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Genesee County Fair

Genesee County Fair continues to grow, add events, see success, Ag Society says

By Joanne Beck
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
File Photo of The Eaglez Tribute Band, which is scheduled for a return visit to this year's Genesee County Fair, set for July 20 to 27. 
Photo by Howard Owens

While larger city fairs are struggling and even shutting down due to poor attendance, the one on Route 5 in Genesee County only gets better with an expanded schedule, Agricultural Society Treasurer Norm Pimm says.

“There’s very few that grow in attendance, and a lot that are hurting. Probably about four years ago, we went from a five-day fair to a seven-day period and then to an eight-day fair. And really, we’re almost a nine-day fair because now we’re starting the Friday night with the draft horses, because we just tried it, we can’t fit everything in the schedule we have, which is a great problem to have,” Pimm said during his annual report to legislators this week. “A lot of fairs now are actually either shrinking down their days or are, some of them just aren’t having them. So we’ve gotten the county support from you guys, the businesses and the attendees. That means a lot to us because that’s what we can use to keep running forward.”

Those larger areas on either side of this county, including Erie and Monroe, don’t seem as agriculturally focused — cue the more than 1,500 animals, 12 six-horse hitch teams from throughout the country, rating it the second largest show in New York State, 170 4-H youth participants aged 8 to 18 and another 35 ages 5 to 7 — and that seems a big draw from in and outside the county, Pimm said.

They were on track to meet or beat the prior year’s record attendance of 70,000; however, Mother Nature really showed up in full force for a first-time Enduro race, causing organizers to cancel that event. 

“We were going to do $5 admission all day, just to try and make it family friendly, the kids come in, you know, bring a family member and have a good day for 20 bucks. And then we had the rain,” he said. “So the sad part is, we had a ton of messages and phone calls on Friday and Saturday from people, like more than any other event, so we held off as long as we could. But we finally said we gotta cancel that. So that put us back a little bit. But we still had about 64,000, which is the year before it was 70, which was the biggest year ever by far.” 

Unlike in past years, when many outgoing calls had to be made to secure vendors and entertainers, he said many of them are requesting to come back this year. Musical groups, including an Eaglez tribute band and BB Dang, will be returning, and the draft horse show “continues to be really huge.”

“I’m not a horse person, so I don’t understand all of it, but they said our footing is the best around,” he said. “They want to be the biggest show in New York State. But it's the second biggest for now. We just don't have any more room to store any of those big, huge horses. They take a lot of space, so we're working on that. We had 122 of them last year, those big, big horses, which was every pen we had.” 

The Genesee County Fair’s midway is also popular and something not to be taken for granted, he said. 

“Midways are going away; it’s hard to do business in New York State,” he said. 

Although organizers would have liked a full week from Saturday to Saturday, this year’s midway will operate from Tuesday to Saturday, he said, per the company’s schedule. To fill in the first weekend of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there will be bounce houses, roaming entertainment, and other activities, he said. 

The youth livestock auction will also return, competing with 2023’s record year intake of $340,000 of local support that went right back to the kids and to support youth programs, he said. 

Admission will remain the same at $10 per carload “even though expenses have been up by 20% the last two years,” he said. “We’re trying our best to keep it at that as long as we can,” he said. 

By comparison, Erie County charges $22.60 a person, he said.

The stage will feature new entertainment with Nerds Gone Wild and a fun 80s tribute band that has already attracted a Batavia High School class reunion requesting a piece of the action under the yellow tent.

This year’s fair—set for July 20 to 27—will also include remote-controlled race cars free for kids, an 80s night—come dressed in 80s attire—with discounted prices such as a $2 hotdog, entertainment slated for every night of the fair, two nights of fireworks, karaoke, a demolition derby, truck pull, small tractor pull and figure eight racing, plus, of course, the Chuck Wagon and other midway goodies and treats, games and activities. 

He said it takes large amounts of money to operate the fairgrounds year-round and pay for electrical maintenance—"our electric bill has gone up dramatically," he said—and on-site projects are always in the works.

