Orleans County

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 26, 2014)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Blacey Bakutis, 18, of Kendall practices dodging barrels with her horse Boomer Fritz during a drill on Friday evening.

Special Event: Kids Love Trucks: Orleans Emergency, Fire Departments, Law Enforcement, and Ambulance Services from across the county will have vehicles on display from 1 to 4 p.m.

Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5-9 p.m.

8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens

9:30 am: Horse Games Day (Gymkhana) – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 am: All Buildings Open

10 am: Little Britches Swine Show: Open to the Public – Swine Pavilion

11:10 am: Iron Chef 4-H Youth Activity Starts – Trolley Building

12 pm: Small-Animal Grand Master Showman Competition – Wachob Pavilion

Aaron Sugar of Albion pedals down the lane in the small fry tractor pull on Friday evening. Aaron won the 45 pounds and under division with a full pull that went 45 feet.

12 pm: Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens – Davis Building

12 pm to 8:30 pm: Master Gardner – Lawn of Education Center

12:10 pm: Iron Chef 4-H Youth Activity Judging – Trolley Building

1 pm to 4 pm: Kids Love Trucks: ORLEANS EMERGENCY, Fire Dept., Law Enforcement, and Ambulance Services from across the county. Education Center Parking Lot

1 pm: Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office

1:30 pm: Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Pedal Tractor Course: Fair Office

1:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

A classic car show drew about 100 participants and big crowds by the Trolley Building and Education Center. Fire trucks and emergency vehicles from around the county will be stationed there for tours today from 1 to 4 p.m.

The classic car show took a break from the Medina Canal Basin to move to the fairgrounds on Friday.

2:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

3:30 pm: Market Animal Auction Preview – Show Arena

3:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

4 pm: Market Animal Auction – Show Arena

4 pm: Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Pedal Tractor Course: Fair Office

4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

4:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

5 pm: Steak Dinner: Sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97 Grand Lodge F&AM of NY Cost $12 – Curtis Pavilion

Trenton Jones, right, greets a horse ridden by Faith Woody of Albion on Friday evening. The horse riders were practicing a dance pattern set to music. Part of the routine includes a brief meeting with people along the fence.

5:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Set up for Band – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

7 pm: Julie Dunlap & High Maintenance Country Band – Orleanshub.com Stage

7 pm: Master Gardener Lecture – Education Center

7 pm: Awards Ceremony and Crowning of Fair Royalty – Curtis Pavilion

8 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

8:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

9 pm: 4-H Dairy Cow Bingo – Cattle Building

10 pm: Buildings Close

10 pm: Greased Pole Climbing Contest, Final Qualifying Round (Teams Must Pre-register at Fair Office) – At Greased Pole

10:30 pm: Greased Pole Championship – At Greased Pole

Grease pole teams work together to get to the top

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Coming In Greasy works their way to the top of the pole. The team climbed the pole in 51.28 seconds.

The A Team works its way up the grease pole on Friday. The A Team was the second fastest of five teams with a time of 40.33 seconds. The Troll Diggers had the fastest time with 22.33 seconds to advance to tonight’s championship at 10:30 p.m.

The team 5 Guys And 2 Chicks are all smiles after climbing the grease pole in 44.95 seconds. Some of the team members include Brandi Newman of Medina, center, and Sean Poprawski, right, of Albion.

Mikayla Jackson of Barker made it to the top of the grease pole with 5 Guys And 2 Chicks. She smiles while sliding down the pole.

Iva McKenna of Barre acknowledges a cheering crowd after she was introduced by Barry Flansburg, emcee of the grease pole competition, as “the greatest female grease pole climber ever.”

Iva competed with the Iron Fists, which included two of her daughters, Jenny McKenna and Kerri Richardson. The team came about a foot short of getting to the top of the pole.

The Iron Fists gave a valiant effort in climbing the pole. The group includes, from left: Emily Bannister, Jessica Derefinko, Julie Cecchini (in back), Kerri Richardson, Zach Welker (in back), Andy Beach, Jenny McKenna, Iva McKenna and Amber Demmin.

Fireworks and fun cap Friday at Fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

A crowd gathered near the Grease Pole to watch a fireworks show put on by Young Explosives.

