Hawley: audit shows improvements needed to veterans’ housing program
Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia), a veteran and one of the longest-serving members of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is calling for improvements to New York’s access to Home for Heroes and other veterans programs after a recent audit by Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found significant administrative delays, inadequate oversight and poor outreach that prevented funding from reaching disabled veterans.
The audit found that only 36% of the program’s $3.3 million in contract funding was spent during the audit period, while many counties with large populations of disabled veterans were either unaware of the program or did not apply for available funding. Since the program’s creation in 2015, only about 31% of the $19.6 million allocated to the program has been spent.
“Our disabled veterans answered the call to serve our country, and they deserve a government that keeps its promises to them,” said Hawley. “After serving on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since I first took office, I know these programs can make a real difference in veterans’ lives. When funding sits unused because of poor oversight and inadequate outreach, the people who pay the price are the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.”
The audit also found repeated failures to meet project deadlines, inadequate monitoring of local administrators and insufficient marketing efforts that left many eligible veterans unaware assistance was available.
“We owe our veterans more than our gratitude. We owe them action,” Hawley said. “The state should implement the comptroller’s recommendations, strengthen oversight and ensure these resources reach every eligible veteran who needs them. No veteran should have to fight bureaucracy to receive the support they have earned.”
President abuses emergency powers to sidestep compliant Congress
Editor:
President Trump has usurped the Constitutional authority of Congress by declaring emergencies where none exist. These actions align with Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt who argued that the power in a democracy can be exploited by using emergencies to create exceptions to the rule-based Constitutional order.
Republicans, including Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Congressman Nick Langworthy, have not only acquiesced, but have enthusiastically encouraged this behavior.
Mr. Trump has declared emergencies, where none exist, to deploy troops to American cities. Declaring an emergency, again where none exist, to levy tariffs. Tariffs are taxes, we the people pay, bypassing our representation.
Mr. Trump has declared that there was an imminent threat from Iran to justify military action, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that indicated Iran had not started a nuclear weapons program, contradicting any imminent threat claims.
Mr. Schmitt also wrote that self-determination should be erased. That the individuals should be one with the state. This explains why any criticisms of Mr. Trump or his administration is seen as criticism of the state; as Mr. Trump says, “the free press is the enemy of the people.”
It is interesting that Vice President J.D. Vance cited Carl Schmitt in an interview with Ross Douthat. This explains the recent court documents where government lawyers told the judge that this administration has withheld millions of Congressional approved funds from states for purely political reasons. States that didn’t vote for Mr. Trump need to be punished by withholding moneys for disaster relief, healthcare and education.
Our Constitution gives the power of the purse, and right to declare war to the people through their Congressional representatives. As a result of Ms. Tenney’s and Mr. Langworthy’s actions their constituents have higher gas prices, higher grocery prices, increased unemployment, weakening GDP, inflation and above all pervasive corruption throughout the government.
Ms. Tenney and Mr. Langworthy are surrendering their responsibility and our Constitutional democracy to give Mr. Trump the authorities of a king.
William Fine
Brockport
Winner consumes eight ears of corn in fair contest
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Madison Flor, left, downed eight ears of corn to win the corn-on-the-cob eating contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair to take first place. Next to her are Reagan Flor and Jericho Hartman.
KNOWLESVILLE – The second annual corn-on-the-cob eating contest was a highlight at opening night Monday of the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Nine entrants signed up to participate, with Madison Flor, 26, winning by eating eight ears in the allotted time.
Youngest competitor was Miriam Richardson, 3, whose head could barely be seen above the table.
The contest is a new feature, having been started last year to replace the pie-eating contest. Corn was donated by Rush’s Farm Market in Carlton.
Nine contestants signed up to participate in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest Monday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. From left are Stephanie Taylor (not visible), Anthony Snell, Miriam Richardson, Robert Richardson, Lane Richardson, Madison Flor, Reagan Flor, Jericho Hartman and Mitch Schaffer (behind contest organizer Kayla Dengler).
This is just one of the changes in programming at the fair, according to Robert Batt, a life-long 4-H’er and director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
One change will be the elimination of fireworks this year. Instead, the fair is planning a laser light show, pending approval from the FAA, Batt said.
