Ridgeway

Karaoke rocks at the fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Albion girl takes crown with the ‘Cup Song’

Photos by Tom Rivers – Rich Nolan of Medina, the defending champion of the Orleans County karaoke contest, sings “How I Got To Be This Way” during the karaoke finals on Thursday. Nolan finished second overall.

Jessica Reigle of Albion, another past champion, sings “Forget You,” which earned her a fourth place finish overall in this year’s competition.

KNOWLESVILLE – She almost didn’t enter the competition, but Gretta Smith agreed to give karaoke a try on Monday after some coaxing from her friends and family.

The 17-year-old did well enough Monday to advance to the finals on Thursday. She left with first prize, a trophy and $500.

Smith sang “You’re Going To Miss Me When I’m Gone (Cup Song)” by Anna Kendrick. Smith sang it a capella, and performed the cup and table tapping routine made famous by Kendrick. Smith impressed her friends and teachers with the song when she did it at an Albion talent show.

On Monday at the fair, she almost didn’t sign up for karaoke.

“We begged her to do it,” said her mother Shelly Smith.

Her daughter has tended to shun solo performances. But she isn’t a stranger to the stage, performing with groups in dance, chorus and musicals.

She just graduated from Albion and will be attending Monroe Community College in the fall as an undecided major.

She won an entertaining karaoke competition, edging last year’s winner, 22-year-old Rich Nolan of Medina. Nolan works as an assistant manager at Tops in Medina on the night shift. Smith also works at the Tops in Albion as a cashier.

Nolan gave a high-energy performance of “How I Got To Be This Way” by Justin Moore. Nolan was back and forth on the stage and his voice filled the fairgrounds. He would like to join a band and perform more in public.

“I just enjoy singing and seeing people’s reactions,” he said.

M & T Bank put up $1,000 in prize money that was shared by the top five performers. Other award winners include Taylor Whittier in third place with “Highway To Hell,” Jessica Reigle in fourth with “Forget You,” and Lydia Piazza in fifth with “Red High Heels.”

Bob Lash sings “Boys Round Here” during the karaoke finals.

Olivia Redick of Kendall performs “Bless This Broken Road” during karaoke on Thursday.

More shock and awe with a fair sunset

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2013 at 12:25 am

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is batting 1.000 in the sunset department with three stunning sunsets the first three days of the fair.

Here’s how it looked on Wednesday night.

Photo by Tom Rivers

Grease pole is proven crowd pleaser

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2013 at 12:08 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – The Grease Partiers made it to the top of a slathered telephone pole. Part of the team includes, from left: Raymond Austin of Knowlesville, Summer Prentice of Oakfield, Patrick Sewar of Knowlesville and John Ireland of Brockport.

Patrick Sewar, a member of the Grease Partiers, is the top man during a grease pole climb Wednesday night at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Several hundred people turn out to watch the competition each night at 10 p.m.

KNOWLESVILLE It caps off most nights at the fair, drawing hundreds of people gathered around a telephone pole.

The grease pole competition is a proven crowd pleaser, who cheer and laugh as the competitors desperately try to climb the top of grease-slathered pole. It’s not easy for the teams, which need to stack four or five climbers, a tower of people standing one on top of the other.

It’s hard to do with a slick pole.

The Rough N Ready team debuted at the 2011 fair and they’ve gotten better. Last year it took them 48 seconds to get to the top. They did it in 30 seconds on Wednesday.

They practiced on a dry pole before the competition. Team captain Nic Elliott believes the team can lower its time at Saturday’s finals. The fastest team each night advances to championship on Saturday at 10 p.m. The winning team usually has a time around 20 seconds.

John Ireland of Brockport has the top position while Josh Avila of Clarendon, lower left, gets ready to climb.

Elliott and his Rough N Ready mates will talk strategy and look for ways to trim seconds off the climb. The group ranges in age from 18 to 23. Many of them are firefighters and self-described “good ole’ boys.”

Steven Papponetti, 20, of Albion left with several splinters in his hands after the climb. He was the high climber, the one who reached the top. Papponetti said he has improved from last year.

“It’s a lot of trial and error,” he said.

He puts his hands on the shoulder of each teammate on the tower, then puts his feet on their hips, and then his feet to their shoulders, before ascending another person.

Veteran climbers learn to tightly duct tape their waists so teammates have sturdy support on what can be a slippery experience.

Alex Graff of Rochester hangs on tight on top while Josh Avila of Clarendon provides steady support below.

Rough N Ready won on Wednesday, but another team impressed the crowd. The Grease Partiers took about five minutes to get to the top. They didn’t have duct tape and the team didn’t have experience with the competition. They struggled, and Rough N Ready members helped them get to the top.

The Partiers had grease all over their clothes, arms and ears.