The crowd seemed to get bigger after the fireworks for the grease pole climbing competition. In this picture, Coming In Greasy members work their way up the pole. Mallori Wienke is on the bottom while Alexis Hartway works to go higher. The team climbed the pole. Five teams tried it on Friday night.

Marisa Hanlon of Kendall weaves between barrels during a drill at the fairgrounds on Friday while the sun was setting.

Ty Reilly, 5, of Albion powers a tractor in the small-fry tractor pull. Ty finished second in the 45 and under division with a pull of 26 feet, inches.

Jason Clark keeps several meat goats corralled while waiting for participants in the Grand Master Showman competition. Clark is superintendent of the dairy goats. The top showmen from eight different livestock breeds competed for the grand master showman title on Friday.

Kiley Stadmiller shows a dairy cow in the Grand Master Showman Competition. She qualified after winning the Western Horse title.

People filled the stands near the horse arena and grease pole grounds to watch the fireworks.

County gives management 2% raises

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Contract makes everyone pay towards health insurance

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature approved a two-year contract with management that gives about 65 employees 2 percent raises in 2015 and 2016.

The labor deal also continues a prior agreement for all management to pay towards their health insurance. The previous deal started a phase-in for veteran managers to pay more towards their health insurance in 2 percent increments.

That five-year roll-in continues in the new contract until it’s at a 10 percent share for all management, unless the manager is a new hire who chooses family insurance coverage. Then the employee has to pay 20 percent of the cost.

The new contract mirrors a three-year deal approved in October with about 70 employees in the Sheriff’s Department. They received 2 percent pay hikes annually and agreed to higher deductibles to their health insurance, which will reduce county health premium expenses.

The management staff also agreed to the higher deductible plan.

The county is now focusing on a labor accord with its largest union, CSEA. That contract expires on Dec. 31.

Midway proves popular at the Fair

Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook

KNOWLESVILLE – Besides the animals, the Orleans County 4-H Fair also has a variety of amusement park-style attractions. Midway Rides of Utica provides the entertainment.

Here is a snapshot of the fun:

The carousel topper in a horse in mid-gallop.

Kyle, 6, and Tyler Brett, 8, ride The Caterpillar rollercoaster.

The horses look like they’re racing each other as they move around the carousel.

The Vortex turns stomachs during the day.

At night, the Vortex lights up as it continues taking riders for a spin.

Food and rides sit side by side down a busy main path.

The dizzy dragons whirl riders around. The riders can use the wheel inside of each dragon to spin themselves independently and make for an exhilarating ride.

Crooners make karaoke a crowd-pleaser for Fair

Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Morgan Parnitzke belts out “Listen” by Beyonce.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

KNOWLESVILLE – Thursday night marked the finals of the karaoke contest at the 4-H Fair and a big crowd turned out for one of the fair’s most popular events.

Seventeen contestants were chosen from prior qualifying rounds throughout the week to compete for the $1,000 prize donated by M&T Bank.

Another prize of 16 hours of studio time was donated by John Wragg, owner of TORQUIL Studios. Wragg was personally judging the contest seeking someone who was very passionate about their and was not simply there trying to win the cash prize. The prize also includes time to make a music video with the studio.

Joyce Stamp entertains the crowd of more than 400 onlookers.

Wragg commented that he was not judging based on age, looks or gender. The important part was that the singer was full of energy and having a great time, while making it clear they lived to be a performer.

“Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks receives a sweet rendition by Laura Mullen.

Brandon Johnson, the entertainment coordinator for the fair, was one of the judges for the karaoke contest.

“This is one of the biggest competitions in the entertainment portion of the fair that happens throughout the week,” he said. “Lots of people come out for this and come back night after night to try to qualify for finals. We’re looking for stage presence, vocal ability and crowd recognition.”

Olivia Redick gets energized during her performance.

He added that pure talent was the key to winning high marks from the judges.

“I like all types of music, said Johnson. “It just depends on who is singing it and their vocal ability and whether the song fits them or not.”

Contestant Rich Nolan performed “Eight-Second Ride” by Jake Owen.

