Natalie Mrzywka, 16, of Holley wins the title

Photos by Tom Rivers

Nicole Mrzywka, left, and her sister Natalie hold their trophies after the Grand Master Showmen Competition at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Friday. Nicole was the reserve champion and Natalie won the event. Their mother Annette (Lear) Mrzywka won the title in the early 1990s.

The event includes the top showman in nine different animal breeds and has them compete for the grand master showman, showing nine different types of animals. It is a grueling three-hour event.

Natalie Mrzywka, 16, of Holley leads a dairy cow in the show ring on Friday. She qualified for the competition after winning the showmanship award for meat goats.

Natalie shows sheep, goats, horses and dogs. That experience helped her show the range of animals in Friday’s competition.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” she said.

Natalie said showing the beef cattle are the most difficult because they are often unruly.

Her sister gave her a big hug after Natalie was declared the winner of one of the fair’s most prestigious titles. Natalie said the sisters push each other to learn about animals and excel in the show ring.

Nicole Mrzywka, 14, keeps a dairy animal under control during the Grand Master Showman Competition. Nicole qualified as the top showman for dairy goats.

Emily Harling, 11, of Barre tries to get a sheep set up during the Grand Master Showmen Competition. Emily qualified as the top showman for horse (western). Jayne Bannister is behind Emily and judge Tammi Kron listens to an answer about the breed from Janie Schutz. Both Jayne and Janie are past winners of the Grand Master Showmen.

Janie Schutz, left, of Waterport and Elizabeth Bentley of Albion show sheep in the competition.

Schutz qualified as the beef cattle showman and Elizabeth represented the llamas.

Elizabeth, 17, has shown llamas outside of 4-H for years. This year she joined the 4-H program and also showed in the dairy competition.

“I would definitely do it again,” she said. “The people in the barns, we’ve all worked together and taught each other how to show the animals.”

Judge Tammi Kron of Alden eyes the showmen as the lead dairy animals in the show ring.

Kron said the competition was very close. It came down to a tie-breaking question that Natalie Mrzywka answered. Kron wanted to know the best spot for a showman to be in the show ring. Natalie said it’s best to have the animal in the center of a show ring so it can be easily visible to the judge.

The master showmen included Janie Schutz, representing beef cattle; Justin Robinson, representing dairy cattle; Nicole Mrzywka, representing dairy goats; Natalie Mrzywka, representing meat goats; Kelsey Hilburger, representing horse – English; Emily Harling, representing horse – Western; Elizabeth Bentley, representing llamas; and Jayne Bannister, representing sheep and swine.

While waiting for the scores to be tallied, the participants each took turns introducing themselves to the crowd and sharing a highlight from the competition. Emily Harling told the crowd she learned to step outside her comfort zone. Other master showmen include, from left in back: Justin Robinson of Albion, Kelsey Hilburger of Elba, Janie Schutz of Waterport and Jayne Bannister of Point Breeze.

Photos by Tom Rivers – John Borello, left, and Ed Hilfiker, guitarists with The Who Dats, perform on Friday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Special Event: Kids Love Trucks: Orleans Emergency, Fire Department, Law Enforcement, and Ambulance Services from across the county.

Daily Feature: Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building, daily presentations at 6 p.m.

Daily Feature Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building, 3-9 p.m.

8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens

9 a.m. Horse Games Day (Gymkhana) – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 a.m. All Buildings Open

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

This 1965 Volkswagon was part on the Cruise-In Car Show Friday at the fair.

11:10 a.m. “Chopped” 4-H Youth Cooking Contest Starts – Orleanshub.com Stage

12 p.m. Small-Animal Grand Master Showman Competition – Wachob Pavilion

12 p.m. Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens – Davis Building

12:10 p.m. “Chopped” 4-H Youth Contest Judging – Orleanshub.com Stage

1 p.m. Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office

1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

1:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Pedal Tractor Course – Fair Office

4 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Crowning of the Fair Royalty – Curtis Pavilion

The “Blue Moon” was out Friday night at the fair.

