The annual Agricultural Fair at Genesee Country Village & Museum is coming up on Saturday, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, and presents visitors with a sprawling festival akin to country fairs of old. Shop a bustling farmer’s market filled with local vendors, enjoy live music and traditional entertainment, watch livestock shows and demonstrations, peruse entries into the Blue Ribbon Competition, and see the Historic Village alive with bright fall colors. The Agricultural Fair is sponsored by Palmer Food Services, Tompkins Community Bank, and COMIDA (County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency).
Visitors to the Agricultural Fair will find ample opportunities to see animals of all varieties. Explore an extensive range of bird life in the Waterfowl Tent and Exhibition Barn during the Rochester Poultry Association’s 115th Annual Show, watch professional sheep herding dogs from Ox Creek Farm round up the herd, see horses from local riders and the WNY Sidesaddle Association as they parade around the Village, talk with local 4-H youth exhibiting rabbits, goats, cattle, and poultry, and stop by the Genesee Country Dairy Goat Club Show. Plus, meet the m heirloom breed farm animals which include oxen, pigs, sheep, chickens, and geese.
As guests make their way around GCV&M’s 19th-century village, they will explore agricultural tasks in action as they would have been done in the 1800s. Lend the costumed historical farmers a hand with corn shilling, see the silage chopper and root grinder in action, watch seasonal tasks take place on the early settlement, and more. Plus, see, smell, and taste what’s cooking in historic kitchens.
Explore exhibitions in more than 150 categories of judged baked goods, preserves, hand-made needlecrafts, photography, 19th-century industrial arts, special youth categories, and much more in the Blue Ribbon Competition. Eye-catching heirloom vegetables and floral entries – including those for the largest pumpkin – will be included in GCV&M’s horticultural display.
On Saturday, September 30, at 2 p.m., visitors to the Agricultural Fair can make their way to the John L. Wehle Gallery for a delectable discussion about popular duck dishes and cooking implements from the 19th century. Explore the history of the Canard à la Presse, then head out into the Historic Village to see historical cooking demonstrations in action. This talk will be hosted by curator Brandon Brooks.
Peruse the Farmer’s Market Tent at the Agricultural Fair to shop fresh, flavorful, local finds including produce and handcrafted wares – all grown or made in Western NY.
More information about the Agricultural Fair and tickets can be found at https://www.gcv.org/event/ag-fair/. Advanced purchase tickets are $23 for adults; $20 for seniors (62+); $20 for students (13 to 18); $17 for youth (3 to 12); and free for children 2 and under. Pre-purchase is recommended, as there will be a small additional fee for tickets purchased day-of at the door. GCV&M Member admission is free and guaranteed for this event, therefore reserved tickets are not required.
Provided information and photo