“I’ve been singing my whole life, so it’s just natural,” said Nolan. “I’ve been practicing that way and doing other contests. There’s a lot of good competition. It’s going to be hard.”

Taylor Whittier rocks the crowd to AC/DC.

Taylor Whittier performed an AC/DC for the finals, but also used the band for his qualifier song on Monday. One way he says he gets positive feedback is to get the crowd involved.

“I play music in a local band called Terrible Ideas,” Whittier said. “I’ve been singing since I was 12 or 13 in local places. I just do it for fun.”

Jessica Reigle donned a candy-sweet pin-up look for her number.

Lydia Piazza, a resident of New Jersey, moves to the area in the summer and enters the 4-H karaoke contest each year.

“I love it,” she said about being on stage. “I’ve been dancing since I was 5, so it’s just calming to me. I’ve always been singing just for fun.”

John Gursslin got the ladies in the audience screaming as he sang “Bed of Roses” by Bon Jovi.

Morgan Parnitzke, 17, was not intimidated by some of the older singers because she was competing for the enjoyment of it.

“I just took a lot of time rehearsing the song over and over again. I just felt it,” she said. “I’m glad I got the chance to sing today.”

Parnitzke (left) went on to win the contest with a score of 88 out of 90. The other competitors to make it to the top five included (from left): Rich Nolan, Olivia Redick, Jessica Reigle and Emily Kordovich.

Jessica Reigle also won over Wragg with her fun performance of “Candy Man” by Christina Aguilera. Reigle will be given the opportunity to use the studio space for 16 hours.

DOT will add rumble strips to 450 miles of roads

Staff Reports Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am

A map from the state Department of Transportation shows where 450 miles of rumble strips are planned for in the region. In Orleans, the seems to show the strips will be added to portions of Route 104, 98 and 63.

The state Department of Transportation will add 450 miles of rumble strips to state highways next year.

The centerline strips will go on state roads in Orleans, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming counties, according to State Sen. George Maziarz’s office.

The strips have been shown to reduce head-on collisions on high-volume, non-divided, high-speed roads, the DOT told Maziarz in an advisory.

“This work will be done during 2015 and drivers should expect only minor delays due to construction on the affected roadways,” the DOT advised Maziarz. “The work zone will be similar to what drivers encounter when meeting a striping crew, with the exception that flaggers will be stationed with the work zone to allow an alternating single lane of traffic to pass while the work is done.”

County will fix more bridges with money freed up from nursing home

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am

ALBION – Orleans County expects a sale to be complete soon for the county-owned nursing home, a 120-bed healthcare facility that has needed county subsidies to pay its bills.

The county budgeted an $825,000 contribution from taxpayers for the nursing home’s operations this year and that is projected to jump to $1.65 million next year. County officials fear the gap between government reimbursements and costs will get larger, necessitating county subsidies of $2 million to $4 million annually in the future.

That burden prompted county officials to sell the nursing home – The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation Center – for $7.8 million to Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services LLC. The sale needs the approval of the state and the Public Health Council is expected to vote on it Aug. 7. The state board has already given the sale contingent approval.

The nursing home sale is on target to be finalized by Jan. 1, 2015. If the sale isn’t finalized by then, county officials put a clause in the contract for Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services to pay for the operating losses for each month, beginning with January, until the sale is finalized, said Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer.

Most of the sale price will be used to pay off existing debt, about $6.5 million, for the nursing home. The county will be spared from paying the shortfall for the nursing home in the future once its owned by a private firm.

The sale comes at a time when the county needs to repair or replace bridges and culverts. State and federal government dollars have been harder to come by for the county infrastructure. The nursing home savings will allow the county to direct more local dollars to infrastructure.

“We’re looking to address a number of bridge projects,” Nesbitt said.

The federal and state dollars are already scheduled for the next three years through a regional transportation council. Little of that money was directed to Orleans.

Nesbitt and the county don’t want to wait until 2018 for the next transportation funding plan to have a chance at state and federal money for local bridges.

“It’s problematic because of the number of the bridges and culverts that need attention,” Nesbitt said. “They can’t be deferred until 2016 or 2017.”