4 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Pedal Tractor Course – Fair Office

4 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

4:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

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

5 p.m. Latin-American dances by Grupo Cultural Latinos En Rochester – Orleanshub.com Stage

5:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

6 p.m. Set up for Band – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

6:30 p.m. Market Auction Preview and Reception sponsored by Apex Clean Energy – Show Arena

Friday included fireworks at the fair.

6:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

7 p.m. “Mr Mustard” Beatles Tribute Band – Orleanshub.com Stage

7 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Market Auction sponsored by Apex Clean Energy – Show Arena

7:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

8 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

9 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

9 p.m. 4-H Dairy Cow Bingo – Cattle Building

Barry Flansburg serves as the emcee for the grease pole competition.

10 p.m. Buildings Close

10 p.m. Greased Pole Climbing Contest, Final Qualifying Round (Teams Must Pre-register at Fair Office) At Greased Pole

10:30 p.m. Greased Pole Championship. At Greased Pole

Photos by Tom Rivers – Sara Winter, a member of the Chainsaw Chix, creates a frog on a lily pad during the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Thursday. Winter has been a featured attraction at the fair the past six years.

Special Event Orleans County 4-H Fair Car Show, located in the Buzz
Hill Education Center lot.

Daily Feature: Orleans County Flower Show sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building with daily presentations at 6 p.m.

Daily Feature: Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden
history in New York, in the Lartz Building from 3-9 p.m.

8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens

9:30 a.m. Youth Ag Olympics Fun Activitie – South Lawn

9 a.m. Miniature Horse Show & Driving Competition – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 a.m. $5 Admission per car starts

10 a.m. All Buildings Open

10 a.m. Grand Master Showman Workshop – Starting in Show Arena

10:30 a.m. Tractor Driving Contest – South Parking Lot

Chantelle Kidney of Medina is pictured with a sheep that won best in show on Thursday.

12 p.m. Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens

12 to 2 p.m. Pottery by Megan Demonstrations with pottery wheel – Trolley Building

12:30 p.m. Dog Show, Agility Competition (Classes 23-30) – Show Arena

1 p.m. Story Time by Lee-Whedon Memorial Library of Medina – Trolley Building

1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

2 p.m. Story Time by Lee-Whedon Memorial Library of Medina – Trolley Building

3 to 10 p.m. Midway Rides of Utica $20 Unlimited Ride wristband – Midway

3 p.m. Horse Judging Contest – Carlos Marcello Arena

4 p.m. Royalty questionnaires due – Fair Office

Lillian Mathes, 10, of Barre tries to control her sheep during a livestock show on Thursday.

4 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

4 to 7 p.m. Pottery by Megan Demonstrations with pottery wheel – Trolley Building

4:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

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

5:30 p.m. Classic Car Cruise-In – Education Center Lot

Jane Kelly sings “At Last” during the karaoke finals on Thursday.

5:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

6 p.m. Set Up for Band – Orleanshub.com Stage

6 p.m. Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – Fair Office

6 p.m. Grand Master Showman – Livestock Areas

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

6 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

6 p.m. Master Gardener Presentation: Everything Lavender – Lartz Building

6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Pedal Tractor Course – Fair Office

These trained pigs are dressed up for the Pork Chop Review.

6:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun
Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

7 p.m. “The Who Dats” Classic rock of all eras, alternative and blues – Orleanshub.com Stage

7 p.m. Quadrille Horse Demonstration – Carlos Marcello Arena

7 p.m. Spanish/English Story Time by Agribusiness Child Development – Trolley Building

7:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

8 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

The sun sets Thursday in this photo showing the Carlos Marcello Arena for horses and the west end parking lot.

