Genesee County Fair

Genesee County Fair offers a lineup of new attractions

By Traci Turner
Jul 22, 2015, 6:02am

From barrel racing to the expansion of the midway and demolition derby, the Genesee County Fair is booming with new and improved attractions this year.

Members of the Genesee County Agricultural Society have been working diligently to grow the fair.

Nick O'Geen, Agricultural Society board member, hopes the community will come and check out all the new events the fair is offering.

"We have added many new attractions this year and made improvements to the fairgrounds," O'Geen said. "This is our largest midway and number of vendors in two decades."

The fair has a total of 18 rides this year. The Vortex is the main ride attraction, O'Geen said. The midway will be open every night.

The Agricultural Society has also expanded the fair's live entertainment lineup to include music from several bands in Batavia, Elba and Pavilion. Bands will play every night in the beer tent.

A modified class has been added to Friday night's demolition derby. The new class will feature decked-out cars with powerful engines.

On Saturday night, Empire State Pullers will run the tractor pulls. After the tractor pulls, Outlaw Pulling Series will hold a new semi-truck and stock pickup truck pulling competition.

In addition to all the new attractions, return events include a classic car cruise and mechanical bull rides.

A variety of agricultural shows will run throughout the week. The 4-H animal auction will take place Thursday night. The fair runs through Saturday. General admission is $5 per car.

Peyton Yasses with his two pigs.

Steffan Roalsvig washing his sheep.

Genesee County Fair: First photos

By Howard B. Owens
Jul 21, 2015, 2:12pm

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, the Genesee County Fair has been slowing coming into shape.

A little later this afternoon, the fairgrounds should really be humming.

Here's today's schedule:

2:30pm - 4-H Market Sheep Show & Showmanship - Show Ring
2:30pm - 4-H Meat Goat Show & Showmanship - Open Dairy Building
2-8pm - Mr. Scribbles - Exhibition Building
5-10pm - MIDWAY OPENS - Amusement Area
5:30pm - PARADE LINE-UP, Raceway 5 Pits - Fairgrounds
6pm - 4-H Beef Show & Showmanship - Show Ring
6:30pm - GENESEE CO. FAIR GRAND PARADE through the Fairgrounds
7:30pm - Barrel Racing - Horse Arena
8pm - Fair Queen Part 1 - Entertainment Tent Stage
10pm - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS CLOSE

Genesee County Fair is next week

By Billie Owens
Jul 13, 2015, 1:47pm

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Fair will take place July 21-25 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street in Batavia. This year’s 4-H fair theme is “#iam4h” and local 4-Hers have been working hard all year to show the community what 4-H means to them!

4-H is a year-long educational program and most clubs meet once a month. Each club focuses on different projects throughout the year, and many 4-H members are able to display the results of their hard work at fair. This ranges from raising animals to sewing and gardening and even projects about alternative energy!

Genesee County 4-H youth are offered a wide range of educational experiences through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders. Through these experiences, 4-H encourages strong character traits like a sense of community, hard work and confidence.

We encourage you to stop out at this year’s 4-H Fair to support our youth and have some fun!

Tentative 2015 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule of Events:

(Dates and times are subject to change)

Tuesday, July 21
8 a.m.-- 12 p.m. ---      Final Setup of Merton & Kennedy Buildings:
                                    4-H Club Exhibits in place (Kennedy Bldg.)
                                    4-H Community Service, Promotional & Project Displays (Merton Bldg.)
9 a.m. -------------        4-H Market Swine Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
12 p.m. ------------       4-H Market Goat Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
2:30 p.m. ----------       4-H Market Sheep Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                    4-H Dairy & Meat (non-market) Goat Show & Showmanship (Open Dairy Barn)
4 p.m. -------------        4-H Non Market Beef Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
         GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
5:30 p.m. ---------       Parade Line up- Pit Area of Raceway 5 (on Fairgrounds)
6 p.m. ------------        4-H Market Beef Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m. --------        Parade- Theme: “#iam4h”
7:30 p.m. ---------       GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)

Wednesday, July 22
11:30 a.m.   ---------    GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
1:30 p.m. ------------ 4-H Sheep Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)

Followed by: -------- 4-H Sheep Leadline Classes (Show Ring)
                                   4-H Sheep Costume Class (Show Ring)
6 p.m.     -----------       4-H Swine Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m. ----------       4-H Rabbit Show & Showmanship (Merton Bldg.)

