The "fair cannon" announced the opening of the Chautauqua County Fair Monday.
On average, there are between 30,000 and 50,000 people from all over Western New York who come to see the fair. Not only are there fun rides, such as the ferris wheel and the merry-go-round, but also fun games, prizes and tasty food.
There are many different sponsors of this fair, including Pepsi, Budweiser, Lake Shore Savings, McDonalds, Home Depot and Merritt Winery.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Jennifer Peters
The firing of the cannon marks the beginning of this year’s Chautauqua County Fair.
The Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Development has also been a big supporter in the county fair since 1924, and there are approximately 800 4-H animals at the fair.
Headquartered in Jamestown, there are 26 4-H clubs in the county with 500 members and 179 volunteers.
"4-H is a youth organization to teach responsibility and life skills," Cheryl Robinson said.
The County Fair has multiple barns as well. There is the goat barn filled with about 40 goats, many of them sponsored by the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau.
"I've learned leadership through being the superintendent at the barn," Nicole Ewer stated.
There is also the dairy barn, where there are more than 100 cattle, compared to the 90 cattle the fair had last year.
After seeing all the animals, there is the 4-H snack bar for refreshments.
"I love getting to help the public with the food they want," Kevin Gleason, 4-H volunteer stated. "The snack bar is the biggest fundraiser for 4-H. I get to help people, and I love working with the people here."
The Chautauqua County Fair has something fun to offer people of all ages, and is a great family activity. The fair is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., until Sunday. Tickets are and through Thursday, the cost is $11 and $12 on the weekend. The rides are also included in the cost.