He expects the county will fix six bridges next year, with more to be targeted in the following years.

Besides the money it will be spared from the nursing home, Orleans also is projected to receive $268,000 in casino funds through a compact between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians. Those dollars can help with the infrastructure projects, Nesbitt said.

The Legislature on Wednesday approved a bridge replacement on Hulberton Road in the town of Murray for $1,338,900. That project will be paid 80 percent by the federal government, 15 percent by the state and 5 percent by the county.

Crane Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport submitted the low construction bid of $894,275 for the new bridge over the west branch of Sandy Creek.

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 25, 2014)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Games at the fair attracted a lot of attention throughout the day on Thursday. Many people were happy to walk away with stuffed animals or other prizes.

Special Event: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Craft Sale located in the Buzz Hill Education Center Lot, including professional appraisals from 4 to 7 pm at a special price of $5 per item (bring photos for your larger items).

Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5 to 9 p.m.

8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens

9:30 am: Youth Ag Olympics Fun Activities – South Lawn

9:30 am: Miniature Horse Show & Driving Competition – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 am: $5 Admission per car starts

10 am: All Buildings Open

The Hot Country Liners do a line dance on Thursday evening to “What Does the Fox Say,” a song by Norwegian comedy band Ylvis.

10 am: Grand Master Showman Workshop Starting in Show Arena

10:30 am: Tractor Driving Contest – South Parking Lot

12 pm: Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens

12 pm: Goat Knowledge Bowl: Dairy and Meat – Knights Building

12:30 pm: Dog Show, Agility Competition (Classes 23-30) – Show Arena

1 pm: Little Shepherds Sheep Show – Open to Public – Knights Building

1 pm: Story Time sponsored by Medina Community Library – Trolley Building

3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $20 Unlimited Ride wristband – Midway

3 pm: Story Time sponsored by Medina Community Library – Trolley Building

Jayne Bannister squares the back legs of her animal during the sheep show.

3 pm: Horse Judging Contest – Education Center

3:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

4 pm: Royalty questionnaires due – Fair Office

4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

4 pm to 8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center

4:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

5 pm: Friday Night Fish Fry: Sponsored by Renovation Lodge #97 Cost: $9 Adult (Half portion $7) – Curtis Pavilion

5:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

5:30 pm: Classic Car Cruise-In – Education Center Parking Lot

The Mathes sisters Emma (front) and Lillian speak with judge Chad Swartz during the wool-outfit show.

6 pm: Set Up for Band – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office

6 pm: Grand Master Showman – Livestock Areas

6 pm to 8 pm: Pie Eating Contest: Sponsored by Brown’s Berry Patch – (Register at Fair Office during the week) – Curtis Pavilion

6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

Lakeside Karate invited children from the community to join them on stage and learn some basics in front of the audience.

6:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

6:30 pm: Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Pedal Tractor Course: Fair Office

7 pm: The Music of Jonesy (Rock and Roll) – Orleanshub.com Stage

7 pm: Quadrille Horse Demonstration – Carlos Marcello Arena

7 pm: Spanish/English Story Time: Sponsored by Medina Community Library – Trolley Building

8 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

8:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

10 pm: Buildings Close

10 pm: Fireworks (Rain Date Saturday @ 10 pm)

10:30 pm: Greased Pole Climbing Contest (Teams must pre-register at Fair Office) – At Greased Pole

The sun sets over the fair.

Nearly all girls team conquers grease pole

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2014 at 12:00 am

BB Queens advance to Saturday’s championship

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Taylor Soule of the BB Queens is ready to descend the grease pole after Sam Remley reaches the top of the telephone pole slathered in grease.

The BB Queens were the fastest team on Wedneaday night, climbing the pole 43.72 seconds.

The BB Queens include, from left, in front: Gretta Smith, Taylor Soule and Halle Jurs. Back row: Jessica Grimes, Hannah Hapeman, Sam Remley, Brie Dixon, Brooke Bensley, Cady Messmer and Eboni Taylor.

Most of the members graduated from Albion in 2013. Brooke Bensley pushed to form the team. She has been watching the grease pole at the fair since she was a kid. During many sleepovers with her friends, she said they practiced cheerleading units and pyramids. She knew they could climb the pole.

Most of the men’s teams have taller participants and need to stack four people to get to the top. An all-ladies team would need to stack five people, Soule said. The team reached out to their Sam Remley, who is wiry with the upper body strength to get to the top.

The BB Queens drew loud cheers from the crowd of several hundred people after Remley made it to the top. Soule was covered in grease after the event.

A team from Hamlin, the Troll Diggers, works its way up the pole with Andrew Jones on top. The group watched friends compete last year and decided to try on Wednesday night. They did it in 46.23 seconds, just behind the BB Queens.

Andrew Jones of the Troll Diggers tries to find a grip to keep going up the grease pole.

A team from Medina, Mucked up, battled and climbed the pole in 2:05.99. Here Mucked Up members Andrew Cotter in white with Nick Schroeder in red at right try to get up the pole. Schroeder lost his grip but regrouped and made it to the top.

Lucas Evans of Mucked Up tries to steady himself so the next team member can climb up and stand on his shoulders. The grease pole continues each night at 10 p.m. with championships on Saturday.

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 24, 2014)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Jeff Ebel from the Troll Diggers is the third man up on the grease pole last night. The Grease Pole returns tonight at 10 p.m.

Special Event: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Craft Sale located in the Buzz Hill Education Center Lot. Including professional appraisals from 4-7 pm at a special price of $5 per item (bring photos for your larger items).

Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5 to 9 p.m.

8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens

8 am to 3 pm: Youth Camp Day- Sponsored by the Orleans County 4-H – Fair Committee

9:30 am: Western Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 am: $5 admission per car starts

10 am: All Buildings Open

10 am: Poultry Show – Wachob Pavilion

10 am: Wildlife I.D. Contest – Log Cabin

10:30 am: Little Britches Cattle Show (open to public) – Show Arena

12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

12 pm to 1 pm: Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs – and Guests – Show Arena

Photo by Sue Cook – During a motorcycle cruise-in on Wednesday, Dick Christopher rode in on a 2013 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide trike, which is a three-wheeled motorcycle.

1 pm: Story Time sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building

1 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

1:45 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

2 pm to 4 pm: Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl – Center Stage

3 pm: Llama/Alpaca Costume, Leaping Llama/Alpaca, Llama/Alpaca Limbo – Show Arena

3 pm: Little Britches Llama/Alpaca – Open to Public – Show Arena

3 to 10 pm: Midway of Utica $20 unlimited ride wristband – Midway

3 pm: Story Time sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building

4 – 8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center

4 pm to close: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Craft Sale – Education Center Parking Lot

4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

4:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

4:30 pm : Chicken BBQ Sponsored by Orleans County Cornell – Cooperative Extension – No Presale – Curtis Pavilion

6 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Sheep Show (Costume class at end) – Knight’s Building

6 pm: Small Animal Grand Master Information Session – Wachob Pavilion

6 pm: Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends – Fair Office

6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

Photo by Sue Cook – Emily Fearby, left, observes judge Peter Snyder as he talks to Melissa Robinson about her goat. Emma Mathes, right, readjusts her goat’s pose.

6:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

6:30 pm: Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Pedal Tractor Course: Fair Office

7 pm: Spanish/English Story Time sponsored by Yates Community Library -Trolley Building

7 pm to 8:30 pm: Local Entertainment Variety Acts – Orleanshub.com Stage

8 pm: $1000 Karaoke Challenge Finals – Orleanshub.com Stage

8 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

8:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

10 pm: Buildings Close

10 pm: Greased Pole Climbing Competition (teams must pre-register at fair office) – At Greased Pole

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Troll Diggers are all from Hamlin and include Nate Jenks, Sam Pak, Isaiah Jenks, Jeff Ebel, Andrew Jones and Jonah Pak.

Watermelon-carving, motorcycles among highlights for busy day at Fair

Posted 23 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook

Jacques Gregoire shows off his four-eyed vampire Frankenstein to the others at his table. This was also the first year of the watermelon-carving contest. Barb Kurzowski created the contest hoping to attract artists.

