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Genesee County Fair

48th Annual GC 4-H Market Animal Auction is July 19 at the fair

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The  48th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held Thursday, July 19, at the Genesee County Fair.

The auction begins at 7 p.m. in the main show ring.

New this year, 4-H members will be selling market chickens and dairy steers.

The auction will feature approximately 28 lots of market chickens, 10 goats, 19 lambs, 29 beef steers, two dairy steers and 44 hogs.

There will be a complementary buyers' dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Auction supporters will receive buyer’s dinner meal tickets after registering for a buyer’s number.

Special thanks to William Kent and Family for providing 48 years of support of the 4-H Market Animal Auction Program.

For more information, contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Talented? Showcase it at the Genesee County Fair Talent Show July 21, for ages 6 and up

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Searching for talented children and adults! The Genesee County Fair Talent show is July 21st and anyone age 6 and older is invited to participate. 

There will be cash prizes as well as prize bags containing passes to local attractions and toys for the first-, second- and third-place winners of both the Mini Division (ages 6-12) and the Maxi Division (ages 13 and older).

The link to register is: http://www.gcfair.com/participate-at-the-fair/talent-show/ 

Please email liftschoolofmusic@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Genesee County Fair 4-H schedule announced

By Billie Owens

Here's the 2018 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule.

**Schedule is tentative and subject to change** 

Monday, July 16

9 a.m.:  4-H Horse Show – English Classes (Horse Ring)

9 a.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Goat Show (Show Ring)

11 a.m.:  4-H Beef Cattle Show (Show Ring)

1 p.m.:  4-H Rabbit Showmanship (Merton Building)

Tuesday, July 17

9 a.m.:  4-H Horse Show – Western Classes (Horse Ring)

9 a.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Hog Show (Show Ring)

12 p.m.: 4-H Market Animal Auction Lamb Show (Show Ring)

1 p.m.:  4-H Poultry Showmanship (Merton Building)

4 p.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Dairy Steer Show (Show Ring)

5 p.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Beef Steer Show (Show Ring)

6 p.m.:  4-H Rabbit Show (Merton Building)

Wednesday, July 18

9 a.m.:  4-H Meat & Dairy Goat Show (Show Ring)

12 p.m.:  4-H Sheep Show (Show Ring)

4 p.m.:  4-H Hog Show (Show Ring)

Thursday, July 19

9 a.m.:  4-H Horse Show – Gymkhana Classes

9 a.m.:  4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Show Ring)

5:30 p.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Buyer’s Dinner

6:45 p.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Awards

7 p.m.:  4-H Market Animal Auction Sale Begins (Show Ring)

Friday, July 20

10 a.m.:  4-H Livestock Costume Contest (Show Ring)

3:30 p.m.:  4-H Cloverbud Show (Show Ring)

5:30 p.m.:  4-H Tractor Driving Contest

Saturday, July 21

3 p.m.:  4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest

4 p.m.:  4-H Market Animal Master Showmanship Contest (Show Ring) 

Christian music will be featured entertainment at 'Faith at the Fair' July 17 -- bring kids and bicycles!

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Annual Faith at the Fair event will held at the Genesee County Fair from 4 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17.

This will be an evening of Spirit filled music.

Admission to this event and the Fair itself is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

Featured will be area musicians and worship teams.
 
Taking the stage at 4 p.m. will be Salt Of Earth, followed by In The HouseJonathan and JonathanHigh Point Worship Band, Dave Holnbeck and Friends.
 
Buffalo-based contemporary gospel group, New Season will close the evening.
 
Sign-language interpreters will be signing between and during performances, and Pastor Tim Young will deliver a message.
 
Local churches and ministries will be represented along with R2R youth ministry and Care-A-Van.
 
R2R is a bicycle ministry that will be on hand to do safety checks, minor bike repairs and tune-ups. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids and bikes. R2R will also be announcing 2018 Youth Camp "Building Bridges."
 
This is an all ages and family friendly event.

