The 178th annual Genesee County Fairgrounds turn out to be a great showing on opening night for the grand parade that marched through the grounds.
For a complete schedule of daily events click here: http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx
Tuesday, July 18th Senior Citizens Day/Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center
*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*
DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE.
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.
The Genesee County Fair opened Monday at 9 a.m. and will be open through Saturday. There is a $5 admission per carload and the daily schedule is located here.
This year, as always, there are carnival rides, food, farm animals, livestock competitions, music performances and large farm equipment.
Monday is "Emergency Responder Night"; Tuesday is "Senior Citizen Day"; Wednesday is "Children's Day"; Thursday is "Veterans Day"; Friday is "Community Day and Thrill Night"; and Saturday is "Farm Bureau Day and Bring Your Tractor to the Fair Day."
MONDAY, JULY 17th “Emergency Responder Night”
*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*
DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE.
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.
Click here for a listing of daily events at the 2017 Genesee County Fair
Over the past five years, the Genesee County Fair has gone from a local event that was barely hanging on, to one that is now the envy of many other rural counties around the state, according to a report delivered by Ag Society President Norm Pimm to the Human Services Committee of the Genesee County Legislature.
Pimm said he recently attended an expo for county fair organizers in Rochester and Genesee County's fair was a subject of curiosity.
"There are a lot of fairs that are crying that they're going backward in attendance, so we are one of the few that is going forward, and we actually have a lot of fairs coming to us and asking what we're doing differently," Pimm said.
Last year more than 22,000 people attended the fair.
People attend, he said, because of the attractions and the animals.
Ag is a big part of every county fair, but Genesee County has been able to revitalize its ag program and last year there were more than 800 animals on show, which put the fairgrounds at capacity for farm animals.
Last year's fair included the Empire Classic sheep show, which attracted competitors from all over the state. The show gave local youngsters a chance to learn from and compete against some of the very best competitors in the Northeast.
The beef show was also a big hit and attracted two farm families that hadn't shown beef at the Genesee County Fair in 40 years. They were quite pleased with what they found at the show.
"They went to Syracuse after that and they were telling people there, 'you've got to go to Genesee County next summer. You've got to be in this show. It's awesome. and their fairgrounds look great.' "
The two families were in Ohio the following week complimenting the Genesee County fair again, he said.
"We now have two big nationally known exhibitors out talking about us," he said. "That's fantastic."
Not everything, though, is a home run. The midway -- all the rides and games -- is a fair essential, but it's also a reliable money loser.
"Our midway kills us, but you have to have one," Pimm said. "It sounds sad, but you have to have one. We had some fair board members say 'let's not have one.' You have to, so we just need to make it up somewhere else."
Part of what pays for the fair are all the other events that are hosted by the fairgrounds spring, summer and fall, from auctions and 4-H events to flea markets and horse shows.
The new horse barns, in fact, are a big attraction now and there is a horse show booked at the fairgrounds every weekend this summer.
There's also going to be a statewide high school rodeo hosted by the fairgrounds this summer; it's the first held locally. If it goes well, Genesee County could be considered to host the national high school rodeo championship.
The Genesee County Agriculture Society is on a continuous improvement project with the fairgrounds and is about to embark on a $500,000 electrical upgrade of the entire grounds. Because of the cost, it will have to be done in stages, Pimm said. A recent grant of $90,000 from the governor's office will help the society get started, he said.
The County budget earmarks $9,500 in assistance to the Ag Society.
Improvements lead to more events to host, and more events help generate the funds for more improvements. The events throughout the year help pay for the fair which, even with all its success last year, still came up short of expenses by $4,400.
"We're trying to use the grounds as much as we can so we keep the revenue coming in and we can keep investing back into the grounds," Pimm said.
Press release:
The Genesee County Fair announces today that 10 scholarship of $1,000 each will be awarded to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college. The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) and the New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA) sponsor the scholarships.
Qualifying students must be active at the Genesee County Fair or The New York State Showpeople’s Association. All applicants from Genesee County must submit their applications through the Genesee County Fair or the New York State Showpleople’s Association no later than Friday, April 10.
