At left are Larry Barmore, President of the Valley Historical Society, Pastor Brandon Mecham, and Pastor Joe Pascoe presenting the opening Memorial Service, and remembering the 20th anniversary of 9/11/2001.

SINCLAIRVILLE — On Saturday, the 22nd annual history fair in Sinclairville was held on the 20th anniversary of the tragic Sept. 11 anniversary day. The annual event is sponsored by the Village of Sinclairville, the Town of Charlotte, and the Valley Historical Society, which is the official historical society of the Cassadaga Valley area.

The president of the society, Larry Barmore, is the “spark plug” of the event, working with the Sinclairville Village, and planning and lining up vendors, music, crafters, and food stands. President Barmore is thanked for all of his efforts, and has taken charge of all 22 history fairs. The village of Sinclairville is behind Barmore and is thanked for their support, along with the town of Charlotte. The village was crowded with hundreds of people who took part in one or many of the activities.

The event began with a Memorial Service with Master of Ceremony David Christy introducing Pastor Joe Pascoe and Pastor Brandon Mecham. Both Pastors gave opening messages and prayers, remembering the event of 20 years ago during the attack on the United States. President Barmore led all in the Lord’s Prayer followed by the pledge of allegiance. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Isabella Dutton,

The grand parade was held with the New York State Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s cars leading the parade. The Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Honor Guard then followed holding the American Flag. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone and county Executive PJ Wendel led the participants of the parade. The parade included members of the Little League football team and cheerleaders of the Cassadaga Valley, the Sinclairville Library, the Town of Charlotte officials, the Olive Lodge Masons of Sherman on their go-carts, the Sons of the American Revolution with Jim White dressed in a revolutionary outfit, fire department equipment from Sinclairville, Ellington, Ellery Center, Cassadaga, Gerry and Sheridan. The Sheridan Fire Department honor guard was carrying their banner. A number of well maintained tractors, horse back riders and many older automobiles were a part of the parade. A fine parade was enjoyed by all. Johnny Swanson was recognized for his patriotic silo recently painted.

During the day, the visitors had the opportunity to tour the Valley Historical Society museum, seeing Susan W. Sipos spinning yarn with her spinning wheel, walk through the village park with vendors of crafts and food, and hear music from different groups. The groups included the Elixxir, the Jamestown Harmony Express, Smokehouse, and the Rustic Ramblers. There was a Karaoke contest in the bandstand. There were two cemetery tours led by historian Betty Jean Ridout with Bob Sharp driving the tractor. The Cracker Jack Farms gave carriage rides to many. At the library was magician Mark Parsons, singing our history by Nan Hoffman and Joe Lumina, and a historical show and tell by historian Patricia Pihl. There was a pie contest with 17 entries, and a beautiful baby Contest in the firehall. Then, the dog show was held in the Sinclairville Firehall. More than 100 cars participated in the Classic Car, Truck and Cycle Cruise-in led by Brad Blizzard, along with the antique tractor display. The day 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, June Woollett, Diane Shaw, Charles Sylvester, Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson, Linda Parmenter, Beth Hadley, Helen Runge, Phil and Sherry Shay, Dean Houser, Victor Richardson, Evelyn Thorndike, John Sipos, and Bill and Judy Hulett for their hours of work to make this event a success.

A special thanks to the village of Sinclairville, the town of Charlotte, the Sinclairville Fire Department, Jordan Forest Products, Fredrickson Builders Supply, Gay Mark Tire and Wheel, Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280, Fanchon Fuller, Art Anderson, and the many donors for their financial assistance. The 2022 History Fair will be held on the second Saturday in September.