“People don’t realize what it costs to run the fairgrounds for the year. I mean, it’s hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep that place going, and us being a nonprofit and all-volunteer, nobody’s paid, but we do it obviously because it’s been here forever and wants to keep it going,” he said. “We do a lot outside of the fair. So camping does help when we have these livestock shows and horse shows. Those are good moneymakers for us. The food truck rodeos and the horse shows are booked almost every weekend in the summer between the horse show and the livestock show. And then besides, we have the racetrack that we lease that runs almost every weekend as well.”

Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein encouraged him to appeal to the county for more funds, given all that the Society members do and the community participation involved. The county increased its funding by $1,000, he said.

The group reviewed and approved a resolution for $12,000 in funding, $1,000 more than in 2023. The resolution will go to the full Legislature for final approval on May 8.

Thomas Keele memorial livestock award recognizes outstanding 4-H member

By Press Release
m-pimm.jpg
Submitted photo of Madelynn Pimm with one of her 4-H Swine Project animals.

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. 

Genesee County Fair ends on positive yet soggy note

By Joanne Beck
Cow and girl fair 2023
Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens

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.

"The support we got from the community, attendance every day was up, which is really cool," he said. "Vendors all did very well. Food stands were all up over previous years. Midway was awesome.”

Saturday’s downpour meant an 80 percent drop in attendance on Saturday, he said, and the popular Enduro race was canceled. With soaring temperatures for the rest of the week, attendance also dipped a bit during the day but caught up with more people visiting later on, he said.

For the first time in fair history, there was a cooling trailer set up by Turnbull Heating and Cooling, which was a nice added bonus for those seeking some relief from the heat,  Pimm said.

Records were still broken with the largest draught horse show of 11 six-horse hitch teams from across the country and Canada, for a total of about 125 horses in the show; 2,000 animals on the fairgrounds for an assortment of livestock, draught, and auction events;  and 74 cars attending the demolition derby — “the most we’ve had in 20 years,” Pimm said.

There were 72 vendors, including those with food throughout the grounds — only two each of the same type of foods are allowed — and vendors inside the Exhibition building. That was a 25 percent increase from last year, he said. 

It has gotten a little easier to attract those vendors than in times past, he said.

“If you look back, you know, 15 years ago, when our attendance wasn't very strong, it was hard to actually attract vendors to come to our fair, and now the vendors that we have, they're signing up before that previous year's done for them,” he said. “And then we're getting a lot more phone calls from vendors wanting to come into our fair every year because, again, word of mouth. Those vendors travel together and go from fair to fair, carnival to carnival, show to show, and I think the word spreads, you know, we did a really nice job at Genesee County, so then the next year, people want to be in on it.

“Because of our community and community support we've been receiving and the growth that we've seen, it's turning into a really nice fair that people want to go to.”

The livestock auction yielded more than 200 lots and brought in nearly $340,000, an increase of $20,000 from 2022’s record year. Local sponsorships were up, meaning businesses and organizations stepped up to help support the fair, including Bruce Scofield of Stafford, who provided trash pickup at 6 a.m. each morning to ensure a well-maintained and clean fairground, Pimm said.

“We got a lot of comments about how clean our fairgrounds stayed throughout the week,” he said. 

Volunteers also do more than their part — from picking up litter and working the admission booth to cooking and helping at the animal stalls. There were about 100 throughout the week, he said, including kids and adults who would just show up some days and offer their assistance. 

“I think a lot of the times I don't think the community realizes that everybody there is a volunteer, there's not one person paid to help put on that fair,” he said.

There are 20 folks on the Ag Society board, and “we could not put on that fair with 20 people.” They’ll all be gathering for a volunteer appreciation dinner. “It’s just a giant thank you for people who came to volunteer their time throughout the week, so we invite them to the dinner,” he said. 

The board is “always open to suggestions.”

“We take notes, and when we meet, we will go over suggestions. We’re definitely going to be adding back the Enduro race. I had a ton of emails and Facebook messages and phone calls asking, are you running?” he said. “We will run that and the demolition derby again. Maybe have a couple of new bands, and some during the day, and have some daytime entertainment.”

There will be a rain date set for the Enduro, probably in September, he said. That will be publicized once it is finalized with the speedway.  But then again, there’s always something to think about when it comes to the fair and the grounds out on East Main Street, he said.