Information is available through the Genesee County Fair at (585) 344-2424, through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, and from local high school offices. Applications must be printed and completed from the Web at www.nysfairs.org.
For more information, contact the Genesee County Fair Office at (585) 344-2424 or visiting www.gcfair.com
Thank You to the Generous Sponsors of the 2016 Genesee County Fair: Arctic Refrigeration, Baskin Livestock, Batavia Starter, Big O Farms, Brad Vokes Trucking, B’s Pet Grooming, Carolina Eastern-Crocker, Carquest Genesee, Corfu-Darien Veterinary Clinic, Dave Reisdorf Inc., Dumbleton Used Auto Parts, EFF Church, First Choice Travel, Freed Maxick CPSs P.C., Genesee County Farm Bureau, Genesee Patrons, Cooperative Insurance, George Pursel Repair, Graham Corporation, Jackson Welding & Gas Products, Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac, L&L Transmission, Lamb Farms, Inc., Lee Shuknecht & Sons Inc., Liberty Pumps, MacDuffie Sand & Gravel, M-B Farms Inc., Mckenzie Farm, MY-T Acres, O-AT-KA Milk, Orcon Industries, p.w. minor, Perry Veterinary Clinic, P.L.L.C Phillips Oil, Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic, RB Adams Agency, Reliant Real Estate, Roblee Plumbing, Student Transportation of America, State Street Animal Hospital, Stephen M. Hawley & Assoc., Superior Plus Energy, Timberline Lake Park Inc., Tompkins Bank of Castile, Torrey Farms Inc., Toyota of Batavia, Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, United Memorial Medical Center, United Wind, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, William Kent Inc., Wills Carpet One.
Thank You to those who donated time/material/equipment to help to make the Fair a success: Adams Welding & Fabrication, Ad-Stuff, Alexander Equipment, Batavia Legal Printing, Batavia Restaurant Supply, BC Transport, Bethany FD, Caledonia Diesel, Carol Topolski Lawn Care, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, Churchville Fire Equipment, Cold Springs Construction, Cowgirl Couture, Dan Duyssen Farm, Deb's Bakery, Duyssen Family Farm, E.W. Hoffman Hay & Straw LLC, Empire Tractor, Genesee County Ag Society Mounted Patrol, Genesee County Sheriff’s Dept., Genesee Speedway, Genesee Valley Penny Saver, George & Swede, Godwin a Xylem brand - Batavia, Greg Post - General Contractor, Harrington’s Produce, Hazlet Services, Jakes Tree Service, J L Kingdon Mechanical, Joe’s Pro Shop, L.D. Stevens Golf Cart, LoRob Farms, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, Monroe Tractor, Norm Pimm Sr. Lawn Care, Paul Figlow Productions, Photography by Susan Meier, Posey Power Peddler, Pudgie’s Lawn & Garden, Red Osier, SB Farms LLC, Scofield Rolloff Service, Scott Adams Trucking, Smitty’s Amish Sheds, Solid Gold Productions, Sterling Tent & Awnings, Summer Kick Off Classic Horse Show, The Batavia Daily News, The Batavian, The Rope Guys, Town of Batavia FD, Tractor Supply, T-Shirts Etc., Valu Home Center, Walmart - Batavia, WBTA, WCJW, Wright Beverage Distributing, WYRK, Z&M Ag & Turf.
On behalf of the Genesee County Agricultural Society we would to thank our wonderful volunteers and the community for supporting the 2016 Genesee County Fair! **We Apologize For Anyone We May Have Missed.**
Press release:
4-H Market Steer Show: Grand Champion Showman – Becky Kron, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Tyler Jirovec Grand Champion Market Steer – Becky Kron, Reserve Grand Champion Josie Reding.
4-H Dairy Show: Master Showman – Emily Mikel, Reserve Master Showman – Mary Sweeney. Supreme Champion – Emily Mikel, Reserve Supreme Champion – Mary Sweeney.
4-H Market Goat Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Samantha Weber. Grand Champion Market Goat – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion – Samantha Weber.