8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun. Sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

9 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

10 p.m. Buildings Close

10 p.m. Fireworks (Rain Date Saturday @ 10:00pm)

10:30 p.m. Greased Pole Climbing Contest (Teams must pre-register at Fair Office). At Greased Pole

Only 2 of 4 teams can make it to the top

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Alex Graff is up on Nic Elliott’s shoulders as the team, Rough N Ready, tries to climb the grease pole on Thursday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The team wasn’t able to pull off the challenge. Four teams tried it, but only two made it.

“It’s slippery up there,” Graff said.

Brad Driesel of Rough N Ready gets close to the top. Before he could get there, the bottom of the team started to give out. A nearly full moon shows in this photo.

The A Team makes it to the top of the pole as a crowd of several hundred people gather at 10 p.m. to close out the fair. The A Team completed the challenge in 1 minute, 1 second. That was good for second place on Thursday.

Lusciously Lube was the fastest team on Thursday. They climbed the pole in 38.32 seconds.

Devan Freeman of Medina is on top of the grease pole for Lusciously Lube with Ben Martin second from the top, and Mike Murphy third from the top.

Many of the team members are from Medina. Some of them tried it last year and couldn’t get to the top.

“We didn’t make it last year so this was a redemption thing,” Ben Martin said.

Lusciously Lube advances to the finals on Saturday night.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

KNOWLESVILLE – There is a lot going on at the fair this week, and the annual event includes some new additions, including a flower show sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners.

Fairy Gardens (pictured above) are popular entries in the flower show, which is being held in the Lartz Building at the fairgrounds.

Orleans County 4-Her Rachel Gregoire, left, and Kate Hardner participated in the first-ever Master Gardener Floral Design Contest on Wednesday evening. The two were awarded trophies for their efforts. The contest was part of the flower show.

This clever and colorful container garden entry by Paula Bensley is part of the flower show. Paula used an old enamelware container to hold dishes and flower “soapsuds.” The flower show continues through Saturday.

Rebecca Semmel (standing, far left) headed to the Trolley Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds with her family to help churn and sample homemade butter and fresh, homemade rolls made by Jane Read (seated, far right). Also in the photo are Abigal Schrieber and Grace VanSlyke (seated).

Jane Read demonstrates butter making with a circa 1920-1930’s glass butter churn in the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Wednesday afternoon.

Lucky fairgoers had the chance to work the antique churn and sample the results on warm, fresh-baked rolls Jane had made in the Trolley Building kitchen. Here Jane is using a wooden paddle to gently press buttermilk out of the solid butter.

Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers await while their entries are judged for Best of Show at the conclusion of the Rabbit Show at the Fair Tuesday evening while Mike Ross judges. Ross, a former Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raiser, thanked show organizers for, “bringing me home” to judge the show. He said it was great to see the Rabbit Raiser program continue to flourish in Orleans County.

Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers celebrate their Best of Show entries for the 2015 Rabbit Show at the Fair. On the right is Zach Albright who won Best of Show with his Satin Rabbit. On the left is John Gabalski who won Reserve of Show with his Californian rabbit. Looking on is Grace Gregoire who won Best of Show for cavies (guinea pig).

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Thursday was the finals for karaoke at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and Ayman Huzair, 21, captured first place and a $500 prize for his performance.

Huzair sang a medley of songs from Michael Montgomery, Bruno Mars and Cupid.

Huzair welcomed the crowd to join him on stage for the “Cupid Shuffle.” He just graduated from Brockport State College with a biochemistry degree and is applying to med school. His sisters Salma, 16, and Tamara, 13, both performed, and so did their brother Qasim, 11. The siblings took three of the top 5 spots.

Salma Huzair won second place and $250 for singing “Broken Hearted Girl.”

Rich Nolan, a past champion, was third with “Eight Second Ride.” Nolan, 25, of Medina said the contest, featuring 16 singers who qualified from Monday through Thursday, was a showcase of the singing talent in Orleans County.

“I just love performing for people,” Nolan said. “It’s just fun to have fun with the crowd.”

Olivia Redick of Kendall was fourth with “Girl Crush.”

