It’s known as, “The Greatest Little Fair in Western New York,” and the 2014 Orleans County 4-H Fair is set for July 21 through 26 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 NYS Route 31 in Albion.
The fair features fun for the entire family including 4-H animal and project exhibits, food (the Leader’s Pie Stand is a favorite), rides on the midway (Midway Rides of Utica), entertainment and other summer fair activities. Why wouldn’t you come out?” asks 4-Her Zack Blackburn, the 2013 Orleans County 4-H Fair King.
He is looking forward to this year’s fair. “I like hanging out with friends, showing animals and being able to relax,” Zack says. “I like watching people enjoy themselves.”
Zack notes the food is great and the Greased Pole Climbing Contest – in which teams compete for the fastest time climbing a tall greased pole – is particularly entertaining.
Orleans County 4-H Summer Assistant Niki Wachob, herself a former Orleans County 4-Her, says she loves, “the pie eating contest, the greased pole and the fireworks.”
Niki says many people enjoy seeing the animal exhibits and shows and that Orleans County 4-H is working to be pro-active, encouraging both participation in the fair and offering fairgoers fun, new features in addition to old favorites. There will be many 4-Hers participating this year,” she said.
In addition to the Greased Pole Contest (Wednesday, 10 p.m., Thursday 10 p.m., Friday, 10:30 p.m. following the fireworks, and Saturday, 10 p.m. with the championship round at 10:30 p.m.), and the Pie Eating Contest (Friday at 6 p.m.), entertainment at the fair includes a Talent Showcase and Kids’ Pedal Tractor pull.
Specialty entertainment for 2014 includes the return of the popular Chainsaw Chicks, The Barn Yard Review, a farm-themed show featuring Farmer Zak and friends; Airplay Jugglers, a duo performing juggling, stunt tricks and jokes; The Amazing Magic Mike, who will stroll the grounds from 5 to 9 p.m.; and live music Friday night with Julie Dunlap and High Maintenance and Saturday night with the band, Jonesy.
New this year are three contests in which the public is invited to participate: “Bucket of Junk” will feature ten pre-entries created from a provided bucket of 15 pieces of junk. The resulting artistic displays will be judged Monday, July 21 at 6 pm; a photography competition (advance entry – call 585-798-4265) Wednesday, July 23 in the Trolley Building beginning at 2 pm. Up to 40 participants will be given two hours to take photos on the grounds; and a Watermelon Carving Contest (advance registration, call 585-798-4265), Wednesday, July 23, at 5:30 pm in the Curtis Pavilion. Prizes will be awarded in each contest.
Wednesday, July 23, also features a Motorcycle Cruise-In from 3 to 8 p.m. and the Barbecue Pulled-Pork Dinner at 5 pm. Thursday, July 24, features a Craft Sale from 4 p.m. – close and the Chicken Barbecue at 4:30 pm. Friday, July 25, features the Classic Car Cruise-In at 5:30 p.m and the Fish Fry at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26, features emergency fire department, law enforcement and ambulance vehicles on display from 1 to 4 pm. The Market Animal Auction takes place at 4 p.m. and the Steak Dinner is at 5 p.m. 4-H Dairy Cow Bingo is scheduled for 9 p.m.
Throughout the fair, the Trolley Building will host story times with libraries from around Orleans County as well as homemade bread and butter and pottery demonstrations.
Admission is $5 per vehicle. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 21 through Saturday, July 26. Opening ceremonies are set for 5:45 p.m. on Monday, July 21. Also on Monday, a special $2 per car admission begins at 4 p.m. and the midway runs from 6 to 10 p.m. with $10 unlimited ride wristbands. Wednesday through Saturday the midway runs from 3 to 10 p.m. with $20 unlimited ride wristbands available.
For other information visit www.orleans4-hfair.com.