The 179th GC Fair is July 16-21 with demolition derby, fun rides, tractor pulls, 4-H, band battles and more

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia – The annual Genesee County Fair returns for its 179th year on July 16 – 21. This year’s fair will include a demolition derby, cowgirl couture barrel racing, an Empire State Pullers tractor pull, an expanded midway with nearly 20 rides and a host of other exciting changes and events to be enjoyed by the whole family.

New this year, the fair will be giving away tickets to the demolition derby and tractor pull on their Facebook page in the weeks leading up to the fair. Anyone wishing to win tickets can reply to a trivia question on the fair’s Facebook page for a chance.

The fair is also hosting a Battle of the Bands on Thursday night, July 19. Several local bands will go head-to-head in the musical competition, with the winner playing the main stage on Friday night. The fair is pleased to announce the return of the talent show on July 21.

One of the longest consecutively running county fair in New York State is a short drive from both Rochester and Buffalo. Admission is $5 per carload, also making it one of the more affordable family activities of the summer.

Since 1839, Upstate New York families have attended the annual fair at the Genesee County Fairgrounds to enjoy classic fair foods, meet and greet with animals (more than 800 will be at the fair this year!), hop on the kids' rides and more.

Attendees of the six-day fair will be treated to live music at Faith at the Fair on July 17, Under the Gun on July 21, as well as the winner of the battle of the bands competition on July 20, a creative container garden contest, and chainsaw carvings. There will also be 4-H animal shows, tractor pulls, car shows, draft horse shows, stock car racing, a Fair Queen pageant and more.  

Event Highlights:

7/16 -- Emergency Responder Night and Grande Parade through the Fairgrounds

7/17 -- Senior Citizens' Day and Midway opens, Faith at the Fair

7/18 -- Children’s Day, 4H and Fair Queen Pageant

7/19 -- Veterans' Day at the Fair, Battle of the Bands and Special Stock Car races

7/20 -- Grand Demolition Derby and Cowgirl Couture Barrel Racing

7/21 -- Bring Your Tractor to the Fair: all day tractor pulls, Empire State Pullers, Talent Show

For a complete list of events, visit gcfair.com/fair-schedule/. To keep up-to-date on the latest happenings of the fair, visit the Genesee County Fair’s Facebook page.

The fair is also accepting applications for both sponsors and volunteers. For more information visit gcfair.com

Parking is available in the fairgrounds and admission is $5 per carload. The Genesee County Fairgrounds are located at 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

179th GC Fair seeks exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and creative contestants

By Billie Owens

Press releases:C

Genesee County Fair Seeks Exhibitors

2018 marks the 179th anniversary of the Genesee County Fair – one of New York’s longest consecutively running county fairs. It will run from July 16-21.

We are a short drive from both Rochester and Buffalo. The Genesee County Fair is seeking exhibitors for our home (domestics) department.

Items that can be entered, include Flowers, Needlework, Arts & Crafts, Culinary (Jams, Jellies etc…), Vegetables and Antiques. There is also a junior department to get the youth involved! The Home Department is open to people of all ages and abilities!

You do not have to be a pro to enter an exhibit! If you think that you would be interested in submitting exhibits for the week of Fair, please visit gcfair.com and download the 2018 Fair Premium Book and fill out the Home Department Entry Form.

Be sure to mail your entry form with payment by July 11th to:  26 Spencer Court, Batavia, NY 14020.

Volunteers and Sponsors Wanted

With your help, we hope to make 2018 a memorable year for the fair by adding more new and exciting events. We would like to extend a personal invitation to become a volunteer and or a sponsor of the fair.

Volunteers are needed not only during fair week, but also the week before and the week after the fair. Many hands make light work!

Becoming a sponsor of the fair is a great way to promote your business to thousands of fairgoers who live and work in Genesee County and visit the fair every year.

If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a sponsor of the fair, go to our Fair’s website gcfair.com to download all of the forms and to obtain contact info.

New This Year: Hay/Straw Bale Decorating Contest

For this year’s Fair, we would like to include a Hay/Straw Bale Decorating Contest.

The contest will be open to individuals, as well as businesses and community organizations. Each hay/straw bale must be provided by the contestant.

Any size bale may be used – large or small you can decorate it all!  Entries will be judged by fairgoers throughout the week of fair, July 16-21.