“So as far as the people, the workers and all that you know, it's a lot of time all year round that we invest in keeping that for the community so the community has something to enjoy. We run the fairgrounds all year round, whether it's during the wintertime putting storage in, or fall putting storage in, and spring getting storage back out, we'd run a bunch of horse shows there, we rent the grounds out … and we generally will operate our food stands to try and generate some revenue. And mowing the lawn, doing weed eating, we’ll be able to recruit people who come in and help with that, so it doesn't weigh on us,” he said. “But in the grand scheme of things, you want to make sure that place is viable for future generations to enjoy and, specifically, the kids coming in having a really good time, they're running around having fun, going on the rides, seeing the animals, being able to pet the animals and get up close to the animals, or even going into the showroom themselves. And when we do stuff like that, you just see the kids light up, you know, and how much fun and how much excitement they have.”

Plans have already been percolating for next year, he said. Actually, “We already started a few weeks ago,” he said. We try to make it a little bit better each year.” 

“Next year, we're gonna ask Mother Nature to cooperate a little bit better. 75 and sunny,” he said.

Saturday's downpour didn't dampen competitive spirits for 2023 talent show

By Joanne Beck
Vee and Avantae Owens, Kho
Valeria "Vee" and Avantae Owens, left and center, and Steve, Chelsie and Maisie Kho show their winning medals for the Adult Category in the 2023 Talent Show at Genesee County Fair on Saturday. 
Photo by Joanne Beck

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.’ I watch her try new things and be comfortable.”

Mom was speaking on behalf of the 6-year-old later Saturday because she had earned a visit to her grandmother’s after her performance. Aria played “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on piano. 

There were several piano entries, plus mostly kids and a few adults playing the flute, violin, dancing, singing, and leading a cheer. 

Isabella Danahy, 12, performed a solo cheer routine, and her younger sister Marilyn played the classic “Fur Elisse” on piano.  They also played a duet of  “Mary Had a Little Lamb” with Isabella on flute and 10-year-old Marilyn on piano.

“I was nervous. I didn’t really like doing stuff in front of people,” Marilyn said, explaining why she pushed herself to participate. “So I can get over that fear.”

Both girls take band at school in Cheektowaga. They knew about the talent show through their teacher and show organizer, Laura Kauppi of Corfu.

"I think it makes me more confident,” Isabella said. 

Sabrina Sanner of Pembroke was looking for those signs of confidence and other winning attributes while scoring as the single judge for the event since 2019. With two degrees in music education, having taught full orchestra and band in school and teaching private music lessons in voice and piano, she brings it all to the table when each contestant walks up on stage.

First, it depends on what they’re performing, she said.

“Some of it is the difficulty level, like the person who won the tiny tots category. She did two hands, stayed in time, had all of her things in the right place. She did very well. And it was more complicated than the other pieces that were played. So like, obviously, she did something harder. And she did it very well,” Sanner said. “When it comes to things like judging dance against music, it depends on how well they do the dance versus how well they play their song. I did learn from the back, when we used to have a panel, how to judge dances and stuff like that because I'd asked them questions on how they were doing. And it's how well they're smiling, you know, where their movements are with the music, how much impact it has on you watching them, which is a very kind of hard thing to judge. So I've learned a lot from the other past judges that we've had on how to do this.”

This was the first year she’s had to judge a cheerleading routine, but she also brought some experience for that task too.

“I used to do cheerleading, so I also know about that. It is hard to cross-judge them. But as I said, it's the difficulty. So I do know a lot about the difficulty levels of everything that they were doing and has to do with how well they're doing. You know, with cheerleading, it's like how straight your limbs are; there were a lot of her jumps where her legs are still bent or something like that,” Sanner said. “And with music, it's like, if you pause while you're playing, you're not supposed to do that, or if you hit a wrong note, and I don't think anybody really had any wrong notes this year, which was impressive also. But stuff like that. So you kind of just see where people are kind of missing things in their performance, and then go by which ones are bigger, like with dancing, it's smiling is a really huge one. So if they're not smiling, you get a lot off for that.

“But I've been doing this for a while. I judge other things too. So other events. Yeah, the studio I work for and teach privately for they do a competition every year,” she said. “And I've obviously like gotten kids ready for music competitions and stuff for years and years now.”

