Smith

Photo by Kristin Smith

Photo by Kristin Smith

Photo by Kristin Smith

Photo by Debra Reilly

Photo by Debra Reilly

Photo by Laura Luft

Photos by Philip Casper.

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Saturday, July 30th – KIDS DAY

• 8:30 AM – NIOGA Dairy Showmanship Show (Main Show Ring)
• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 10:30 AM—NIOGA Dairy Show (Main Show Ring)
• 1 PM – 10 PM—Midway Opens Kids 16 & Under Ride for $15/wristband from 1 PM—5PM
• 1 PM—4 PM—OHMS Band (Entertainment Tent)
• 3:30 PM- Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building) Sponsored by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Genesee County Pamona Grange, and Duane Schmigel
• 6 PM – Racing at Genesee Speedway
• 7 to 11:00 PM – Audibull – (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Friday, July 29th – GENESEE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NIGHT

• 9 AM – 4-H Gymkhana Horse Show  (Horse Arena)
• 10 AM—4-H Livestock Costume Contest (Main Show Ring)
• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 11 AM—4-H FCS Club Activity (Kennedy Building)
• NOON – 4-H Master Showman Contest (Main Show Ring)
• 4 PM – 10 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
• 1 PM—4-H Working Goat Show (Main Show Ring)
• 4 PM—4-H FCS Club Activity (Kennedy Building)
• 7 PM – Demolition Derby (Grandstands)
• **FIREWORKS at the completion of the Demo Derby**
• 7 to 11 PM – BB Dang (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

Things got a little steamy for Genesee County legislators Tuesday night.

The group walked in the county’s fair parade and then worked the Chuckwagon for the evening.

“As we all know, we're probably still a little warm from last night,” County Chairwoman Shelley Stein said during the Legislature meeting Wednesday. “And I will tell you, this is a group of hard-working people. We were on the front lines, and sometimes we lost our way. But as a group, we worked really well together. It was team building.”

Never mind the heatstroke, slightly tinged fingers, or burned hands on those front line volunteers, she said, with one legislator serving as the fry guy, another tracking the money, others flipping burgers and all of them otherwise absorbing the grill’s heat.

It was for a good cause, Stein said: the proceeds went to the Genesee County Agricultural Society, a group of volunteers who plan, organize and implement the weeklong event.

“It was an opportunity to see Genesee County agriculture shine,” she said. “Hats off to the Genesee County Fair.”

Fair activities have been scheduled every day since a horse show kicked off the event last Friday evening. It runs through Saturday at the fairgrounds on Route 5, Batavia. Click here for the schedule

Top photo: Genesee County Legislators John Deleo, back, Gary Maha, center, and Christian Yunker, front, work the food service at the Chuckwagon Tuesday at  Genesee County Fair. Above, the legislators participate in the fair parade. Photos submitted by Lisa Casey.

Families enjoy another Kids Day today with fun and entertainment at the Genesee County Fair.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Thursday, July 28th – HP HOOD DAY

• 9 AM – 4-H Dairy Show (Main Show Ring)
• 9 AM—4-H English Horse Show (Horse Arena)
• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 5 PM – 10 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
• 4 PM—Faith at the Fair (Entertainment Tent)
• 5 PM—Color War (Lawn North of Fair Restrooms) Sponsored by LuGia’s on Wheels
• 6:30 PM – 4-H Market Animal Auction Sale Begins (Main Show Ring)
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

 

Many fair goers enjoyed last evening's parade at Genesee County Fairgrounds. 

Today is Kids Day and Emergency Responders Night

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos bys Steve Ognibene

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Wednesday, July 27th – KID’S DAY/EMERGENCY RESPONDER’S NIGHT

• 9 AM—4-H Meat & Dairy Goat Show (Main Show Ring)
• 9 AM—4-H Western Horse Show (Horse Arena)
• 10 AM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Open
• 12:30 PM – Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building) Sponsored by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Genesee County Pamona Grange, and Duane Schmigel
• 1 PM – 10 PM—Midway Opens, Kids 16 & Under Ride for $15/wristband from 1 PM-5 PM
• 1 PM—4-H Breeding Sheep Show (Main Show Ring)
• 4 PM—4-H Hog Show (Main Show Ring)
• 7 PM—4-H Alumni Master Showman Contest (Main Show Ring)
• 7 PM—Genesee Speedway GoKart Racing (Grandstands) 
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

Color Run, RC Racing, Pig Races and much more highlight Monday at Genesee County Fair.

