The president of the society, Larry Barmore, is the “spark plug” of the event, planning and lining up vendors, music, crafters and food stands for nearly a year. President Barmore is thanked for all of his efforts, and has taken charge of all 21 annual history fairs. The village of Sinclairville was crowded with hundreds of people who took part in one or many activities of the day.

The day began with a pancake breakfast at the Sinclairville Firehall by the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels personnel. Following the breakfast, the annual opening ceremony was held with Master of Ceremony David Christy introducing Pastor Joe Pascoe of the Park United Methodist Church, and Pastor Roberta Mosier-Peterson of the Gerry Free Methodist Church, who gave introductory messages. President Barmore then led everyone in the Lord’s Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The annual grand parade was held with the Sheridan Fire Department Honor Guard carrying the American Flag. The New York State Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff Department, with County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, led the participants of the parade. The parade included members of the Little League football team and cheerleaders of Cassadaga Valley, the Sinclairville Library, the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels, the Sons of the American Revolution and fire department equipment from Sinclairville, Ellington, Cassadaga and Gerry. A number of well-maintained farm tractors were a part of the parade, and many older automobiles. A fine parade was enjoyed by all.

During the day, the visitors had the opportunity to tour the Valley Historical Society museum, seeing Susan Sipos spinning yarn with her spinning wheel, walk through the village park filled with vendors of crafts and food, and hear the music of five different groups. The groups included Wanderlust, Harmony Express, DJ Felony, Rustic Ramblers and We Speak Canadian. Visitors also had the opportunity to take part in karaoke. There was a pie baking contest, a baby show, a car show, a dog show and a magician at the library. A speaker on Dolly Madison was also seen at the library, The Masonic organization was also included.

Pictured are some of the visitors to the 21st annual History Fair in Sinclairville.

The Sinclairville Library held a chicken barbecue at noon, and the historical society held a roast beef on roll with macaroni salad dinner at 5 p.m. The day of activity concluded with a grand fireworks display at 9 p.m. Many thanks to Carol Barmore for her hours of help, the Sinclairville village maintenance staff, Tracy MacDonald, Tyler Worden, Bonnie Larkin, June Woollett, Diane Shaw, Betty Jean Ridout and family, Charles Sylvester, Lois Anderson, Linda Parmenter, Beth Hadley, Wally Jozwiak, Eric Spinler of the Sinclairville Superette, Patti France, Elsie Livermore, Sue Alford, and Art Anderson for their many hours of work to make this event a success. A special thanks to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the village of Sinclairville, and the town of Charlotte, the Sinclairville Fire Department, Charlotte Center United Methodist Church, Mayor Jim and Darla Frost-Kianos, Jordan Forest products, Fredrickson Builders Supply, Allen and Hope Fredrickson, the Sinclairville Superette, and the many donors for their financial assistance. The 2020 History Fair will be held on the second Saturday in September.