4-H Meat Goat Show: Best Meat Goat in Show – Samantha Weber, Best Breeding Doe – Samantha Weber.
4-H Sheep Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Becky Kron. Supreme Ram – Brendan Pimm, Supreme Ewe – Becky Kron.
4-H Market Lamb Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Ashley Ehrmentraut. Grand Champion Market Sheep – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion – Madelyn Pimm.
4-H Swine Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Cole Carlson. Overall Champion Non-Market Hog – Melissa Keller, Reserve Champion – Cole Carlson.
4-H Market Hog Show: Grand Champion Showman – Melissa Keller, Reserve Grand Champion Showman – Cole Carlson. Grand Champion Market Hog – Emily Mikel, Reserve Grand Champion – Caleb Carlson.
4-H Rabbit Show: Champion Senior Showman – Christopher Swartzenberg, Champion Junior Showman – Clare Mathes.
4-H Poultry Show: Champion Senior Showman – Teagan Mathes, Reserve – Mark Anauo. Champion Junior Showman – Clare Mathes, Reserve – Cheyanne Isaman. Champion Bird in Show – Mark Anauo, Reserve Bird in Show – Jillian Brewer.
4-H Western Horse Show: Showmanship Champion – Emily Boldt, Reserve – Paige Klotzbach. Versatility Trophy Winner – Emily Boldt, Reserve – Madeline Keem. Western Trail Champion – Emily Boldt, Reseve – Taylor Scholfield.
4-H English Horse Show: Showmanship Champion – Emily Boldt, Reserve – Paige Klotzbach.
4-H Gymkhana Horse Show: 3 Year Cloverleaf Barrel Challenge Trophy Winner – Bekki Allen, Reserve – Caroline Pelton.
Photo (by Howard Owens): Tyler Jirovec with his Champion Market Steer.
Press release:
Thank you to everyone who supported 4-H at the 46th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction! On Thursday, July 14, market goats, lambs, steers and hogs which were raised and shown by local 4-H members were auctioned by William Kent, Inc., at the Genesee County Fair.
The Champion Market Goat was exhibited by Michael Ehrmentraut and purchased by HLW Acres of Attica. The Reserve Champion Market Goat was exhibited by Cody Ehrmentraut and purchased by Crossen’s Christmas Tree Farm of Basom.
The Champion Market Lamb was exhibited by Maisy Ross and purchased by Dave Reisdorf, Inc., of Batavia. The Reserve Champion Market Lamb was also exhibited by Maisy Ross and purchased by Ed Roggen of Basom.
The Champion Market Steer was exhibited by Tyler Jirovec and was purchased by Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning of Batavia. The Reserve Champion Market Steer was exhibited by Becky Kron and purchased by Clyde’s Feed & Animal Center of Hamburg.
The Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Cole Carlson and was purchased by The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant of Stafford. The Reserve Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Caleb Carlson and was purchased by Dave Reisdorf, Inc., of Batavia.
The objective of the Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Program is for engaged 4-H youth to gain valuable life skills such as responsibility, goal setting, decision making, communication, record keeping and community service through learning the basic principles of research-based animal science/husbandry practices, quality assurance and marketing of their project through hands-on learning opportunities in a positive youth development environment.
Thank you to all bidders and buyers! The Genesee County 4-H Livestock Committee and 4-H club leaders would also like to extend a special thank you to William Kent and Family for 46 years of continued services and outstanding support of the 4-H Market Animal Program.
Previously: 4-H'ers display their hard work at Genesee County livestock auction
SATURDAY, JULY 16TH • Today's Events• Farm Bureau Day & Bring Your Tractor to the Fair Day
This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.*
A person who participated in the Demolition Derby tonight at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street Road in Batavia reportedly suffered a neck injury. Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: The driver is conscious and alert and does not appear to be seriously injured. He is being transported to UMMC for evaluation.
Wallets heavy, hands at the ready; enthusiastic buyers weren't holding much back Thursday night. Buyers showed up in numbers for the 4-H livestock auction ready to see the best lambs, goats, hogs, and steer available at the Genesee County Fair.