Thursday, July 23
8:30 a.m. ----------      Horse Show ring closed for Show set up
9 a.m. -------------        4-H Dairy Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
          4-H Horses in place
10 a.m. ----------        4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship, and English Classes (Horse Ring)
1 p.m. -----------         4-H Goat Knowledge Olympics Contest (Livestock Bldg.)
2 p.m. -----------          4-H Horse Show Dressage Classes (Horse Ring)
5:30 -- 7 p.m. ---        4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner (Kennedy Bldg.)
7 p.m. ----------          4-H Market Animal Auction (Show Ring)

Friday, July 24
9:25 a.m. -------         Wrangler Equine Showmanship Clinic (Horse Ring)
10 a.m. ---------         4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship & Western Classes (Horse Ring)
3 p.m. ----------          4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest (Livestock Bldg.)
                                  4-H Sheep Trimming and Blocking Contest (4-H Sheep Barn)
5:30 p.m. -------       4-H Tractor Driving Contest-via Pre Registration (Kennedy Bldg.)
                                  4-H Goat Costume Contest (near Goat & Livestock Bldgs.)
7 p.m. -----------          4-H Fur & Feather Knowledge Contests (Merton Bldg.)

Saturday, July 25
10 a.m. ----------       4-H Horse Gymkhana & Games Classes (Horse Ring)
2 p.m. -----------        4-H Sheep Bowl (Merton Bldg.)
2 -- 4 p.m. -----       4-H Vegetable Art Fun Fair Activity (Kennedy Bldg.)
4 p.m. ----------         4-H Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m. -------        4-H Scavenger Hunt (Kennedy Bldg.)
8 p.m. ---------           4-H Movie Night (Kennedy or Merton Bldg.)
8 p.m. ---------           4-H Dairy Animals released
8:30 p.m. -----          4-H Horse Animals released
9 p.m. ----------          4-H Fur & Feather Club Animals released
                      4-H Non-Market Animals- Beef, Goat, Sheep, Swine released
10 – 11 p.m. ----        Kennedy, Merton, and Exhibition Buildings Open for pick up of entries

Reminder of post time change for GC Fair races at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
Jul 2, 2015, 12:11pm

Horsemen and racing fans are reminded that post time for the Genesee County Fair races to be held at Batavia Downs on July 16 have been moved to 5 p.m. to avoid any construction issues of the new hotel that will be located on the Batavia Downs property adjacent to the racing paddock.

The entry box closes at 10 a.m. on Monday (July 13). To enter please call Racing Secretary Donna Kerr at 716-338-5387.

Anyone with questions should contact Director/GM of Live Racing Todd Haight at 585-343-3750, ext. 322.

Fair organizers promising more attractions and more fun for 2015

By Howard B. Owens
May 5, 2015, 12:15pm

The Genesee County Fair has gotten better each of the last two years and attendance figures bear that out, Norm Pimm told the County Legislature's Human Services Committee.

Last year, attendance was up 30 percent and fair organizers are taking aim at even more growth in 2015.

"Attendance is up double figures two years in a row," Pimm said. "That doesn't happen if you're not putting on a good product."

This year, there will be new local bands, bigger tractor pulls and a significantly expanded Midway.

The board is planning on nearly doubling the budget for rides, going up to $40,000 this year.

The midway isn't a big money maker for the fair, but a good midway is essential to overall fair attendance. Not everyone is interested in livestock and stock cars.

"When we looking for vendors, we said we had $25,000 to spend and we couldn't even get vendors to call us back," Pimm said. "The ones that did sort of laughed and said 'that's 20 years ago money.' So we realized we had to invest more money into the midway so we had something where people want to come and bring their kids."

The fair runs July 21 through 25.

The county will contribute $11,000 to the 4-H program.

Pimm said the fair's success can also be judged by the number of local businesses supporting the fair, either through donations, sponsorships or taking a booth as a vendor. In all three categories, the fair did better last year than previous years and will at least match that level of participation this year, based on indications so far, Pimm said.

"This is the most active board we've had in years, and it's making a difference," Pimm said.

Pimm is confident that people who haven't been to the fair in recent years, if they come this year, they will have a good time.

"It's just $5 a car load to attend," Pimm said. "Come on, spend your $5 and you won't be disappointed. If you are, come and find a member of the board of directors and we'll give you your $5 back."

The 175th Genesee County Fair comes to a close

By Julia Ferrini
Jul 20, 2014, 6:22pm

A little rain did nothing to deter fairgoers from enjoying the final day of the Genesee County Fair. As of Saturday morning, approximately 14,000 visitors attended the 175th County Fair in Batavia.

“Overall includes lifetime members, volunteers and 4-H’ers and the 9,500 that paid at the gate and thus far 14,000 people have visited the 175th Genesee County Fair,” said

Norm Pimm, treasurer for the Agricultural Society.

According to Nick O’Geen of the Agricultural Society, the cooler, nicer weather this year played a part in drawing a crowd. Additionally, the number of vendors and local people that have had displays is greater this year, according to Agricultural Society Secretary Rose Topolski.

“Several local businesses have set up (displays/food stands), so there is a familiarity to them; people recognize local shops,” Topolski said.

Entertainment options have been ramped up to draw families as well as adults.

“We’ve kept the family entertainment tent but we also added a beer tent with entertainment for the older crowd,” said Agricultural Society Member Alton MacDuffie.