They will be encouraged to judge on eye appeal, construction and creativity!

Hay/Straw bales must be delivered to the Exhibition Building at the Fair between 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 15th.

Decorations must be of good clean wholesome fun, no vulgar or suggestive decorations will be allowed.

Hay/Straw bales must be removed from the Fair by 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 22nd.

Participate in the Genesee County Fair’s Hay/Straw Bale Decorating Contest to show your stuff!

Visit gcfair.com.

Mobile Container Gardens are Wanted for Display Contest

It’s time to get creative! The Container Garden Contest means it's time to get out, be more active, and use your green thumb to win bragging rights!

This contest is open to all residents, businesses and organizations of Genesee County.

This year's Container Garden Contest theme is "Everything But the Kitchen Sink." You can grow herbs, vegetables, flowers, and indigenous plants in your container. You can show off your creativity at its finest!

Put your dazzling decor items on display, including sculptures, fountains, and repurposed works of art! Let imagination, creativity, and ingenuity triumph over size! Even with limited space, the possibilities are endless with containers.

This contest is for both new and experienced gardeners. There's even a category for kids! Containers can be anything imaginable, as long as they are mobile such as, buckets, wheelbarrows, funky pots & upcycled/recycled items.

So if you're ready to bring fresh, new life and beauty to your Genesee County Fair, then we say ... Grow For It! Entries must be received at the Fair by 4 p.m. on July 15th and picked up by 4 p.m. on July 22nd.

Entries will be on display in the Exhibition Building during the week of Fair. Winners will be selected by members of the CCE Master Gardeners and Fairgoers votes.

For more information and entry form please visit www.GCFAIR.com

4-H Program seeks volunteer judges for Kennedy Building Exhibits and Livestock Costume Contest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia  – The Genesee County 4-H Program is seeking volunteer judges for the following events at this year’s Genesee County Fair:

  • Kennedy Building Exhibits, Sunday July 15 from noon until 5 p.m. Help us judge youth exhibits in following categories: Horticulture, Creative Writing, Baked Goods, Sewing and more!
  • 4-H Livestock Costume Contest -- Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. 4-H’ers will be dressing their project animals up in fun costumes & accessories; help us decide who is the most creative, most humorous, has the best craftsmanship, the best team, and overall champion!

Interested in helping? Contact Brandie or Jessica for more details, 343-3040 or email genesee4h@cornell.edu

GC Fair welcomes student applications for $1,000 scholarships

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Fair announces today that up to seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded across New York State to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college.

The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and the New York State Showpeople’s Association sponsor the scholarships.

Qualifying students must be active at the Genesee County Fair, or with the New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA). All applicants from Genesee County must submit their applications through the Genesee County Fair, or the NYSSA, no later than Friday, April 13.

Information is available at the Genesee County Fair office (Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia) through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County and from local high school offices. Applications must be printed and completed from the Web at www.nyfairs.org.

For more information, contact Alton MacDuffie at the Genesee County Fair at (585) 752-3600.

Photos: Demo Derby at Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens

It was standing room only, with as many as 70 cars entered, for the 2017 Demolition Derby at the Genesee County Fair on Friday night.

Sponsored Post: Today is Farm Bureau & Bring Your Tractor to the Fair Day at the Genesee County Fair

By Lisa Ace

Saturday, July 22nd - Farm Bureau Day & Bring Your Tractor to the Fair Day

  • 8:30am NIOGA Colored Breed Show (Show Ring)
  • 9am NIOGA Holstein/Open Class Dairy Show (Show Ring)
  • 9am ECYSS - Youth Breed Show (Old Draft Horse Barn)
  • 10am FARM STOCK TRACTOR - Bring Your Tractor!!
  • Enhanced Tractor * Garden Pullers (GRANDSTAND)
  • 10am EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
  • 1pm 4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest (4-H Goat Barn) 
  • 1pm - 11pm Midway Open (Amusement Area)
  • 12pm Cowgirl Couture - Barrel Racing (Horse Ring)
  • 2pm 4-H Vegetable Contest (Kennedy Building)
  • 2:30pm 4-H Rabbit Knowledge Contest (Merton Building)
  • 3:30pm Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building)
  • 4pm 4-H Market Animal Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)
  • 6pm 4-H Scavenger Hunt (Kennedy Building)
  • 6:30pm Empire State Pullers Tractor Pulls (GRANDSTAND)
  • 8pm -12am - Divided by Zero - Band (Entertainment Tent)
  • 8pm 4-H Non-Market Animals - Beef, Goat, Sheep & Swine Released
  • 8pm 4-H Non-Animal Exhibits Released

*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*

DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE. 
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.