Kate Hardner was the judge of the event. She was looking for originality, the level of difficulty and artistic creative presentation in her evaluation of the completed pieces.

“These are all very well done. I’m very impressed. I especially love the way some of them are carved partially into the rind creating other colors and good depth in the pieces,” said Hardner as she waited for the last contestants to finish.

The watermelon-carving contest had seven participants and a helper. Masterpieces in this picture include a penguin, a porcupine, a minion from “Despicable Me,” and a punch bowl.

Megan Bruning of Medina performed pottery demonstrations on Wednesday. She used the wheel to spin the clay and formed bowls with her hands. Here, she uses a metal rib to smooth the side of her creation. She has been making pottery for 14 years.

The Amazing Magic Joe wows the crowd by producing a signed ten-dollar bill from inside a fresh lemon. Joe’s illusions will continue taking place throughout the rest of the week at various parts of the fairgrounds.

Jim Barrett stands beside his 2008 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Custom during a motorcycle cruise-in.

Most of the motorcycles that came to the show were Harley-Davidsons. Throughout the cruise-in about a dozen bikes came in.

The senior showmanship class offered Natalie Mrzywka (left) and Janie Schutz the opportunity to show off their goats at the start of the event.

The Chainsaw Chix demonstration has returned for another year after demand for professional chainsaw artist Sara Winter brought her back for the fourth time. Winter has been carving for seven years. In this photo Winter carves an owl for over 50 onlookers.

“I don’t have an art background,” said Winter. “I saw someone do it at a fair and I’ve been trying ever since.”

At demonstrations, she carves does what she calls a quick carve, which is creating a piece for speed. She completes pieces in 45 minutes to an hour.

Sara Winter sells her completed pieces from next to the log cabin where she holds her demos on the fairgrounds. From near the front of her workspace, a fox watches the crowd.

Today’s Fair Schedule (July 23, 2014)

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Bo Parton, 2, sits on the shoulders of his uncle Ethan Bannister during last night’s Orleans County 4-H Fair. Bo’s aunt Jayne Bannister is participating in several livestock showing events.

Special Event: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Motorcycle Cruise-In. Free admission for bikes parking in the Buzz Hill Education Center Lot.

Special Event: Senior Citizen Coffee, free Coffee for Senior Citizens from 1pm to 4pm, compliments of the Orleans County 4-H Senior Council

Strolling Entertainment: Amazing Magic Joe, throughout the grounds, 5-9 p.m.

8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens

8 am: Goat Show (Dairy, Companion, and Pack) – Knights Building

9:30 am: Dressage Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 am: $5 Admission per car Starts

John Gabalski, left, of Byron and Ian Smith of Lyndonville watch while the judge, Jim Goodrich, looks over their rabbits. They had three entered in the meat pen competition, which judges rabbits in groups of three. The rabbits will be part of Saturday’s market animal auction at 4 p.m.

10 am: All Buildings Open

10 am: Bread and homemade butter demonstration – Trolley Building

11 am to 1 pm: Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with Al Howe (Food will be served at 12:00pm) – Curtis Pavilion

12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

12 pm to 2 pm: Pottery by Megan Demos with pottery wheel – Trolley Bldg.

1 pm: Story Time: Sponsored by the Holley Community Library – Trolley Building

2 pm: Orleans County 4-H Fair Photography Contest (open to public with advance entry. Call 585-798-4265) – Trolley Bldg.

2 pm: Poultry Knowledge Bowl – Orleanshub.com Center Stage

3 pm: Story Time: Sponsored by the Holley Community Library – Trolley Building

3 pm to 8 pm: Orleans County 4-H Fair 2nd Annual Motorcycle Cruise-in – Education Center parking lot

Lydia Piazza sings “Giddy On Up” by Laura Bell Bundy during’s Tuesday’s karaoke competition. Singers will compete Thursday in the karaoke finals at 8 p.m., when $1,000 in prizes will be awarded.