“Everybody has fireworks,” he said. “And they are disruptive to the animals, they pollute the air and they take up half of our main parking lot.”
The laser show will take place on two 30-foot screens, accompanied by music.
Also new is a tram to take elderly or disabled from the parking lot on Taylor Hill Road to attractions on the fairgrounds.
Another new feature will be professional wrestling on Saturday night, instead of a band.
“This is all included in the admission cost to park,” said Abby Smith, who is in charge of communications.
Albion’s baseball, tennis camps cancelled today due to rain
ALBION – The Village of Albion Recreation Program is cancelling today’s tennis and baseball camps due to rain and unsafe conditions, said John Grillo, the recreation director.
An update will be posted about whether the camps will be on for Wednesday.
Veterans open Orleans County 4-H Fair with flag-raising
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Freas, left, a retired Marine and head of the Orleans County Honor Guard, and Tom Snyder, who served in the U.S. Navy, fold a flag to ready it for the flag-raising signaling the start of the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.
KNOWLESVILLE – The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair opened Monday night with the traditional flag-raising by the Orleans County Honor Guard, featuring veterans from all posts in the county.
Jim Freas, who is organizer of the Honor Guard, said he has been doing it for at least 20 years.
Dave Kusmierczak, a member of Medina’s American Legion Post, welcomed fairgoers and shared the fair has been an annual event in Orleans County for 70 years.
Nic Mroz, director of Orleans County Veterans’ Services, said the fair is a time for community to come together and celebrate. It is also meaningful to recognize the men and women who served their country, he said.
Mroz also reminded veterans of several upcoming events of interest to them – a golf tournament Aug. 17 and a Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue at the YMCA in Medina, free to veterans. They must stop at the Y in advance, however, and pick up their free ticket at the front desk. Tickets for the public to purchase are $16.
Navy veteran Tom Snyder, left, stands at attention after Louis Craston, Army National Guard, raised the American flag opening the 2026 Orleans County Fair. At right is Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, who led efforts last year for a new flagpole and a monument paying tribute to all six branches of the military.
Madelyn Elliott of Medina wowed the crowd with her rendition of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Next, Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, praised those involved in obtaining a new flag pole and monument for the area, especially all the posts in Orleans County. He thanked those who spearheaded fundraising and those who donated time or materials or gave a discount.
Caton Conde, president of the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension board, extended her welcome and said there are so many people to thank. She said faith in God and memories make us strong in hard times.
“It is the memories I’ve made here that I cherish,” she said.
State Sen. Rob Ortt said it is the memories made at fairs like this which get us through tough times. While the country celebrates 250 years, he said it is things like the Orleans County Fair and the memories made here which bind us together.
“It is great to meet young people who go through 4-H and then go on to other walks of life,” Ortt said.
Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard salute as the American flag is raised Monday night near the Dwight Hill Education Building. Seen in the second row at right are Senator Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley reminded the audience of his involvement in 4-H and background in farming.
“4-H taught me all the important things in life,” he said.
He also shared he will be in the fair’s dunk tank on Tuesday.
Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson next spoke on her memories of 4-H.
Fair Queen Mackenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to visit the exhibits by 4-H’ers.
“I remember when my oldest daughter took part in the frog jumping contest at the fair,” Johnson said “We still talk about that today.”
Fair manager Marty Zwifka thanked the fair board, saying he couldn’t have a better board. He also reiterated the changes at the fair this year, and said the board put 100 percent in the fair.
“I love to see the children here and their exhibits,” he said. “They are our future..
Fair Queen McKenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to check out the exhibits of 4-H’ers.
“They have worked very hard at them,” she said.
McGrath, 18, has been in the 4-H program since she was 4 years old.
Women’s Softball playoffs get underway
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Ella Lewis bangs out a hit for White Birch.
Medina Women’s Softball League playoff competition got underway on Monday evening as Banes defeated Mr. Septic 18-11 and Katy’s/Parkitects downed White Birch 6-4.
Playoffs will continue next Monday night at 6 p.m. at Jr. Wilson as White Birch will face Mr. Septic and Parkitects will take on Jr. Wilson. Banes will play the Parkitects vs. Jr. Wilson winner at 7:15 p.m. There will also be a losers bracket game at 7:15.