One new challenge this year was the unrelenting rain. The talent show is under the yellow and white entertainment tent, yet still — water pooled on the ground around the stage and on top of it. Sometimes a judge has to take Mother Nature’s effects into consideration when rating a performer, she said. 

“I don’t think it's ever been this bad. I do think it rained a few years ago, but it's definitely never been on the stage like this,” she said. “The three dancers … the middle girl who had that solo, her flags got all wet when they were sitting on the floor. So I did take that into consideration that their flags weren't moving the way they were supposed to because they were weighed down.”

Kauppi was very pleased with the turnout, not only the number of kids but the quality of their skills, she said.  There were several winners, and everyone received a goodie bag for participating. 

“The students are all extremely talented people, they’ve worked really hard this year. I know some families started their work on this year's (talent show) at the end of last year. So people were really excited to perform. And it was amazing to have everybody come out despite the rain and the challenges that the rain brought technology-wise,” Kauppi said. “I ended up grabbing a new speaker this morning because I wanted a speaker that was absolutely waterproof. And that (pointing to the one she chose) is super waterproof.”

And the winners were:

Tiny Tots
Tiny Tots category winners, shown with talent show coordinator Laura Kauppi.
Photo by Joanne Beck

Tiny Tots

  • 1st -  Emma Snyder, piano
  • 2nd - Chelsie Kho, piano 
  • 3rd - A tie between Aria Fox, piano, and Azalea Sieczkarski, piano
Mini category
Mini Category winners.
Photo by Joanne Beck

Mini

  • 1st - Chelsie Kho, piano
  • 2nd - dance with Chelsie Kho, Maisie Kho, Charlotte Jin
  • 3rd - Keyon Thomas
  • Honorable Mention - Isabella Danahy 
Maxi category
Maxi category winners, Trevon Byrd being represented by his mom.
Photo by Joanne Beck

Maxi 

  • 1st - Trevon Byrd, vocal
  • 2nd - Seren Byrd, piano

Adults (Top photo)

  • 1st - Vee Owens, vocal
  • 2nd - Steve Kho, Chelsie Kho and Maisie Kho, family band
  • 3rd - Avantae Owens and Vee Owens, piano duet 
Happy avantae owens
Avantae Owens displays some excitement after his piano duet with mom Vee Owens Saturday during the 2023 Genesee County Fair Talent Show.
Photo by Joanne Beck
Isabella and Marilyn Danahy
Isabella Danahy, left, and her sister Marilyn flank their mom as they perform "Mary Had a Little Lamb" Saturday during the 2023 Genesee County Fair talent show. Talent show coordinator Laura Kauppi holds the mic for them during the performance. 
Photo by Joanne Beck

Photos: RC Racing Championship at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
RC racing genesee county fair

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

RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
RC racing genesee county fair
Kevin and Brady Henning with the championship trophy. 
Photo by Howard Owens

Photo: Completed air sculpture at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
Janice Spagnola, the "balloon lady,"
Janice Spagnola, the "balloon lady," with her completed air sculpture, an underwater scene, at the Genesee County Fair. Spagnola completed her sculpture on Friday night and showed it off for guests to enjoy on Saturday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photos: Final rides on the Midway at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
midway genesee county fair

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.

midway genesee county fair
midway genesee county fair
midway genesee county fair

The People's Choice: Eagle drawing by Tylin Torcello

By Howard B. Owens
Eagle Entry 19

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:

Eagle Entry 17
Second Place, by Miranda Tamburlih, 15.
Eagle Entry 11
Third place, by Vincent Domick, 15.

To help support The Batavian's commitment to the community and help ensure we continue to provide the news coverage Genesee County needs, please sign up today for Early Access Pass.

Batavia resident wins Red Osier gift certificate in eagle-drawing contest at fair

By Staff Writer
red osier winner
Batavia resident Jadan Torcello receives a $100 gift certificate from Red Osier Landmark Restaurant on Friday from Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian. Torcello entered The Batavian's eagle-drawing contest at the Genesee County Fair in the 18-and-older category, and her drawing was among staff favorites selected for a random drawing to win the gift certificate.
Photo by Jim Ernst.
eagle drawing Genesee County Fair
The winning drawing in the 18-and-old category of The Batavian's eagle-drawing contest at the Genesee County Fair by Jadan Torcello 

Photos: Audibull cranks it up and rocks it out at the fair

By Howard B. Owens
audibull at genesee county fair

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.