3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $20 unlimited rides wristband – Midway

3 pm: Dog Knowledge Bowl – Orleanshub.com Center Stage

4 pm: Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Show Arena

4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

4 pm to 7pm: Pottery by Megan Demonstrations with pottery wheel – Trolley Building

4:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

5 pm: Meat Goat Show – Knight’s Building

5 pm: BBQ Pulled Pork Dinner, Sponsored by Dance Theater. – Cost: $8 – Curtis Pavilion

5 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

5:30 pm till 8 pm: Orleans County 4-H Watermelon Carving Contest (open to public with advance registration, call 585-798-4265) – Curtis Pavilion

6 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Mounted Games Competition – Carlos Marcello Arena

Dustin Gardner, a Kendall graduate who now lives in Albion, gets ready to sing “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” by Reba McEntire.

6 pm: Registration Ends for the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

6:30 pm & 8:30 pm: The Barnyard Review: Entertainment for your whole family – Lawn South of Knights Building

6:30 pm: Dairy Cattle Show – Show Arena

6:30 pm: Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Tractor Pull Course: Fair Office

7 pm: Rooster Crowing Contest register at event – Wachob Pavilion

7 pm: Spanish/English Story Time: Sponsored by Holley Community Library – Trolley Building

7:30 pm: AirPlay Jugglers – Orleanshub.com Stage

8 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

9 pm: $1000 Karaoke Challenge – Orleanshub.com Stage

10 pm: Buildings Close

10 pm: Greased Pole Climbing Contest (teams must pre-register at the fair office) – Greased Pole

Joyce Stamp of Medina sings “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri during karaoke on Tuesday night.

Evening judging and fun at the fair

Posted 22 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Sue Cook – Senior showman Janie Schutz talks to the beef show judge Andrew Hoelscher about her animal.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair’s evening events are really starting to pick up with more to do and see on the county fairgrounds.

The show arena had full bleachers for the beef showmanship competition this evening. Many of the animals will become part of Saturday’s meat auction at 4 p.m.

The novice class received one-on-one advice to help them prep for next year’s beef show.

The rabbit costume contest also took place Tuesday evening. Children were given the opportunity to dress their rabbits up in humorous ways to win awards.

Zach Albright and his rabbit dressed as a pair of Albion soccer players. Zach’s rabbit won Most Athletic.

Meagan Hardner dressed her rabbit as a dish of ice cream with a cone. She won Most Original. Behind her, Brian Shaw’s tango dancer rabbit was awarded Funniest in Show.

Adia Wachob’s rabbit wore a cute little watermelon dress and received Fruitiest in Show.

Owen Shaw costumed his rabbit as a bumblebee and won Best Insect.

Angela Wachob dressed herself as a bee and her rabbit as a flower. She received Best Owner/Animal (costumed pair).

Nate Shaw’s tuxedo and top hat rabbit received Best Dressed.

Farmer Zak tells a corny joke.

On the lawn near the Knights Building where goats and sheep are located, there is the nightly performance of the Barnyard Review.

Farmer Zak is joined by his friends as they perform a comedy, music and magic act that kids and adults will love. The group also teaches farm safety and education during the performance and asks for audience participation.

Farmer Zak and Miss Amanda dance a square dance together after she magically pops out of a box that appeared empty moments before.

Another nightly event is the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. It takes place in front of the fair office on a 45-foot course.

Sophie Kroening, 4, from Knowlesville was a successful contestant making it all the way to the end.

Pedal tractors pull a sled that becomes harder to drag the farther it is moved, just like a full-size tractor pull sled. Children received water and participation ribbons for finishing the course.

Three-year-old Jacob Duffina of Medina also championed the course and went the distance.

Orleans Hub will continue to post a daily schedule of fair events, so check back to see what’s on the day’s agenda.

Show prep and show time

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Emma Rose Mathes, 12, of Barre brushes out a sheep at about noon today. Emma will be showing three sheep during Thursday’s sheep show at 6 p.m.

The sheep lets out a “bah” while Emma Rose Mathes brushes it out today. Emma also is showing a beef cattle, dairy cow, chicken and goat during this week’s fair at the 4-H fairgrounds.

Emma Ambrose of Medina clears a hurdle with her horse during this morning’s horse show at the fairgrounds.

Jessica Suttera of Rochester competes in the hunter over fences junior competition at the fair. She finished third and fourth in this morning’s competitions.