Qasim Huzair proved a crowd favorite with his performance of “Sugar.” Qasim sang in public for the first time on Wednesday and transformed from a quiet kid into a high-energy singer.

Dawn Hoffmeister of Ridgeway sings “Still Got The Blues.” Hoffmeister, 54, said she has been singing karaoke for more than 20 years.

“I just love to sing,” she said. “It’s my passion.”

Lindsay Thurber sings “Gunpowder and Lead.”

Liz Osborn sings “Girl Crush” during the karaoke finals.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

KNOWLESVILLE – Rebecca Semmel, a 4-H’er from Wyoming County, braved hot, sticky conditions to model this outfit she made during the WNY 4-H District Clothing Review on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

A visit to Gettysburg, Pa., inspired the historical outfit which is typical of women’s fashion, circa 1863. Rebecca will wear her outfit when she works in the Historical House at the Wyoming County Fair later this summer.

The Orleans County 4-H Fair played host to the Western New York 4-H District Clothing Review Wednesday afternoon. 4-Hers from Chautauqua, Niagara, Wyoming and Orleans counties took part, modeling garments and clothing ensembles they had made or embellished.

Melinda Waag, 14, of Fredonia models her outfit.

Orleans County’s own Emma Mathes, 14, of Barre models her lacy party dress during the WNY 4-H District Clothing Review. She is a member of the Adventurers 4-H Club.

Dana Daigler, 17, of Niagara County models a purchased skating outfit she embellished by hand with 2,300 Swarovski crystals.

Dana spent 12 hours on the project and used crystal AB and fire opal colored crystals to accent the bright red skating outfit.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Andrew Jones of the Troll Diggers makes it to the top of the grease-slathered pole on Wednesday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The Troll Diggers completed the climb in 26.2 seconds, the fastest of two teams on Wednesday. That qualified the Troll Diggers for Saturday’s championship, which will feature the fastest teams from qualifying rounds on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The grease pole caps off the fair at 10 p.m. each night from Wednesday through Saturday, and draws crowds of several hundred people.

The Troll Diggers were runner-ups in 2014. The team includes members mostly from Hamlin and Brockport.

“It’s a hoot,” said Sam Pak, one of the team members.

The Troll Diggers pose for a photo after conquering the grease pole. The team includes, front row, from left: Andrew Agent and Sam Pak. Back row: Nate Jenks, Andrew Jones, Neal Kruger, Jeff Ebel, Isaiah Jenks and Jonah Pak.

Taylor Soule (in white) makes her way up the grease pole. Cady Messmer is the second person up from the base. They are members of the BB Queens, a team of eight women and one man. The BB Queens debuted last year and advanced to the finals. This time they finished in 1:04 for second place.

Ricky Messmer makes it to the top of the grease pole. Taylor Soule, who recently got home from boot camp in the Air Force, was the third person up for the BB Queens.

Soule of Albion said she wanted to compete again because of the tight friendships on the team.

Messmer, 23, said he has played many sports and nothing compares to the thrill and sense of camraderie of climbing the grease pole.

The BB Queens include, front row: Brianna Dixon, Cady Messmer and Taylor Soule. Back row: Eboni Taylor, Hannah Hapeman, Ricky Messmer, Brooke Bensley, Halle Jurs, and Jessica Grimes.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Camryn Eick, 9, of Albion holds two alpaccas – Stella, left, and Bella. She was getting ready to take them for a walk on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Ruthie Kuipers, 5, of Byron competes in the small fry pedal tractor pull. She finished second in the 45 pounds and under division.

Nick Sacco, 13, of Albion competes in the dairy showmanship competition on Wednesday. Nick works part-time at the Neal family dairy farm and is showing one of their cows.

Ken Strickland, an investigator with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, competes in a new doughnut-eating contest at the fair. Every contestant ate more doughnuts than Strickland. Deputy Jeff Cole also competed in one of the doughnut-eating heats.