Banes 18 Mr. Septic 11
Banes moved on top to stay by scoring six quick runs in the first inning on singles by Jami Chatt, Lindsay Chatt, Kathy Allen, Sue Seefeldt and Sophia Goyette.
Banes extended the lead to 14-4 by scoring 4 runs in both the the second and third innings.
Singles by Jami Chatt and Lindsay Chatt, a sac fly by Morgan Allis, a double by Kathy Allen, a single by Sue Seefeldt and a double by Rileigh McCabe keyed the second inning uprising. Allis had a triple and Connie Heschke, Jami Chatt, Lindsay Chatt, Seefeldt and Amy Lavender all added singles in the third.
Jami Chatt fInished with 5 hits, Lindsay Chatt 4 including a double, Allis 3 including a triple and Kathy Allen 3 including a double.
Katy’s/Parkitects 6, White Birch 4
No. 5 seed Parkitects upended No. 2 seed White Birch, by a score of 6-4 scoring all 6 of their runs in the first inning.
The Birch scored once in the 2nd inning and another three in the third inning , but could get no closer.
There were runners stranded on the bases in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but the Birch could not capitalize on those runs scoring. The Birch ironically had 14 hits as opposed to Parkitects who only had 7 hits.
Hits from Parkitects included doubles by Robin Blaun and Kelsee Mest. Singles were hit by Jen Masse, Alishia Foss, KB Ball, Brianna Smith and Katy Wiesinger.
The Birch had two doubles by Ella Lewis and one double each by Maddy Boyle, Rebekah Hoffee and Stacy Buckland. Morgan Ralph had two singles as well as Dana Cotriss and Mallory Albone. Aubrey Lewis, Anna Lewis and Kenzie Muck all had one single.
White Birch 13. Banes 5
White Birch beat Banes 13-5 in a make up game due to rain during the regular season.
The Birch had 16 hits which included a double and two singles from Ella Lewis, a single and double from Anna Lewis and a single and double from Morgan Ralph. Stacy Buckland had three singles, Rebekah Hoffee had two singles and Aubrey Lewis, Kenzie Muck, Dana Cotriss and Mallory Albone all had one single.
Connie Heschke had 4 hits, Sophia Goyette had 3 and Morgan Allis a triple for Banes.
Today’s Fair Schedule (July 28, 2026)
Photos by Tom Rivers: Asher Dix, 9, of Medina sings “One More Chance” by Michael Jackson during the opening night of karaoke at the fair.
8 a.m. – 4-H English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Swine Show at Livestock Show Arena
10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
10:30 a.m. – 4-H Fry Stand Opens at Fry Stand
Marilyn, one of the rescue dogs at Pompeyo’s Ranch, was called a “diva dog” by dressing up and walking on her hind legs. Pompeyo’s featured many rescue dogs doing stunts – jumping over hurdles, hopping on their hind legs and leaping from up high into their trainer’s arms. Pompeyo’s has been featured on America’s Got Talent!
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks at 4-H Senior Council Stand. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion
12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public at Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
1 to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
2 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Trivia by the Junior Fair Committee at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
Lew-E the Clown gets ready to do a trick where he ties a knot on a rope with one hand. He is performing outside by the Trolley Building.
4 p.m. – Dog Grooming and Handling: Junior Judging at Dog Show Tent
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
5 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristbands during this session at Midway
5 to 6 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Basketball Free Throw Contest at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
5 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
5 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Live Action Contest: Survivor at Orleans Hub Stage
Jeremy Neal makes the first Byron Sundae of the fair on Monday in the Farm Bureau booth, which serves milkshakes, ice cream cones and sundaes. The Byron Sundae has vanilla ice cream, peanut butter sauce, peanut butter cups, hot fudge sauce and whipped cream. Byron Neal was a very active presence at the fair. He passed away on April 14, 2023 at the age of 8 after a brave battle with cancer.
5:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show at Livestock Show Arena
6 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion
6:30 p.m. – Public Contest- Register at Event: Dunk Bucket by the Junior Fair Committee at Tram Stop (Assemblyman Steve Hawley from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and then Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo, from 7 to 7:30 p.m.)