John Ireland, 32, of Brockport was talked into giving it a try. He and his teammates were euphoric when it was over.

“It was a blast,” he said.

The team can try again later this week to try to qualify for the finals.

The Rough N Ready team huddles before the competition, the last event of day at the fair.

Chicken barbecue, motorcycles and more at the fair

Posted 25 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – It’s a busy night at the fair. The Cornell Cooperative Extension has an army of volunteers serving up a chicken barbecue. Linda Kirby and her daughter Jamie Brennan are among the volunteers. They are doling out the strawberry desserts.

There is also a motorcycle cruise-in next to the Buzz Hill Education Center. Jason Jeffords of Carlton is pictured on a Harley Davidson Road King Classic.

The karaoke finals start at 8 p.m. and the grease pole is on tap for 10.

Today’s Fair Schedule

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Marisa Hanlon, 15, of Kendall workers with other 4-H’ers to clean a stall at the fair on Wednesday evening. Marisa is a member of the Wranglers 4-H Club.

Daily Feature: Orleans County 4-H Fair Motorcycle Cruise-In, located in the Education Center parking lot

Daily Feature: Orleans County 4-H Fair Dunk Tank, located across from the Senior Council stand

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: Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens

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

Show Arena

1 pm: Story Hour sponsored by Hoag Library – Trolley Building

1:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

2 pm to 4 pm: Home Ec Bowl – Trolley Building

2:15 pm: Fearless Flores – South of Knights Building

3 pm: Llama/Alpaca Costume, Leaping Llama/Alpaca,

Llama/Alpaca Limbo – Show Arena

Dominic Wilder of Albion performs “U Got it bad” by Usher during karaoke on Wednesday. The $1,000 championship will be tonight at 8 p.m.

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

3 to 10 pm: Midway of Utica, $18 unlimited ride wristband

3 pm: Story Hour sponsored by Hoag Library – Trolley Building

3:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

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

4 pm to close: Orleans County 4-H Fair Motorcycle Cruise-In at Education Center Parking Lot

4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

4:30 pm: Chicken BBQ Sponsored by Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension,

No Presale – Curtis Pavilion

4:30 pm: Fearless Flores – South of Knights Building

5:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

6 pm: Sheep Show – Knight’s Building

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

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

6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

6:30 pm: Fearless Flores – South of Knights Building

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

7 pm: Spanish/English Story Hour sponsored by Hoag Library – Trolley Building

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

8 pm: $1,000 Karaoke Challenge Finals – OrleansHub.com Stage

8 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

8:30 pm: Fearless Flores – South of Knights Building

10 pm: Buildings Close

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

Crooners take the stage at the fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Allana Ramos, 21, of Lyndonville performs “What the Water Gave Me” by Florence and the Machine during karaoke Wednesday at the fair.

Bailey Flint, 17, of Holley sings Miranda Lambert’s “Famous in a Small Town.”

KNOWLESVILLE – The fair offers a platform for people to belt out a tune in front of an energetic crowd. On Wednesday, Brad London of Albion again hosted karaoke, which included a mix of country, rock and other foot-tapping music.

The best performers from each karaoke night will square off tonight with the karaoke finals beginning at 8 p.m. when $1,000 in prizes will be awarded.

Michelle Kozlowski, 18, of Middleport performs “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar during the fair on Wednesday.

Sheep show features novice and veteran handlers

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

James Trembley, 6, of Barre made his debut in the show ring this evening as a Cloverbud showing this sheep. James is too young to join 4-H. The Sheep Club gives Cloverbuds a chance to gain some experience in the show ring. Sheep show judge Mike Hargrave offers James a few pointers.

Amanda Armer, left, won the halter showmanship reserve champion tonight at the fair. Amanda, 18, of Albion is pictured with the Moore brothers from Albion – Zachary, 12; and Andrew, 13. Janie Schutz of Waterport won the contest.

Audrey Pask, 8, of Barre keeps her sheep under control during tonight’s show in the Knight’s Building.

Today’s Fair Schedule

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers Posted- Mason Bennett, 8, of Albion keeps his focus in the small fry tractor pull on Tuesday.