Bill Hayes, owner/president of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, won the Market Steer Overall Project Champion and Jr. Showmanship Champion for $2.20 a pound or an estimated $2,800. He then donated the steer right back to the 4-H; the champion steer weighed in at 1,390 pounds and was raised by Oakfield resident Tyler Jirovec.
"I come to the auction every year to support these good kids, parents and staff," Hayes said.
This is the first year the 4-H has allowed you to donate your winnings back to the program.
"I can see myself donating the animal back to 4-H, the program is so great," said Genesee County resident Bill Baskin. "I come every year, haven't missed one in a long time."
The 4-H champions are determined by a point system; points are added up based on your participation in 4-H meetings, community service, your overall placement, and showmanship. The individual with the most points by the Genesee County Fair date is Project Champion; the winner gets a large ribbon to show off.
"If you win Grand or Reserved Project Champion when you step into that ring, everyone wants to bid on you," said Tim Adams, 4-H swine club leader.
The 4-H Swine Club raises show hogs. The club has around 20 members ranging in age 8 to 19 years old. At initial weigh-in, a student's hog cannot weigh more than 80 pounds and must weigh between 210 and 285 pounds by the time of the fair. Adams says he donates roughly four hours of his time to the 4-H daily, and during fair week even more.
This year was special for the Swine Club, members were able to get rid of their wood pens and install metal ones, which are more sanitary for the animals and people.
"4-H is so much more than just marketing animals; it's a small family," Adams said.
The 4-H takes devotion and a lot of effort on the students' part. Some kids spend two or three hours a day grooming, walking and feeding their show animals. The learning experience doesn't stop at the children either; parents learn a lot about what it takes to raise a hog, cattle, goat or lamb.
"It's nice to have kids and friends to learn and grow with you," said Kevin Bezon, parent of Tucker and uncle of Leah and Ashton Bezon -- all 4-H participants.
"I easily spend three or four hours a day to the animals," said Tucker Bezon, proud owner of an impressive 1,208-pound steer.
Fourth-year 4-H participant Shianne Foss from Corfu placed fourth overall with a 1,300-pound steer. Much like other 4-H'ers, Shianne doesn't just go to the Genesee County Fair, she travels all over Western New York to show off her livestock and hard work.
Overall Project Champion, Rate of Gain Champion, and Reserve Project Champion Miasy Ross was ecstatic after her lambs sold for top dollar. Placing one and two overall, Miasy is a very dedicated 4-H member and has been in the program for years.
"I actually gained so many friends, I wish more people did this," Miasy said.
4-H Livestock Auction is a great place for local farmers and livestock owners to display the results of their toil. You can feel the good spirits and pride of showmanship that abound while walking the auction grounds.
(Micheal Ermantrout had the Grand Champion goat.)
(Shianne Foss completes some final grooming before the auction.)
(Peggy Shuknecht, of Elba, holds Helena Kotarski, 2, so she can pet a cow.)
(Cole Phelps relaxes before the auction.)
(Photos by Howard Owens.)
To purchase prints, click here.
FRIDAY, JULY 15TH • Today's Events • Community Day & Thrill Night. Kids ride special - $5 wrist bands 1-4pm.
This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.
Here are a few photos from Thursday at the Genesee County Fair. We'll have more photos and a story about the 4-H Livestock Auction sometime Friday afternoon.
Thursday, July 14th • Today's Events • Veterans Day at the Fair
This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Batavia Downs will once again be conducting the Genesee County Fair races which feature the New York Sire Stakes Fair Series.
This special day of racing is slated for Monday afternoon (July 18) with post time for the first race set at 2 o'clock.
The race secretary for this event is Donna Kerr and she can be reached via phone at 716-338-5387. The entry box closes Thursday (July 14) at 10 a.m., but entries can be made in advance of that date.
The 2016 live meet at America's oldest lighted harness track features a Claiming Championship Series this year and kicks off on Monday (July 25) with the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting fillies. Live racing will continue through Saturday (Dec. 10).
Questions concerning any event of the upcoming racing season should be directed to Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing, at 585-343-3750 or racing secretary Joe Zambito at 585-344-6161.
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