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
This group is back volunteering in the 4-H Fry Stand. From left include Corie Strickland, Rita Helsdon, Pat Daniels, Sheryl Watts and Jane Read. Read has been volunteering at the fry stand for nearly 50 years.
7 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
7 p.m. – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
8 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Agri-Puppets the Farming Singing Puppets! at Cattle Barn Lawn
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Pompeyo’s Ranch- As seen on America’s Got Talent! At Knights Lawn
9 p.m. – Free Entertainment: Lew-e the Clown- a show full of Magic and Laughs!- a show full of Magic and Laughs!- a show full of Magic and Laughs! at Trolley Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair
Phoebe Allen of Barre sings “Man or Muppet” from the Muppets.
Claire Streicher, 9, of Strykersville competes in a driving competition with a miniature horse. She is sitting in a cart with Carissa Klossner, 18, of Clarendon. This is Claire’s first year in 4-H.
Albion Lions Club presents scholarships
Screenshot
Provided photos
ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recently presented three $1,000 scholarships to students who graduated in 2025. The scholarships are awarded after successful completion of their first year in college.
Lions Club member Kevin Howard presents the scholarships to Oliver Beach, left, and Mallory Ashbery. Mallory Kozody also received a $1,000 scholarship.
Mallory Ashbery is a student at Nazareth University in Rochester, majoring in psychology.
Oliver Beach is an agricultural business major at Cobleskill. He wants to be the sixth generation in his family to work on the Elba muckland.
Malory Kozody is a student at Keuka College, studying early childhood education and special education.
Albion’s Class of ’86 gathers for 40th reunion
Photo courtesy of Karen Conn
Some members of Albion’s Class of 1986 met on Saturday at classmate Tom Snyder’s home in Medina for their 40th reunion.
Pictured from left include Tom Snyder, Joan Navarra Mrzywka, Carmine Calabria, Karen Kenney Conn, Frank Nash, Shawn Arnett, Cindy Arnett, Scott Gillette, Jill Harris Darling and Pam Tortorice Wadhams. Robin Neal also attended the reunion.
Ministry of Concern moving office to Arnold Gregory Complex
ALBION – The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has announced it will soon be relocating its offices from 29 East State St. in Albion to 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, the Arnold Gregory Complex.
To facilitate the move, GOMOC will be closed to the public beginning Friday at 2:30 p.m., according to executive director Jami Allport. The organization will reopen at its new location at 9 p.m. on Aug. 5. Staff will be working diligently throughout the closure to relocate, unpack and prepare the new office so services can resume as quickly as possible.
Allport cited the need for more space as reason for the move.
“The move represents so much more than a change of address,” Allport said. “It represents growth, opportunity and our continued commitment to serving individuals and families throughout Genesee and Orleans counties.”
GOMOC extends its deepest gratitude to the Albion First Presbyterian Church for opening its doors and allowing the organization to utilize office space during the past two years. Their generosity and partnership provided a welcoming place for GOMOC to continue serving the community during a time of transition, Allport said. The kindness and support shown by the church congregation will always hold a special place in the organization’s history, she said.
As GOMOC begins this new chapter, there is something especially meaningful about the organization’s new home. The office will be located in what was once the maternity ward at Arnold Gregory Hospital – a place where countless families experienced some of life’s most joyful and unforgettable moments.
“It was a space designated to welcome new life, offer hope, provide compassionate care and support families during moments of both celebration and uncertainty,” Allport said. “Today, while the purpose of the space has evolved, its spirit remains remarkably similar. Just as the maternity ward once nurtured new beginnings, GOMOC seeks to help individuals and families begin new chapters of their own, offering encouragement, resources and the support needed to move toward stability and self-sufficiency.”
Allport said it feels incredibly fitting that their ministry’s new home is a place that has always represented care, compassion and new beginnings.
“While babies may no longer be born within these walls, hope will continue to be,” Allport said. “Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcomed, supported and reminded that brighter days are possible.”
Although GOMOC’s address is changing, its mission remains the same – to provide compassionate assistance and empower individuals and families to overcome life’s challenges with dignity and hope, Allport said.
