Sinclairville celebrates its 27th annual History Fair
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SINCLAIRVILLE -- The 27th annual History Fair was held in Sinclairville, the “heart of the county.” 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.
This year, former village mayor and now a village trustee, Dean Houser was in charge of this special event to arrange for the vendors, the musical groups, crafters and food stands. It was in 1999 that the late historical society president Larry 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 Dean Houser giving a history for the community and nation, and remembering the day 9/11/2001. The Memorial Service then continued with Rev. James D. Bailey presenting more history and then a prayer. John Sipos, who has served as the society’s treasurer for 27 years, remembered the late Larry Barmore who was in charge of this event for 26 years, then 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. Eliana Katilus and Quinn Johnson sang the National Anthem with their wonderful voices. Houser then gave the history of the historical events and reading a copy of the history fair events for the day, and led all in the Lord's Prayer. Town of Charlotte Supervisor Frank Lauricella read a proclamation from the town. Keith Barmore set up his sound system for announcements. Victoria Goodwill and the Goodwill family were 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. Then the Chautauqua County Sheriff Department and the New York State Police Department cars followed. Following them were the Chautauqua County Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendell passing out candy. Next was a Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels van. Following was a 1949 WD Allis Chalmers tractor driven by Lewis Higgs Jr. in memory of the late Bob Sharp. Bob Sharp drove tractors for many years in the parade. Then following were walkers of Cassadaga Valley Central School Faculty and next was a tractor pulling a wagon with the Cassadaga Valley School Midget Football Team and Cheerleaders. The WRAP program, before and after school programs at the Park Church, was next. Sprinkles the clown followed, passing out candy. Following was a 2007 Kawasaki driven by Hank Anderson. Then a 1979 TransAm driven by Sarah Fischer and a 2011 Ford Mustang driven by the Millwards. Following was a 1989 Ford F-150 driven by Jakob Higgs.
Then a 1957 Chevrolet 3100 truck driven by Roger Palmer. The Sinclairville Small Engine Repair truck was next. Then a Farmall 300 tractor driven by Glenn Fischer, and a 1970 160 Allis Chalmers driven by Pat Kelly. Jeff Crossley drove his 1949 John Deere M tractor. Following were Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department Trucks, Gerry Volunteer Fire Department Trucks, Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Department Trucks and the 1934 Chevrolet Firetruck of Sinclairville. Cowboy Maverick was in his wagon pulled by his horse Gumby. Then from Windy Creek Farms was registered pony Dartmoor driven by Everly, Scarlett and Ryder Cybart. Then the Cracker Jack Farms Carriage.
During the day, the museum was open for visitors, and inside were Susan Sipos, historical secretary Evelyn Thorndike crocheting “a rather difficult pattern,” President Sheryl Christy, Peggy Maloy, Ann Hellman and June Woollett with activities. Inside the museum was a display of Bill Frost memorabilia donated by Lucille Frost, which included some of his ropes, shirts, hat 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 Dragon Fire. 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. In the Sinclairville library, activities included face painting. The Library building is 26 years old, and the library itself dates back to 1894. Beth Hadley is the librarian. The Awesome Bouncer was available for all.
Tracy McDonald was in charge of the many vendors. Judy Porpiglia was in charge of the “Grandma’s Fruit Pie” contest. Lori Brockelbank was in charge of the dog show with prizes donated by Nest;e Purina Co. The beautiful baby contest was held in the firehall with Clara Wilder and Tracy McDonald in charge. The classic car and cycle cruise-in was conducted by Chuck Cichon. Helen Runge was in charge of the 50-50 drawing.
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 Catering, Cups and Cones Ice Cream, Fried Dough, 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, Peggy Maloy, Dean Houser, Evelyn Thorndike, and Sheryl Christy for the many hours of work to make this event a success. Thanks to Sheryl Christy, Peggy Maloy, Clara Wilder and Harold Christy for cleaning the museum prior to this event.
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.