Audibull
audibull at genesee county fair
audibull at genesee county fair
audibull at genesee county fair
audibull at genesee county fair
audibull at genesee county fair

Photo: Jammin' at the Fair

By Howard B. Owens
music students jam
Photo by Howard Owens

Rounding out the musical portion of the Genesee County Fair was a booth in the Exhibit Hall set up by music teacher Jonathan Jaeger, who, on Friday evening, brought in a group of his students for a jam session.

From left are Mike Lauria, Vern Saille, Steve Pribek, Bill Carrigan, and Dot Carrigan.

For anybody interested in music lessons, Jaeger can be reached at jonathan.a.e.jaeger@gmail.com.

Photos: 4-H Livestock Auction at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair

Photos by Debra Reilly.

4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair
4-h livestock auction genesee county fair

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Local news site shares love of music, community during fair concert

By Joanne Beck
Howard Owens and Colton Smith
Howard Owens, left, publisher of The Batavian, presents the top prize of the local news company's eagle-drawing contest to Colton Smith on Thursday during The Eaglez concert at the Genesee County Fair in Batavia. 
Photo by Joanne Beck

After five days of entries, narrowing down the pool to staff favorites, and a final random drawing at the Genesee County Fair, The Batavian finally had its winner for the guitar giveaway contest. 

And on Thursday, the luck-winning artist, 14-year-old Colton Smith, who has been visiting Genesee County from West Virginia this week, received his prize during The Eaglez concert at the fairgrounds in Batavia. Colton had drawn one of the best eagles for the contest, and he walked away Thursday evening with a white polished Harley Benton Big Tone Trem guitar with gold-colored hardware.

Meant as a source of inspiration for young musicians and as a token of appreciation to the community for all that it has given us in terms of fantastic musical entertainment, the guitar was purchased by The Batavian's publisher, Howard Owens. His hope is that someday we will all be seeing Colton up on stage rocking out or otherwise reaping wild enjoyment out of some musical genre. 

Don't forget to stop by The Batavian's booth on Friday to cast your vote for the People's Choice Award: the Top 20 staff favorite eagle drawings. The winning artist will be announced Friday evening and will receive a harmonica. 

We will also be announcing the 18 and older prize of a $100 Red Osier Landmark Restaurant gift certificate on Friday, so remember to check back and see who won these great prizes!

The Eaglez and The Batavian at the fair 2023
The Batavian's publisher Howard Owens, right, joins The Eaglez tribute band on stage for a few moments Thursday to present a guitar prize to a young artist and aspiring musician during the concert at Genesee County Fair. 
Photo by Joanne Beck
colton smith's eagle drawing
Colton Smith's eagle drawing.

Photos: The Eaglez capture the magic of the Eagles for Genesee County Fair audience

By Howard B. Owens
Eaglez Tribute Band at the Genesee County Fair 2023
The Eaglez Tribute Band at the Genesee County Fair on Thrusday evening.
Photo by Howard Owens.Thursday

Sitting in the entertainment tent at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Thursday evening, if you closed your eyes, you could be forgiven if you thought you really hearing Don Felder, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner

The musicianship was that precise, and the harmonies that tight as a group of veteran Buffalo-area musicians, now performing at the Eaglez Tribute Band, ran through 28 hits of the Eagles over three hours of music.

The Eaglez are, in reality:

  • Randy Barnard, Lead Guitar/Keyboard
  • Dennis Makowski,  Guitar/Vocals
  • Bob Brummitt, Bass Guitar/Vocals
  • John White, Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
  • Mike Nierenberg,  Vocals/Percussion
  • Micky Judware / Rich Keigley, Drums
  • Paul Vanacore, Sax/Keyboard

Note: Sadly, and unknown at show time, Randy Meisner passed away on Thursday. An original member of the Eagles, he was 77. Glenn Frey, another founding member, passed away in 2016.