Community members are encouraged to update their records with GOMOC’s new address at 243 South Main St., Suite 2421, Albion. The office phone is (585) 589-9210, and Facebook page will show updates during the transition.
USDA approves disaster declaration for Orleans, 31 other counties from extreme spring weather
Photo by Tom Rivers: Domoy Farms in Oakfield harvests Triticale last Friday along Route 63 by Dunlap Road in Shelby. Triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a disaster declaration for 32 counties, including Orleans, due to extreme spring weather that damaged crops.
Apple, stone fruit and grape crops suffered from the weather that damaged fruit buds, causing an estimated $30 million in damages to growers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The declaration allows growers to seek low-interest emergency loans through the USDA. The declaration includes counties in the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Capital, Central New York, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier and the Western New York regions.
“New York’s growers experienced significant damage early this year with some losing an entire growing season and reporting tens of millions in economic loss,” Hochul said. “I would like to thank the USDA for taking this action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward. I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York’s growers.”
Orleans County saw damage to fruit trees during a frost and freeze from April 19 to April 21.
A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs. Farmers can contact their local FSA office. In Orleans County, the FSA office is at 446 West Ave. in Albion with the phone number: (585) 589-5320.
Lyndonville woman charged with 1st-degree assault after victim suffers severe lacerations
Deputies applied tourniquets, lifesaving medical aid
Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
Alyssa M. Canne
CARLTON – Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies on Saturday at approximately 11:42 p.m. responded to a residence in the Town of Carlton following a report of a domestic incident involving a victim who had sustained severe lacerations.
Deputies were the first to arrive on scene. Upon arrival, they located the victim suffering from significant lacerations and life-threatening blood loss. Deputies immediately applied tourniquets and continued providing lifesaving medical aid until emergency medical services arrived. The victim was subsequently transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Following an investigation that included witness interviews, evidence collection, and the execution of a search warrant, Alyssa M. Canne, 34, of Lyndonville was charged with the following offenses:
- Assault in the First Degree (Class B Felony)
- Menacing in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor)
Canne was transported to the Orleans County Jail for centralized arraignment.
Sheriff Chris Bourke commends the initial responding deputies for their professionalism, composure, and decisive actions under extremely stressful circumstances. Their prompt response and immediate medical intervention are believed to have saved the victim’s life.
The investigation was led by Chief Deputy Tooley, Investigator Marsceill, and members of the Sheriff’s Office midnight shift. The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Carlton Fire Company and Mercy EMS.
Gas prices up 11 cents in past week in U.S., up 9 cents in Orleans
$4.33 average price in Orleans is highest in WNY
Photo by Tom Rivers: Gas prices are up in the past week. These are the prices on Sunday at the Crosby’s in Holley on the west side of the village.
The average price of regular unleaded gas is up 11 cents in the past week nationally, from $4.00 to $4.11, while the average price in New York State is up 8 cents to $4.23 a gallon, AAA reported today. A year ago the national average was $3.15 while the state average was $3.17 a gallon.
In Orleans County, the price increased by 9 cents from $4.245 to $4.333 a gallon, AAA reported.
“Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump,” AAA said in a news release. “Volatility along the Strait of Hormuz and instability in the region have pushed crude oil prices into the high $90 per barrel range last week. This morning, oil prices range from $85 to $91 per barrel. Higher oil prices could continue driving up pump prices during the second half of summer.”
Here are the average prices at counties around Western New York (Orleans is the highest):
- Orleans, $4.333
- Genesee, $4.271
- Monroe, $4.284
- Niagara, $4.287
- Erie, $4.295
- Wyoming, $4.286
- Livingston, $4.304
- Chautauqua, $4.259
- Cattaraugus, $4.046
- Allegany, $4.247
Local Revolutionary War research now available in booklet
Photo courtesy of Albion Central School: Albion eighth graders Giuliana Liuzzi and Elizabeth Colmenero are pictured presenting the completed booklet on Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County to Hoag Library Assistant Director Elizabeth Haibach.
Press Release, Albion Central School
ALBION – Albion Middle School students are continuing the extensive research project started by last year’s eighth graders Sutton Sanders and Luci Borello.
