From 4-H to Ferris wheels: Niagara County Fair brings affordable family fun

This year’s fair highlights tradition, celebrating America’s 250th birthday, alongside new entertainment & foods

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County press release

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County is gearing up for an exciting five days at the Niagara County Fair in Lockport from Aug. 5-9.

"With roots dating back to the 1850s, the Niagara County Fair is one of the oldest traditions in the Western New York region, but this traditional fair is packed with lots of new entertainment and attractions," said Amanda Henning, CCE Niagara interim executive director. "The fair boasts loads of traditional fair activities such as 4-H animal shows, rides, and market vendors. With everything else going up in price, CCE Niagara knows a fun weekend shouldn't break the bank."

Known for affordability and classic family fun, the Niagara County Fair's prices are some of the lowest in the region. Tickets are $12 at the gate for everyone ages 7 and up. Kids ages 6 and under are always free, as is parking. There are discounts for first responders, veterans and families on Sunday, Aug. 9, to help keep costs down further.

For fairgoers who want to get in on the action, and maybe take home a ribbon themselves, there are competitions to enter for every interest. These include:

√ Pie, cookies, and homemade wine and cider competitions

√ Garden planter competition

√ Amateur photography contest

√ Karaoke contest

√ Paul Bunyan competitions

√ The “Bucket of Junk” sculpture contest and “Fair-ly New” ice cream flavor contest are now closed but winners can be seen (and tasted) throughout the Niagara County Fair.

In between the competitions, and rides provided by Main Event Amusements, fairgoers can relax and be entertained. Headlining entertainment includes:

√ Jacob Drop (Juggling Jake Harter)

√ Elijah Edwards

√ Nerds Gone Wild

√ Nickel City Blue Band

√ Mike Randall & Friends Puppets and Magic

√ Buffalo Zoomobile

√ School of Rock

√ The UP guys

Returning this year is the Taste of the Fair. This experience lets visitors try smaller portions of vendor’s favorites foods for just $3. Last year’s winner, Audley’s Caribbean Food, took home the prize for its flavorful bites Vendors competing for this year’s honor include: The Roast Beast, Lumos & Nox lemonade, We R Nuts, Eastern Pearl, and Bean’s Smokehouse.

For more information on the Niagara County Fair, visit www.niagaracountyfair.com.

For more information on how CCE puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being, call 716-433-8839 or visit www.cceniagaracounty.org.