Photos: 4-H Livestock Auction at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens

Among the grand champions auctioning off their livestock last night at the Genesee County Fair's annual 4-H auction was Morgan Hofeins, of Attica (top photo), and Hudson Weber (second photo).

Sponsored Post: Today is Community Day & Thrill Night at the Genesee County Fair

By Lisa Ace

Friday, July 21st - Community Day & Thrill Night

  • 9am ECYSS - Showmanship Clinic (Old Draft Horse Barn)
  • 10am 4-H Beef Cattle Judging Contest (4-H Beef Barn)
  • 10am EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
  • 11am ECYSS - Judging Clinic (Old Draft Horse Barn)
  • 12pm 4-H Livestock Costume Contest (Show Ring)
  • 1pm - 11pm Midway Open (Amusement Area)
  • 2pm ECYSS - Showmanship (Old Draft Horse Barn)
  • 4pm ECYSS - Fitting Clinic (Old Draft Horse Barn)
  • 5:30pm 4-H Tractor Driving Contest - Via Pre-Registration (Kennedy Building)
  • 5:30pm - 10pm Under the Gun - band (Entertainment Tent)
  • 6pm NIOGA Jr. Showmanship (Show Ring)
  • 7pm COUNTY FAIR GRAND DEMOLITION DERBY (Grandstand)
  • 8pm Cowgirl Couture - Barrel Racing (Horse Ring)
  • 10pm - Exhibit halls & buildings close

*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*

DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE. 
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.​

Photos: Genesee County Fair on Wednesday

By Jack Keenan

Another great sunny day at the Genesee County Fair. You really need to come check it out, so many more events and activites to enjoy. 

Highlight's of today's activities include the 4-H dairy cattle show, the 4-H livestock auction, Karaoke, and stock-car races at the Genesee Speedway. For a complete schedule, click here.

Sponsored Post: Today is Veteran’s Day at the Genesee County Fair

By Lisa Ace

Thursday, June 20 - Veteran’s Day at the Fair

  • 9am 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Show Ring)
  • 9am Open Sheep Show (Old Draft Horse Barn)
  • 9am 4-H Horse Show - Games, Gymkhana Classes (Horse Ring)
  • 10am EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
  • 2pm 4-H Goat & Sheep Quiz Bowl (Merton Building)
  • 5-10pm Midway Opens (Amusement Area)
  • 5:30-7pm 4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner (Kennedy Building)
  • 7pm Genesee Speedway SPECIAL STOCK CAR RACES (Grandstand)
  • 7pm Karaoke (Entertainment Tent)
  • 7pm 4-H Market Animal Auction (Show Ring)
  • 7pm 4-H Horses Released
  • 10pm - Exhibit halls & buildings close

*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*

DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE. 
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.​

51 Genesee County 4-H exhibits to be showcased at NY State Fair

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: 2017 State Fair selections in the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.)

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to thank all of the local 4-H members who entered exhibits in the 2017 Genesee County Fair.

We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, judges, family and friends who came to support our youth; we could not do it without you!

There were so many great exhibits to choose from and they will be on display in the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds now through Saturday, July 22.

Congratulations to the following Genesee County 4-H members whose exhibits have been selected to advance to the New York State Fair, which will take place in Syracuse Aug. 23- Sept. 4.

