Press Release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program proudly announces Madelynn Pimm as the recipient of the 2023 Thomas Keele Memorial 4-H Livestock Award. This award recognizes Madelynn's exceptional achievements in both the 4-H Beef and Swine Projects.

The Thomas Keele Memorial 4-H Livestock Award, made possible by generous donations in memory of Thomas Keele, aims to honor 4-H members who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in livestock projects.

Madelynn Pimm, this year's deserving winner, embodies the spirit of the award through her continuous commitment to learning and her passion for building connections within the agricultural community. Her enthusiasm for showing beef and swine extends beyond the arena, fostering new relationships and connections.

Madelynn's notable accomplishments include winning the title of Grand Champion 4-H Hog Showman at the Genesee County Fair last year. At this year's fair, she further showcased her expertise by winning her 4-H Beef Showmanship class, highlighting her consistent dedication to excellence. Her achievements are not only a testament to her hard work but also an inspiration to fellow 4-H members aspiring to excel in livestock projects.

In her own words, Madelynn expresses her favorite aspect of participating in livestock projects: "I love constantly learning and making new connections. Meeting new people and connecting with them over agriculture is what makes these experiences so meaningful."

For more information about the Thomas Keele Memorial 4-H Livestock Award or to inquire about other Genesee County 4-H programs, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Program at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101. Genesee County 4-H is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18.  New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers, and clubs are always welcome to join. 

Darned that Mother Nature and her pesky nimbus clouds. 

She defeated an otherwise seven-day streak to beat or at least match last year’s fair numbers with a dreary daylong onslaught of rain during the very last day.

“It was down only because that last Saturday, we were actually trending ahead. Up until Friday evening, it killed us. So we still figured about 63,000 people, down about 7,000 from the year before,” Ag Society treasurer Norm Pimm said Monday. “Our attendance, for, I think it's 13 straight years, it's been increasing. It has gone up basically double digits every year for the last 13 years until this year. So the crazy part is that we were still trying to do that, and Mother Nature didn't let us. All in all, a very, very good year. We look back to where we were, you know, 10 years ago from now. It's still unbelievable."

A nearly perfect week — at least in terms of no rain clouds to disrupt outdoor fun at Genesee County Fair — ended with a continuous downpour Saturday, muddying the parking lots and puddling the stage for the 2023 talent show.

The weather didn’t dampen the competitive spirits of nearly two dozen contestants, however, including Batavia’s Aria Fox, who was concerned that her hard work might have been for nothing.

“She really likes performing,” her mom Karla said. “She was so excited. She saw the rain, and she goes, ‘I’m so glad they didn’t cancel it.’" 

Country music band Barnstorm closed out the Genesee County Fair's of live music entertainment on Saturday.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Racers found slick conditions when they were at last summoned for the 24-lap championship of the Genesee County Fair RC Racing event on the north end of the fairgrounds.

Eight cars were sponsored by local businesses, and race fans tried their skills at the oval track multiple times a day throughout the fair. Each winner received a small trophy and an invitation back to the final race on the final day of the fair on Saturday.

There were two semifinal races and then the final championship run, which came shortly after a bit of drizzle began to fall.

Photos by Howard Owens

It was a damp day on the final day of the Genesee County Fair on Saturday, but on the Midway, the show must go on, and as the fair wound down, photographer Nick Serrata took one final look at the fun and games to be had at the Midway.

An eagle drawing by Tylin Torcello, of Batavia, received the most votes during two days of voting at the Media Center at the Genesee County Fair from readers of The Batavian to earn the People's Choice Award. The prize is a harmonica.

To see all 20 of the staff favorites that were finalists in the People's Choice Award, click here.

Previously:

• Batavia resident wins Red Osier gift certificate in eagle-drawing contest at fair
• Local news site shares love of music, community during fair concert
• The Batavian's guitar contest inspired by the area's community of music artists, today's opportunities for young musicians
• Muckdogs fans show artistic flair during drawing contest Monday

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Genesee County's own Audibull provided live music entertainment at the Genesee County Fair on Friday.

Audibull is Tim Pitcher on guitar, Bill Christiano on bass, Chris Iannone on drums, and Todd Tracy on lead vocals.

Photos by Howard Owens.