Daily Feature: Orleans County 4-H Fair annual Craft and Community Yard Sale, located in the Education Center parking lot

Daily Feature: Free coffee for senior citizens from 1pm to 4pm, compliments of the Orleans County 4-H Fair Committee

Daily Feature: Orleans County 4-H Fair Dunk Tank, located across from the Senior Council stand

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

10 am: All Buildings Open

11 am to 1 pm: Nutrifare Senior Luncheon with Al Howe – Curtis Pavilion

12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

1 pm: Story Hour sponsored by the Community Free Library – Trolley Building

2 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – Orleanshub.com Stage

3 pm: Meat Goat Show – Knight’s Building

3 pm: Story Hour sponsored by the Community Free Library – Trolley Building

3 pm to 8 pm: Orleans County 4-H Fair annual Craft and Community Yard Sale – Education Center parking lot

3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $18 unlimited rides wristband

3:30 pm: Fearless Flores – South of the Knights Building

4 pm: Dairy Cattle Showmanship – Show Arena

4 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

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

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

5:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

6 pm: Mounted Games Competition – Carlos Marcello Arena

6 pm: Registration ends for the Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull

6 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

6:30 pm: Dairy Cattle Show – Show Arena

6:30 pm: Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull

6:30 pm: Fearless Flores – South of the Knights Building

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

7 pm: Spanish/English Story Hour sponsored by the Community Free Library – Trolley Building

7:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

8 pm: Chainsaw Chix – Log Cabin

8:30 pm: Fearless Flores – South of the Knights Building

9 pm: $1,000 Karaoke Challenge – OrleansHub.com Stage

10 pm: Buildings Close

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

All creatures – big and small

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Rabbits, steer get their chance in limelight

Photos by Tom Rivers

Allison Mathes, 9, uses all her might to get her dairy steer to cooperate during today’s show at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.

Judge John Stenson looks over the rabbits during today’s show at the fair. The three boys waiting for their rabbit inspections include, from left: John Gabalski of Byron, Ian Smith of Lyndonville and Brian Neal of Albion. There are 84 rabbits at this year’s fair. Club leader Neil Johnson, right, served as emcee for the show.

Jayne Bannister, 15, of Point Breeze won the grand market steer competition at the fair today.

Lauren Becht, 14, of Barre tries to keep her dairy steer calm during today’s show at the fair. Lauren won the dairy steer category.

Today’s Fair Schedule

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Ferris Wheel, pictured at last night’s sunset, is among the attractions at the fairgrounds being provided by Midway Rides of Utica.

Daily Feature: Orleans County 4-H Fair Dunk Tank, located across from Senior Council stand

8 am: Senior Council Stand Opens

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

9:30 am: Dog Show (Classes 5-22 and C3) – Show Arena

10 am: $5 Admission per car starts

10 am: All Buildings Open

10 am: Horticulture I.D. Contest – Curtis Pavilion

12 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

12 pm to 4 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship – Wachob Pavilion

1 pm: Story Hour: Sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building

2 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest – Wachob Pavilion

3 pm: Story Hour: Sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building

3 pm to 10 pm: Midway Rides of Utica $18 unlimited ride wristbands

3:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – Orleanshub.com Stage

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

4:30 pm: Fearless Flores

5 pm: Beef Showmanship and Show – Show Arena

5:30 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

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

6 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Costume Class and Cloverbud Show – Wachob Pavilion

6:15 pm: Rabbit and Cavy Show – Wachob Pavilion

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

6:30 pm: Fearless Flores

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

7 pm: Spanish/English Story Hour: Sponsored by Yates Community Library – Trolley Building

8 pm: Magic of Cliff Hopkins & Kelly – OrleansHub.com Stage

8:30 pm: Fearless Flores

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

10 pm: Buildings Close

Rain, lightning clear out night crowd at fairgrounds

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – A man walks with an umbrella while it was raining this evening at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. The rain thinned out the crowds. When lightning hit around 9 p.m., fair officials opted to cancel the popular grease pole competition at 10 p.m.

Mortgage burned to kick off fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

State Sen. George Maziarz, right, joined in the mortgage burning ceremony for the “Buzz” Hill Education Center at the opening ceremonies for this year’s 4-H Fair. Maziarz is joined by CCE Fund Development Committee Chairman Pete Toenniessen, left, and Ed Neal, chairman of the CCE board.

KNOWLESVILLE – Late last year, the board of directors at the Cornell Cooperative Extension set a goal of paying off the remaining $35,000 mortgage for the CCE’s education center, a nearly $1 million complex that opened in 2007.

The group wanted to pay off the mortgage a year early. It sent out letters to supporters in January. Donors responded en masse. The debt has been paid. Tonight, the CCE celebrated the milestone by burning the mortgage.

“It was certainly gratifying to see the donations come in,” said Ed Neal, CCE board chairman.

State Sen. George Maziarz was part of the mortgage burning celebration this evening. He praised the community for rallying their dollars in 2006-07, and for heeding the call again to pay off the debt.

“It was the community that built this education center,” Maziarz said during the opening ceremony.

The center has 6,114 square feet. It allowed the CCE to sell its historic office space on Main Street and move to the fairgrounds, making use of the fairgrounds year-round. The center includes offices, classrooms and a lab. It is named for Buzz Hill, a former buildings and grounds superintendent who died in an accident at the fairgrounds.

