Photograph by Susan Sipos At the Sinclairville 26th annual History Fair, the Memorial service prior to the parade was conducted by David Christy, former village mayor and now village trustee Dean Houser, historical society treasurer John Sipos, Sinclairville Mayor James Kianos, and Pastor Brandon Mecham.

SINCLAIRVILLE — The 26th annual History Fair was held in Sinclairville, the “heart of the county.” At the same time, the Sinclairville Library celebrated its 25th year in its new building. Sinclairville was founded in 1809. The event is sponsored by the Village of Sinclairville, the town of Charlotte, The Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Valley Historical Society. The historical society is the official historical organization of the Cassadaga Valley area, and was organized in 1977.

The late John and Ruth Smith wanted the history of the Cassadaga Valley preserved and formed the historical society. The museum is located at the corner of Main and Lester Streets in the Sinclairville village, and the Library is located on Main Street as well. .

This year, former village mayor and now a village trustee, Dean Houser took charge of this special event working with Valley Historical President Larry Barmore to line up the vendors, the musical groups, crafters and food stands. It was in 1999 that Barmore approached the village officials and wanted to try a history fair, which has continued to this day.

During the day, which began at 7 a.m., the village was filled with hundreds of people who took part in one or more of the many activities. The day’s activities lasted until the special fireworks display by Young’s Explosives at the village ballpark at 9 p.m.

At 7 a.m., the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels personnel held a pancake breakfast in the fire hall dining room. At 10 a.m., a Memorial Service was held with Master of Ceremonies David Christy giving a history for the community and nation. The Memorial Service then continued with Pastor Brandon Mecham presenting more history and then a prayer.

John Sipos, who has served as the society’s treasurer for 26 years led all in the pledge to the American Flag. Sipos gave a brief history of the Pledge of Allegiance before leading all in the pledge. Isabella Dutton sang the National Anthem with her wonderful voice. Houser then gave the history of the historical events and read a copy of the history fair events for the day, and led all in the Lord’s Prayer. Keith Barmore set up his sound system for announcements. Doug Goodwill was in charge of parade registration.

The grand parade began after 10 a.m. The Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Sons of the American Legion Honor Guard carried the flags. The honor guard included Diman Smith, Josh Spinler and Ben Tadt. The American Legion Auxiliary followed. Following was a New York State Police Car and one of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s cars.

Following were the Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel passing out candy. Next was a Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels van. The Samaritan House was represented with a car driven by Neil Burns. Bob Sharp was next driving a tractor pulling a wagon with the Cassadaga Valley School Varsity, JV and modified volleyball team. Amanda Myles was next driving CVCS faculty and staff. Dave Richir and his wife Tina were next with a Valley Motorsports float. The WRAP program, before and after school programs at the Park Church, was next.

Casella Waste Management was next with a 2024 mini packer. The next float was the small engine repair located on Church Street. The Cassadaga Job Corps was next with a sign “we are still open.” Following were tractors from the Kelly Farm and the Reed Farm. Then Glenn Fisher driving a 1956 Farmall 300, a 79 Trans Am driven by Sarah Fischer, and a 1993 Oldsmobile convertible driven by Helen Runge. More old cars, and the Cracker Jack Farms Carriage. Following were firetrucks from Gerry, Ellington, Frewsburg, and Sinclairville including the 1934 Chevrolet Pumper. Next were Rolls Ranch horses and riders

During the day, the museum was open for visitors, and inside were Susan Sipos spinning yarn on her spinning wheel, historical secretary Evelyn Thorndike crocheting “a rather difficult pattern,” and Sheryl Christy, Lois Anderson, Peggy Maloy and June Woollett inside the museum with activities. Inside the museum was a display of Bill Frost memorabilia donated by Lucille Frost, which included some of his ropes, shirts, hats and many photographs. Those attending had the opportunity to walk through the park seeing the many vendors of crafters and food, the musical groups of The Rustic Ramblers, the Scroggins, and DJ KT Stylez. Visitors had the opportunity to ride on the Cracker Jack Farms carriage, and take a cemetery tour riding on another of the Cracker Jack Farm wagons with narrator Betty Jean Ridout. In the Sinclairville library were activities for the 25th anniversary celebration. The Library building is 25 years old, and the library itself dates back to 1894. Beth Hadley is the librarian. The Awesome Bouncer was available for all. Helium balloons were passed out to many by Allen and Hope Fredrickson.

Tracy McDonald was in charge of the many vendors. Judy Porpiglia was in charge of the “Grandma’s Fruit Pie” contest, with the pie winners being Jean Myles, Peggy Maloy, Wendy Imm, Helen Runge, and Amanda Aiken. Lori Brockelbank was in charge of the dog show with prizes donated by Ralston Purina Co. The beautiful baby contest was held in the firehall with Ryan NIckerson and Tracy McDonald in charge. The classic car and cycle cruise-in was conducted by Chuck Cichon and Clara Wilder. Jim Prince was in charge of the 50-50 drawing. Strate Welding provided helium for the many balloons given to the children. The Pickle Ball event was conducted by Dave and Jill Lawson.

The noon chicken barbecue by the Sinclairville Fire Department, was held in the firehall dining room. Food vendors in the park included the 3C’s, Warren Reed Ice Cream, Fried Dough, Dan Bennis Italian Sausage, Bubba’s Pizza, and Fowler’s Taffy.

Many thanks to the Village of Sinclairville for the printed posters, the Village of Sinclairville maintenance staff, the Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Department, Tyler Worden, June Woollett, Susan Sipos, Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson, Dean Houser, Evelyn Thorndike, Sheryl Christy, and Laura Bardo, for the many 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, and the many who provided financial assistance for this event. Thank you to the many businesses who provided the many gift cards for prizes. Thank you to Herb and Edith Best for their patriotic decorations for the museum.