Booklets about Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Orleans County are being distributed to local libraries, schools, civic organizations, historians, and municipalities as reference material. For those who want to view or print the PDF file of the booklet, it can also be accessed by clicking here.
This Albion Middle School service learning project was accomplished in partnership with Orleans County. Read more details about the project in the article (click here), “AMS students help preserve local history through Revolutionary War research project.”
Editor’s note: The full-color booklet is also for sale for $15 at the Cobblestone Museum.
Fair makes some changes, welcomes new additions
Pro wrestlers, laser show instead of fireworks, and more challenges for the people
Photos by Tom Rivers: Luke Gregoire (left), and Vinnie Snell chomp on corn on the cob that was provided by Rush’s in Waterport during last year’s debut of a corn of the cob eating contest. The event returns at the fair today at 6:45 p.m.
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair kicks off today for six days of events and entertainment for the community. The fair typically draws about 25,000 to 30,000 people over the six days.
There has been a 20 to 25 percent increase in livestock entries for this year’s fair, from rabbits to bigger beef animals.
People can buy a week-long pass for $10 and parking is on the west side of the fairgrounds off Taylor Hill Road. The fair will have free shuttles, including a golf cart, Kubota and the tram from the American Legion in Lyndonville.
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, and Marty Zwifka, the fair manager, are shown on Sunday when many of the 4-Hers and their families moved in with their animals for the week. Many of the exhibitors and vendors also were busy getting ready for the week.
“If you come to fair, you might as well come over and over again,” said Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County.
This year there won’t be Friday fireworks. Instead it will be a laser show on two big screens and also in the sky. The Fair Committee wanted to try something different that was more animal-friendly. The fireworks with the big booms and bursts of light was hard on the animals, especially the horses, said Mary Zwifka, the fair manager.
“We try to do everything we can to appeal to everybody,” Zwifka said.
The committee also is moving the 4-H Animal Meat Auction from Saturday to Friday, with the preview at 6 p.m. and the auction to start at 6:30. There are more animals in the auction this year. Doing the auction on Friday gives an extra day to arrange for the purchased animals to go to the processor.
The grand master showman competition, which has been a staple of the fair on Friday night, will now be on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. That competition features the top showmen from the larger animals and makes them show all the animal species, even ones they’re not familiar with. Moving it to Saturday gives the participants an extra day to practice with animals.
The fair also will be capped on Saturday night with professional wrestlers from Empire State Wrestling. They will have a ring in the Curtis Pavilion and there will be matches from 7 to 10 p.m. There is no additional charge to see the wrestlers.
The fair also has three prominent acts throughout the week, including Lew-E the Clown, Agri-Puppets and Pompeyo’s Ranch, which performed on America’s Got Talent!
Elijah “The Bull” Starr pushes an 800-pound haybale through a course on July 26, 2025 at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. He won the title despite not having a partner to help with the challenge. Jeremy Neal, the event chairman and judge, is in back. This will be the fifth year of the haybale rolling challenge at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
This year’s fair adds more challenges for people. Karaoke remains a staple from Monday through Thursday nights. Little kids can test their mettle in the small fry tractor pull at 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday at JCH Tent Lot. That has been a mainstay of the fair.
But there are some new competitions including a frozen T-shirt contest at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the JCH Tent. Participants have to chip a shirt out of a block of ice and then wear the shirt.
Some other challenges and competitions for the community include:
- Hay bale rolling 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at Byron’s Barnyard. Teams of one or two people have to move a heavy bale of hay through an obstacle course.
- Mom-calling competition at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at Orleans Hub stage. Mothers are blindfolded and try to identify which kid calling out “Mom!” is theirs.
- Stick pony rodeo for ages 4 to 7 on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
- Basketball free throw contest at 5 p.m. Tuesday at JCH tent.
- Rubber chicken throwing contest at 5 p.m. Wednesday at JCH tent
- Inflatable costume race at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the horse arena
- Steampunk costume contest and parade at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the JCH tent
- Disc golf at 6 p.m. today on the lawn west of the horse arena
- Corn eating contest at 6:45 p.m. today at Orleans Hub stage
- Survivor Orleans at 5 p.m. on Tuesday
- Pickle eating contest at 6 p.m. on Friday at JCH tent