Previously: The Eaglez highlights GC Fair's five nights of live music that spans genres and eras

https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873
https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/three-arrests-made-in-alleged-gunfire-incident-in-the-city-of-batavia/635873

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Sponsored Post: Friday at The Genesee County Fair; GENESEE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NIGHT

By Lisa Ace
Fair header 800

 Friday, July 28th – GENESEE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NIGHT

  • 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
  • 11 AM—4-H FCS Club Activity (Kennedy Building)
  • 4 PM – 9 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
  • 6:15 PM Kids Power Wheels Demolition Derby (Grandstands)
  • 7 PM – Demolition Derby (Grandstands)
    **FIREWORKS at the completion of the Demo Derby**
  • 7:30 PM  to 11 PM – Audibull  (Entertainment Tent)
  •  10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Daily at the Fair:

  • Air Sculpture (Balloon Display Build All Day Every Day and Balloon Demonstrations 12pm & 4:45pm) (All Day Every Day)
  • Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; SUN 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; MON 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; 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)
  • Wings on Wheels (All Day Every Day)
  • Pony Rides (All Day Every Day)
  • Chain Saw Carver (All Day Every Day)
  • Fame Racing – Radio Controlled Car Racing (SAT 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SUN 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; MON 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; TUES 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; WED 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; THURS 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; FRI 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SAT 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm)
  • CLICK HERE FOR 4-H Daily Schedule  

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes. Click here to see each day's schedule.

Karaoke brings out crowd to fair's entertainment tent

By Howard B. Owens
karaoke Genesee County Fair
A group of friends perform during Karaoke contest warmups on Wednesday night at the Genesee County Fair.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Karaoke Contest, Genesee County Fair's version of American Idol or The Voice, held its finals of a two-night competition on Wednesday evening.

Here are the winners for 17 and under:

  • 1st: Carly
  • 2nd: Hannah
  • 3rd: Jesse 

And, 18 and over:

  • 1st: Melissa
  • 2nd: Laura
  • 3rd: Jim

Photos by Howard Owens.

karaoke Genesee County Fair
karaoke Genesee County Fair
karaoke Genesee County Fair
karaoke Genesee County Fair
The winners.
Photo by Jessica Caplick 

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Ag students participate in trade skills competition at fair

By Howard B. Owens
faa 4-h at fair
 William Muoio, from Graham Corp., supervises Justin Deleo, a Byron-Bergen student, during the FFA/4-H welding competition at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday.

Graham Manufacturing is currently looking for welders, and Justin Deleo might be a good candidate for one of those openings if he was just a little bit older.

The Byron-Bergen sophomore won a welding competition at the Genesee County Fair under the supervision of William Muoio from Graham.

Justin loves welding, but perhaps, unfortunately for Graham, he also loves farming.

He's thought about welding as a career, "but I really would just like to learn how to weld and then use that in running my own farm," Justin said.

He got his start welding by helping out his grandfather on his farm, Forest Lawn, at the bottom of the hill by Genesee Community College.

"I like building things," Justin said. "I have worked on my grandpa's farm, and I helped him weld hay wagons, and ever since then, I've been interested in welding."

For first prize, Justin had his choice between a set of torches and a mask or an auto shade helmet, and he picked the helmet, said Todd Hofheins, Future Farmers of America advisor.

Hofheins said the welding competition and a tractor skills competition are organized by FFA and 4-H and supported by sponsors who provided more than $3,000 in prize money and prizes.

In welding, second place went to Michael Jewart, a student at Pioneer, and third place went to Cooper Harkins, from Pavilion.

In the tractor competition for junior category:

  • Cooper Harkins
  • Evan Winspear
  • Justin Deleo

In the senior competition:

  • Carson Warner
  • Ian Keberle
  • Michael Jewart
  • Colton Yasses

Photos by Howard Owens

faa 4-h at fair
Tyler Brian backs a tractor with a wagon during the FFA/4-H tractor skills competition at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday. Tyler said he wanted to take part in the competition because he thinks driving a tractor is fun.
Photo by Howard Owens.
faa 4-h at fair
faa 4-h at fair
faa 4-h at fair

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Photos: Small Fry Tractor Pull at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023

There was a lot of fun and excitement on Wednesday in the Exhibit Hall at the Genesee County Fair with the annual Small Fry Tractor Pull.

Photos by Howard Owens.

tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

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