Orleans County legislators approved $10,000 to pay off the debt in January, and local private donors gave the remaining $25,000.

Russell Young, a member of the American Legion in Medina, plays the trumpet during the opening ceremonies.

Local veterans were part of the opening ceremonies, raising the flag next to the Trolley Building.

Interim CCE Director Pal Lehman praised the fair supporters, and a dedicated corps of about 100 4-H leaders for making the week-long fair such a success.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the Cooperative Extension and the good work it does,” said David Callard, the Legislature chairman.

Fair royalty also welcomed the community to the fair. That group includes Queen Mikaila Harmer, Duke Joseph Trautwein and Dutchess Megan Blackburn.

World War II veteran Michael Paduchak, right, and George Blakeman, a member of the Marine Corps League in Albion, salute during the flag-raising ceremony.

Lots to do at the fair

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Talent show, food, and a mechanical bull

Photos by Tom Rivers – Lucas Powley, 5, of Albion rides the mechanical bull on opening day at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.

Nikki Renko, 18, of Kendall sings “Bring me to Life” by Evanescence during karaoke tonight.

Customers line up at one of the food vendors.

Leah Weinbeck of Brockport performs “Little Red Riding Hood” with a group from Lisa’s Dance Boutique in Holley. They won the mini-division of the talent show and qualified for the State Fair in Syracuse.

Madeline Bilicki of Medina performs “It should have been me” with Dance Theater from Medina. The group won an honorable mention at the talent show in the maxi division. Bilicki was part of a group that won second place for their performance of “Blown Away.”

Today’s Fair Schedule

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Many fair animals, including this cow, are ready for their moment in the show ring.

Today’s Feature: $2 Paid per car admission beginning 4:00 pm

Today’s Feature: Midway Rides of Utica $9 unlimited ride wristband 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Daily Feature: Orleans County 4-H Fair Dunk Tank, located across from Senior Council stand

9:30 am: Walk/ Trot Horse Show and Cloverbud Horse Show, Carlos Marcello Arena

10 am: Market Auction Weigh-In

10 am: Llama and Alpaca Show (classes 1-42) – Show Arena

10 am to 12 pm: Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plan Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods judged – Trolley Building

11am: Field crops judged – Trolley Building

1pm to 3pm: Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged – Trolley Building

4 pm: Paid per car admission begins: Special Opening Day $2 price

4:30 pm: Goat Fitting Competition – Knights Building

5:45 pm: Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans – Flag Pole Garden

6 pm: Dog Show Grooming and Handling /Showmanship, Classes 1 -4 and C1 – Show Arena

6 pm: Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

6 pm: 2013 4-H Clothing Revue: Fun in the Sun – OrleansHub.com Stage

6:30 pm: 4-H Bake Sale – Trolley Building

6:30 pm: Trolley Building Youth Exhibits Open – Trolley Building

6:30-8:30 pm: Master Gardener – Lawn of Education Center

7 pm: Talent Show – Orleanshub.com Stage

7 pm: Swine Show – Swine Pavilion

9 pm: $1000 Karaoke Contest – OrleansHub.com Stage

9 pm: 4-H Exhibitor Only Event – Show Arena

10 pm: Buildings Close

4-H’ers, animals get ready for busy week at the fair in Knowlesville

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Brooke Bensley brushes “Desi,” short for “My Heart’s Desire” in preparation for today’s llama show at 10 a.m. Brooke, 18, of Albion has been showing llamas at the fair since she was 10.

Adam Eick, 18, of Medina and Joe Cecchini, 9, of Medina clean cows this morning.

Skip Lear and his daughter Jamie Schutz, 16, of Waterport lead beef cattle to the washing area at the fairgrounds. Lear, a former 4-H’er, volunteers as the beef cattle superintendent at the fair.

KNOWLESVILLE – The 4-H’ers and animals have arrived at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville, and this morning has been busy for 4-H’ers. They have been cleaning animals, and setting up stalls and pens for the animals’ week-long home.

The fair starts today and the first competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the cloverbud horse show and a walk/trot horse show. A llama and alpaca show begins at 10 a.m.

There will be an opening ceremony at 5:45, which will include a mortgage burning. Donors have paid off the mortgage on the new education center.

A talent show at 7 p.m., swine show at 7 p.m. and karaoke contest at 9 p.m. are also on the schedule for today.

Parking will be $2 per vehicle today after 4 p.m. It will be $5 per carload from Tuesday through Saturday.

Taylor Soule, 8, of Barre and her brother Matthew Mathes, 6, brush their dairy animals at the fairgrounds this morning.

Noah Preston, 17, of Barre hoses down livestock. The 4-H’ers strive to present a good image of the agricultural industry to the public during this week’s fair.