The parade is featured this evening for events, starting at 6:30 pm. 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Tuesday, July 26th– CELEBRATE 4H DAY/Chapin Manufacturing Day

• 8:30 AM—4H Market Goat Show (Main Show Ring)
• 10 AM—4_H Market Hog Show (Main Show Ring)
• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 4 PM—4_H Market Steer Show (Main Show Ring)
• 4 PM—10 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
• 6 PM – Parade Line Up  (Racing Pit Area)
• 6:30 PM – Genesee County Fair Parade —Around Fairgrounds
• 7 PM—Karaoke (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

​Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

A talent show at Genesee County Fair seemed like good entertainment for Webster resident Paul Wallach and his date, Jackie.

It was their third time together, as they sat watching various age groups of children to adults take to the stage for some instrumental, dance, comedy and aerial acts.

Wallach didn’t need to see any more after the aerial act, performed by 13-year-old Corinne Rhoads of Le Roy on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s the best act of the day,” he said, after quietly yet audibly judging each performer. “Hard to top that.”

Corinne began with ballet and tap classes around 5, she said, followed by freestyling and hip-hop, finally onto aerial arts — her rest stop for now. She enjoys the movement and believes it’s good exercise.

“It’s something people don’t typically see; I get to teach people new things,” she said just after her performance. “My mom’s a massage therapist and she knows about muscles. She’s told me everything I need to do.”

Her time to shine wasn’t actually on the stage, but on a large hoop suspended in the air by a metal support structure alongside of it. She moved within the circular showpiece, doing a combination of ballet and gymnastics moves. She has won this talent show once before with aerial arts. It’s something the teen wants to continue, she said.

“I would like to pursue a circus camp that goes around the world,” she said.

During her performance, Wallach gave high marks for her flow of movements. He also critiqued one young pianist who jumped off the bench once the song was finished — “She should have held that note” — and complimented another one who held that last note and sat still for a moment before getting up to leave.

The Webster couple wasn’t the only one to travel for the talent show, some fair treats, animal shows, rides and exhibits. Lisa Oberer of Oakfield was with her daughter and granddaughter Natalie, 3, from North Chili, and a mom and son duo in the talent show drove an hour from Buffalo.

Natalie seemed to be enjoying the show — especially the music — as she smiled and clapped to the beat. Valeria Owens had been looking forward to the competition, which featured her son Avantae playing “Cuckoo” as a solo on piano, and later “Lightly Row” as a duet with his mom.

Avantae, 9, has been taking lessons from “Miss Laura” Kauppi of Corfu, the main organizer of the talent show. After performing in some of his teacher’s recitals and scoring a "perfect" during a graded event, mom was encouraged to enter him in the fair show.

“She’s been an amazing teacher for him,” Valeria said. Avantae added that he practices “probably almost every day.”

The show went well, and they walked away with prizes (more on that in a minute), but mom was looking forward to other entertainment as well.

“I want to get on some rides, I want food, I’m a thousand percent excited,” she said with a big smile while pointing east of the yellow-and-white big tent. “I want to get on that Ferris wheel, and the upside-down ride.

“I wanted to support Miss Laura,” she said. “We’ve never been to Genesee County Fair, I’m so excited.”

Fair Committee co-organizer Norm Pimm didn’t have exact numbers just yet but reported good news as of Sunday evening.

“Saturday was our best opening day in years,” he said. “Sunday was very strong as well.”

The fair continues every day through Saturday. Here's the schedule 

And the winners were …

Tiny Tot (6 and under): 

1st Place was a tie for

• Maisie Kho - piano
• Azalea Sieczkarski - piano

Mini (7-12):

3rd Place was a tie for

• Hiba Waqas - piano
• Kataleaya Slaughter - piano

2nd Place was also a tie for

• Avantae Owens - piano 
• Kataleaya Slaughter and Azalea Sieczkarski - dance 

1st Place

• Chelsie Kho- piano

Maxi category

3rd Place was a tie for

• Haris Waqas -piano
• Shane Coast- piano

2nd Place

• Corinne Rhoads - aerial arts

1st Place

• Gabriella Zocco - dance

Adult category

1st Place

• C.M. Waide - comedy 

2nd Place

• Valeria and Avantae Owens - piano duet

Top photo: Comedian C.M. Waide of Batavia delivers some laughs during the talent show  Saturday at Genesee County Fair. Le Roy teen Corinne Rhoads performs aerial arts; Valeria and Avantae Owens of Buffalo perform a duet; Natalie Oberer of North Chili claps to the music with Lisa Oberer of Oakfield; other participants in the show, with piano teacher and event organizer Laura Kauppi behind in black. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Monday, July 25th – VETERAN’S DAY AT THE FAIR

• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 2 PM—Color War (Lawn North of Fair Restrooms) Sponsored by LuGia’s on Wheels
• 3 PM—4-H FCS Club Activity (Kennedy Building)
• 4 PM—10 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
• 4 PM— 4-H Market Lamb Show (Main Show Ring)
• 6 PM—4-H Goat Agility (Main Show Ring)
• 7 PM—Karaoke (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Photos by Philip Casper

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Sunday, July 24th – SENIOR CITIZEN DAY

• 9 AM—Open Class Poultry Show—(Merton Building)
• 10 AM—Open Class Rabbit Show—(Merton Building)
• 10 AM—WNY Garden Pullers Tractor Pulls (Grandstands)
• 10 AM – 4-H Beef Show (Main Show Ring)
• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
•  NOON – Open Class Beef Show (Main Show Ring)
• 1 PM—10 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
• 1 PM—Fair Queen Pageant (Entertainment Tent)
• 4 PM—The Big Pig Shindig Swine Show (Main Show Ring)
• 4 PM—7 PM—Monica Hall—Band (Entertainment Tent)
• 7 to 10 PM—Wail-ON Tribute to Waylon Jennings – (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

The 182nd Genesee County Fair kicked off Friday with the North American Six-Horse Classic Hitch Series Class. 

The Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series has reportedly become the most prestigious draft horse event on the continent. Thousands of spectators have cheered on the tremendous draft horse hitches at venues such as Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair, the Calgary Stampede, the Michiana Event Center, and the Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts.

Six gleaming one-ton horses create a spectacle as they stomp into the arena as one, outfitted in patent leather and chrome harness, pulling the historically restored freight wagons. Crowds can literally feel the earth tremble as the massive hitches pass by.

Each year, six horse hitches across the United States and Canada compete at state and county fairs and agricultural exhibitions to accumulate points for the Classic Series.

Close to 200 hitches travel within their region and beyond, competing at nearly 80 qualifying shows throughout North America.

The competition builds to a climax at the end of the series when the five highest point hitches in each of three breed classifications are invited to compete for up to $100,000 in premiums for the Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series Finals.

This year Draft Horse Superintendents Dave Dermody and Mark Barie were able to secure 10 six-horse hitch teams. These teams will be performing two exciting competitions showcasing their gentle giants. Teams traveled this year from Indiana, Quebec, California, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, and New York.

Pictured above is the winner of tonight’s North American six-horse hitch Classic, Jackson Fork Ranch Percherons LLC. from Little Jackson Hole, Wyo.  The driver was Reece Mengels.

For a complete fair schedule, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Daily at the Fair:

• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day, Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT: 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, SUN: 3pm, 7pm, MON: 3pm, 7pm, TUES: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, WED: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, THURS: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, FRI: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, SAT: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day, Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day, Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day, Every Day)
• Fame Racing Schedule – Saturday: 2,4,6 Sunday: 2,6 Monday: 2,6 Tuesday: 3,5,7 Wednesday: 1,3,5,7 Thursday: 3,5,7 Friday: 1,3,5,7 Saturday: 1,3,5
• Johnny Muttville Comix Schedule – Saturday: 1, 3:30, 5:30, Sunday: 1, 4, 5:30, Monday: 1:30, 4, 5, Tuesday: 2, 4:30, 6:30.

Saturday, July 23rd – DRIVE YOUR TRACTOR TO THE FAIR DAY/ Kids Day—Fair Opens @ 9 am

• 8:30 AM—Open Halter Draft Show (Horse Arena)
• 9 AM—Empire Classic Youth Sheep Show (Main Show Ring)
• 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 10 AM – 4-H Kennedy Building Exhibit Judging (Kennedy Building)
• 12:30 PM—Open Class 6 Horse Hitch Classic  (Horse Arena)
• 1 PM – 10 PM—Midway Opens Kids 16 & Under Ride for $15/wristband from 1 PM—5PM
• 2 PM—Genesee County Fair Talent Show (Entertainment Tent)
• 3:30 PM – Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building) Sponsored by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Genesee County Pamona Grange, and Duane Schmigel
• 4 PM—Farm Hitch Draft Horse Show (Horse Arena)
• 5 PM – 10 PM – Midway Open @ Regular Rates
• 7 to 10PM—Savage Cabbage (Entertainment Tent) 
• 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close
  
  Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.