Other additions to the fair included adding the Princess Contest and new sponsors for the Tractor Pull.

“A lot of new 4-H members put forth ideas and carried through on them,” Topolski said. “The young blood brought forth more to the fair -- more grandeur.”

“For a week people become like your family because you see and wave to them every day.” O'Geen said.

A fond farewell to this year’s Genesee County Fair -- the 175th Anniversary celebrations came to a close Saturday night.

“We’d like to thank all the 4-h'ers, volunteers, sponsors, and fair supporters for making the 175th Genesee County Fair a success,” O’Geen said.

Genesee County Fair: Demolition Derby

By Julia Ferrini
Jul 19, 2014, 6:11pm

Food, fun and bumper cars for adults. Wait, that's not right. Friday night proved to be an excellent day for the Genesee County Fair's annual Demolition Derby. The grandstands were packed and fans got a thrill of cars smashing and mud flinging.

Other events included a Goat Costume contest, 4-H Horse Show, magician Magical John, GPS and Solar Fun Fest and many more exhibits and attractions.

The final day of the fair is today with exhibits and grounds open until midnight.

Photos: 4-H livestock auction at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
Jul 18, 2014, 3:14pm

One of the great annual community events in Genesee County is the 4-H livestock auction at the fair. This year's auction was held last night. The event draws people from throughout Genesee County -- not just farmers and those involved in ag. The event is the culimination of a lot of hard work by 4-H members in raising their sheep, goats, swine and beef.

Auctioneers from William Kent kept the bids flowing.

To purchase prints, click here.

Genesee County Fair celebrates 175 years: Race Day

By Julia Ferrini
Jul 18, 2014, 2:36pm

A throng of fans filled the grandstands -- engines roared and the smell of victory hung heavy in the air. Thursday proved to be a fine day for racing and Raceway 5 was the stock car battleground.

The Genesee County Fair continues its 175 year history with agricultural displays, local talent and fine fair food. Children's small fingers, sticky with cotton candy and funnel cakes generously sprinkled with powdered sugar -- these fair food staples could all be washed down with a nice cold glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Once again, passersby were treated to mouthwatering smells and the frequent call of Midway hawkers.

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .

Midway company reportedly shorts fair on rides, admission price reduced

By Howard B. Owens
Jul 17, 2014, 12:44pm

Press release:

We regret that due to situations beyond our control, our as advertised “New Midway Company” did not bring all of the scheduled rides. We however have a good selection of rides available to fairgoers. We have reduced the price of wrist bands to $12 for an entire session. Ride sessions are: Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday 1pm-5pm & 6pm-10pm, & Saturday 1pm-5pm & 6pm-10pm. Friday and Saturday the rides are open from 1pm-11pm. We hope everyone comes out to the 175th Genesee County Fair!

For a complete listing of events during fair week, visit gcfair.com

Genesee County Fair: Crowning of the Fair Queen

By Julia Ferrini
Jul 17, 2014, 12:41pm

Yet another fine day at the Genesee County Fair. Fairgoers strolled lazily under blue skies, dotted with white billowing clouds, as the scent of fried dough and sausage hung in the air, enticing passersby to just try a little taste.

The day’s events included Draft Horse Show Hitch Classes, Swine Breeds and Showmanship, musical entertainment by Monster Johnson, and rounding out the day - the Fair Queen crowning of winner Courtney Jones.

The 18-year-old Batavia native is a recent graduate of Batavia High School and a Rustic Riders Horse Club member. Jones will be attending Niagara University this fall where her course study includes early childhood and early childhood education.

The runner-up was Heather Dries.

Winners in the pageant’s other categories included:

— Princess — Lauren Hull, winner, Rebekah Allen, runner-up.

— Junior Princess — Karly Smith, winner, Emily Boldt, runner-up.

— Little Miss — Eva Marie Rhoads, winner, Madelynn Pimm, runner-up.

Others awarded included Emily Boldt - Miss Congeniality and Rebekah Allen - the Tooley Memorial Award.

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .

Genesee County celebrates its 175th anniversary of the County Fair

By Julia Ferrini
Jul 16, 2014, 12:02pm

Genesee County celebrates its 175th anniversary of its County Fair. With Midway hawkers enticing passersby to test their luck at games of chance and carnival rides ready for riders, and 4-H groups showcasing various farm animals, there is no shortage of entertainment at the fairgrounds.

Marlene Morris, of Batavia, has been traversing the fair on and off for the past 10 years.

“I’m personal friends with the clowns,” Morris said. “But I also came for the parade.”

Morris also enjoys perusing the animal enclosures and notes that the animals seem to be well cared for.

“4-H changes kids so much,” Morris said. “It takes so much responsibility to care for the animals.

“The best part of the fair, though,” Morris continued, “is seeing how much the kids enjoy the fair.”

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .