On Saturday the Sinclairville History Fair will be celebrating the library’s 25 years at its current location, as part of its annual celebration.

SINCLAIRVILLE LIBRARY

According to Lisa Greeley, a volunteer with the library, the Sinclairville Library is the “oldest library in the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library system,” as it was established in 1894.

It was founded by the Rev. E.P. McElroy. His picture hangs in the library today.

Pictured is the interior of the Sinclairville Library.

The library had been in the basement of what is now the Community Building/Village Hall.

“It was notoriously cold and damp,” said Hugh Tranum who ended up being the chairman of the building committee when the library was constructed.

Tranum helped fundraise an addition for the YMCA but after that experience was hesitant to be involved in another building experience.

But he went to a committee meeting and then another. And soon he ended up fully involved. “It was remarkable to see (committee members’) excitement and energy to work on something they see as a part of their responsibility to their community,” Tranum said.

Tranum said the committee sought grants, but also raised money and donated themselves. “There was some state and federal money but the vast majority was fundraising – donations and all the things groups do to raise money. It was a grass roots effort,” he said.

Their efficiency in the end paid off. “It was probably the most functionally, efficient group of people I’ve ever worked with. It came in under budget and ahead of schedule,” he said.

There was an architect and a contractor who did the majority of the work. Some community members were involved in painting and installing carpeting.

The history fair runs all day on Saturday. That day at the library, there will be a Live Animal Encounter from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the Audubon Society, with face painting. From 2-4 p.m. will be a meet and greet with some local authors. At 4 p.m. will be the official 25th Anniversary Celebration complete with refreshments.

HISTORY FAIR EVENTS

While there’s plenty going on at the Sinclairville Library Saturday, the History Fair has a number of other events for the community.

The grand parade will take place at 10 a.m. “For the parade, we’re looking for some classic cars, tractors, marching, fire trucks, whatever,” explained Dean Houser, the chairman of the fair. Interested participants are invited to contact Doug Goodwill at 716-450-2228.

Grandma’s Fruit Pie contest takes place at 11 a.m. at the Sinclairville Fire Hall. Registration forms are available at the Library or at the Superette grocery store.

There will be a Beautiful Baby Contest for children 2 years and under also at the Fire Hall at 11 a.m. No preregistration is required.

A pickleball tournament will take place at 11 a.m. at the village park. In case of rain, the pickleball tournament will be moved to Park Church’s new gym. The tournament will be a “round robbin’ format and is free to the first eight teams. To sign up, text 716-969-6073.

There will be an All-breeds dog show at 1 p.m. at the fire hall.

At 2 p.m. a tour will be given at the Historic Evergreen Cemetery.

In terms of food, the 76ers will be hosting their breakfast fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Then at 11:30 p.m. will be a chicken barbecue by the library and fire department.

Throughout the day will be horse-drawn wagon rides as well as bounce houses for children. There will also be a craft show with more than 30 vendors.

There will be plenty of music as well. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. will be The Scroggins at the Bandstand. From 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. will be the Rustic Ramblers at the Church Street Tent. In the evening will be D.J. KT Stylez for a Street Dance in the tent.

The History Fair wraps up with fireworks in the evening.

This is the History Fair’s 26th celebration.