For more information about the New York State Fair visit: http://nysfair.org/  

Section B – Educational Exhibits

  • Renee Chapell – “How Music Affects Your Mood”
  • Steven Zocco – President Lincoln Diorama

Section C – Communications and Expressive Arts

  • Melissa Keller – Poster of the Circulatory System
  • Melissa Keller – Business Plan – “Keller Pork”
  • Gabriella Zocco – “Caring for Pigs” Diorama 

Section DA – Food and Nutrition

  • Mae Grimes – Maple Syrup
  • Melissa Keller – Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Melissa Keller – Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Caroline Luft – Gluten Free Muffins
  • Clare Mathes – Blueberry Muffins
  • Teagan Mathes – Blueberry Pie
  • Maggie Winspear – Lemon Zucchini Bread

Section DB – Fine Arts and Crafts 

  • Clare Mathes – Watercolor Painting with Sailboat
  • Corrine Rhoads – Cat Perler Beads “Corrine’s Cat Creations”
  • Mary Sweeney – Charcoal Cow Portrait
  • Mary Sweeney – Acrylic Painting of Landscape with Barn

Section DC – Hobby Crafts and Home Environment

  • Amelia Brewer – Hand Painted Decorative Rocks
  • Jillian Brewer – Quilt
  • Cole Carlson – Metal Chicken Feeder
  • Katie Ewert – Decorative Picture Frame with Boot
  • Melissa Keller – 4-H Ribbon Quilt
  • Aubrianna Martinez – Owl Pillow
  • Eva Rhoads – Ribbon Chandelier 

Section DE – Textiles & Clothing

  • Clare Mathes – Chicken Feed Bag with Pocket
  • Caroline Pelton – Retro Dress
  • Mason Werth – Rope Halter

Section E – Visual Arts and Photography

  • Melissa Keller – Photo of Easter Table
  • Melissa Keller – Photo of Rye Field
  • Melissa Keller – Dog Portrait 
  • Georgia Luft – Photo of Chickens 
  • Alexandria Tarbell – Rustic Rider Club Logo Design
  • Colton Tarbell – PowerPoint Presentation on RC Vehicles 

Section F – Horticulture

  • Jillian Brewer – Fairy Garden in Wagon
  • Mae Grimes – Floral Design
  • Melissa Keller – Chicken Feeder Container Garden
  • Melissa Keller – Galvanized Bucket Container Garden
  • Melissa Keller – Terra Cotta Pot with Pig Transfer Container Garden
  • Melissa Keller – Container Garden 
  • Melissa Keller – Fairy Garden in Wagon
  • Georgia Luft – Fairy Garden in Suitcase 
  • Hudson Luft – Fairy Garden in Crate
  • Alexandria Tarbell – Rhubarb
  • Alexandria Tarbell – Marimo (Houseplant Aquarium) 
  • Evan Winspear – Celosia

Section M – Veterinary Science

  • Melissa Keller – Field Guide of Endangered Species

Cloverbuds – For Display Only

  • Layla Baker – Bug House
  • Aiden Hyman – Poster of Kentacloth
  • Levi Miller – Hunting Poster
  • Michael Shisler – Star Drawing
  • Otto Uberty – Tie-Dye T-Shirt
  • Wyatt Uberty – Bandana Pillow

Photos: Tuesday at the Genesee County Fair

By Jack Keenan

Here are some of the sights from the second day of the Genesee County Fair.

Today's events:

  • 9am Open Draft Horse Show - Halter Class (Horse Ring)
  • 10am 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest (4-H Dairy Barn)
  • 10am EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
  • 10am-2pm Home Depot Kid’s DYI Workshop (Entertainment Tent)
  • 12pm 4-H Sheep Show (Show Ring)
  • 12:30pm Small Fry Tractor Pill (Exhibition Building)
  • 1pm Open Draft Horse Show - Hitch Class (Horse Ring)
  • 1-4pm Midway Opens for Special Kid’s Day - $5 Ride Wrist Bands (Amusement Area)
  • 2-4pm Balloon Animal Demonstrations (Exhibition Building)
  • 4-10pm Midway Open (Amusement Area)
  • 5pm 4-H Hog Show (Show Ring) 
    Open Swine Show to follow 4-H (Show Ring)
  • 6pm Fair Queen Pageant (Entertainment Tent Stage)
  • 6pm 4-H Poultry (Merton Building)
  • 7:30pm 4-H Barn Dance (Show Ring)
  • 10pm - Exhibit halls & buildings close

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