Kylie Poynter, right, and her sister Tiffany sing “Just A Kiss” by Lady Antebellum during karaoke at the fair.

Jeremy Neal gives the instructions for the grease pole competition to the BB Queens, a team with eight women and one man. They were successful in getting to the top of the pole on Wednesday night.

Blue, a horse owned by Michela Hanlon of Kendall, relaxes in its stall after a busy Wednesday of competitions.

Photos by Tom Rivers – Justin Robinson of Albion shows a cow during the dairy show on Wednesday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Justin was named reserve champion for showmanship.

Daily Feature: Orleans County Flower Show, sponsored by Orleans County Master Gardeners. Display located in the Lartz Exhibit Building with daily presentations at 6 p.m.

Special Event: 3 – 8 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive in the Buzz Hill Education Center. Enter using back door.

Daily Feature Meet Michael Keene, author of five books on hidden history in New York, in the Lartz Building. 3-9 p.m.

8 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Youth Camp Day – Sponsored by the Orleans County 4-H Fair Committee

9 a.m. Western Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

10 a.m. $5 admission per car starts

10 a.m. All Buildings Open

10 a.m. Wildlife I.D. Contest. Log Cabin

10:30 a.m. Little Britches Cattle Show (open to public) – Show Arena

12 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

Jason Clark, center, and Morgan Seielstad compete in a doughnut-eating contest on Wednesday. Contestants were challenged to eat six doughnuts.

12 to 1 p.m. Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs and Guests – Show Arena

1 p.m. Story Time by Hoag Library of Albion – Trolley Building

1 to 3 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

1:15 p.m. Pork Chop Review – Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

2 to 4 p.m. Family and Consumer Science Knowledge Bowl – Center Stage

2 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

3 p.m. Story Time by Hoag Library of Albion – Trolley Building

4-H’ers and Medina FFA members take alpaccas and llamas for a walk by the main livestock barn on Wednesday.

3 p.m. Llama/Alpaca Costume, Leaping Llama/Alpaca, Llama/Alpaca Limbo – Show Arena

3 p.m. Little Britches Llama/Alpaca – Open to Public – Show Arena

3 to 10 p.m. Midway of Utica $20 unlimited ride wristband – Midway

4 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

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

4:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

4:30 p.m. “Madhouse!: A Hidden History of Insane Asylums in the 19th Century.” Presentation by author Michael Keene – OrleansHub.com stage

5 to 7 p.m. Dog Agility Demonstration with Della’s Agility Dream Dogs
and Guests – Show Arena

Lee Germain and Judi perform a routine with a rabbit as part of their magic show.

5:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

6 p.m. Sheep Show (Costume class at end) – Knight’s Building

6 p.m. Small Animal Grand Master Information Session – Wachob Pavilion

6 p.m. Registration for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull Ends – Fair Office

6 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

6 p.m. Master Gardener Presentation: Edible Flowers – Lartz Building

6 to 8 p.m. P.Raising Kids Children’s Activity Center with face painting, crafts and art projects – Trolley Building

Sophie Kroning, 5, of Knowlesville competes in the small fry pedal tractor pull on Wednesday.

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull. Pedal Tractor Course – Fair Office

6:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

7 p.m. Spanish/English Story Time by Agribusiness Child Development – Trolley Building

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

7:30 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germain and Judi – West end of Lartz Building

8 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals – Orleanshub.com Stage

8 p.m. Chainsaw Chix sponsored by HealthE Links – Log Cabin

Natalie Mrzywka, 16, of Holley (left) and her friend Mikala Smith of Holley get a sheep cleaned and ready on Wednesday evening. The sheep show is at 6 p.m. today.

8:30 p.m. Pork Chop Review- Performing pigs and family fun sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile – Lawn South of the Knights Building

9 p.m. The Magic of Lee Germainand Judi – West end of Lartz Building

10 p.m. Buildings Close

10 p.m. Greased Pole Climbing Competition (teams must pre-register at fair office). At Greased Pole