KNOWLESVILLE – Audrey Pask made it three times as small animal grand master showman. She won the competition today that featured the top two showmen for dogs, rabbits, chickens and miniature horses.

Lydia Hofmann, 18, of Albion was the reserve grand master.

Pask, 17, of Barre also won last year and in 2018. She has now made it to the small animal grand master competition five times. She qualified after winning the showmanship title for chickens. Pask also competed in the large animal grand master competition on Friday. Meganne Moore of Albion also competed in both of the grand master competitions.

The small animal grand master showmen participants include front, from left: Evelyn Paratore, 10, of Corfu and Marissa Young, 10, of Kendall. Back row: Lydia Hofmann, 18, of Albion; Carissa Klossner, 14, of Holley; Sadie Gregoire, 15, of Murray; Kailee Anstey, 13, of Albion; Meganne Moore, 16, of Albion; and Audrey Pask, 17, of Barre.

Pask said the small animal event is very knowledge focused with all kinds of facts to know about the animals, including feather conditions for chickens, bone density for rabbits and how to do health checks for diseases and other threatening conditions.

“It’s less physically taxing, but it requires more studying,” she said about the small animals, compared to the larger livestock. “I like that it’s a challenge. There are nuances to every species. It’s all about having fun and asking questions.”

With the dogs and miniature horses, the 4-Hers need to lead the animals in patterns, and presenting their confirmations or standards for the breed.

Pask said the 4-Hers that show in the other species share knowledge to help the grand master participants be ready for the competition.

Lydia Hofmann of Albion shows a dog in front of judge David Armer during today’s small animal grand master showmen competition. Armer is an alumnus of the Orleans County 4-H program.

Lydia Hofmann qualified as the master showman for dogs. She was in the grand master event last year. She felt more confident and better prepared this time.

“The first time it was very intimidating,” she said. “But it has been my goal to be in the grand master competition. It is an absolute honor.”

9 master showmen show 9 different animals in one of fair’s most prestigious events

Photos by Tom Rivers: Samantha Basinait is hugged by Brilyn Rebisz after Basinait was announced on Friday night as the winner of this year’s grand master showman at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Rebisz won the reserve master showman.

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair has a new grand master showman, one of the most prestigious titles at the fair.

Samantha Basinait, 17, of Barre won the title on Friday. The competition features the master showman in nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Basinait qualified for the competition after winning the master showman for beef on Tuesday. Winning the title was quite a turnaround from the start of the week for Basinait. She woke up Tuesday and went to the barn and discovered someone have shaved off most of the hair on steer’s tail. Normally the tails are shaped into a fluffy tear drop of hair.

She improvised and put ribbon and electrical tape on the tail after the judge in Tuesday’s show was told there had been vandalism to the animal.

“I was so upset,” Basinait said.

But she persevered and kept going. That trait helped her in the show ring on Friday. Judge Tammi Kron said Basinait was unflappable, even when animals were uncooperative.

“She was very calm, cool and collected,” Kron said. “She was able to go with the flow and not lose her temper.”

Sam Basinait shows a dairy animal during the grandmaster showman event, a competition that lasted about 2 ½ hours on Friday.

Basinait has been showing animals at the fair since she was 9. She had never shown a llama, pig or horse until the event on Friday. She said animals can sense if you’re anxious. They key is to keep yourself under control.

“It all takes patience and time,” she said. “If you get worked up, then the animal gets worked up.”

The master showmen had to use animals that weren’t their own or ones they had shown earlier in the week.

Several times during the competition, animals would bolt away from the showmen. One steer got tired and laid down for a nap.

Basinait, an incoming senior at Albion, said she wants to work in ag tech for a career, perhaps helping farms use GPS systems to improve their output. She also wants to work as a beef breeder.

Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen, 17, finished as the reserve master showman. She qualified after winning the dairy goats showman competition.

Rebisz has been showing animals for six years. She and her family like the environment at the Orleans fair and the 4-H program. She appreciates that there is a grand master showmen event, which she said is unusual among county fairs.

“I love the environment here,” she said. “It’s a great program.”

Rebisz also qualified last year for the grand master event. She said she felt calmer this year in presenting the nine different types of animals.

“Everybody did so well,” she said. “I was just proud to be a part of the grand master showman.”

The master showmen included:

• Samantha Basinait, 17, of Barre, representing beef cattle
• Brilyn Rebisz, 16, of Bergen, representing dairy goats
• Danielle Schmidt, 17, of Medina, representing llamas
• Meganne Moore, 16, of Albion, representing English horse
• Celes Paratore, 14, of Corfu, representing meat goats
• Kylie Marion, 16, of Kendall, representing Western horse
• Elizabeth Dresser, 10, of Medina, representing dairy cows
• Carter Kuipers, 14, of Byron, representing pigs
• Audrey Pask, 17, of Barre, representing sheep

Audrey Pask, 17, of Barre leads a sheep around the ring. The showmen used their bare hands to keep the sheep and goats under control. With other animals they used halters and show sticks.

Celes Paratore, 14, of Corfu backs up while showing this dairy animal. With beef cattle, the showmen used a halter and show stick and walked forward with the animal.

Carter Kuipers, 14, of Byron leads a horse in the first event of the competition. Lexi Dasson was the judge for the horse and llama portions of the event.

Danielle Schmidt, 17, of Medina leads a llama in the show ring. She was the master showman for the llamas.

Meganne Moore, 16, of Albion keeps this dairy animal calm and under control.

Kylie Marion, 16, of Kendall shows a dairy animal. She said the event, with all the different animals, “was stressful at first, but it was fun.” She said being around her horse for so many years helped her to not be afraid of the bigger livestock animals, including the beef cattle.

Elizabeth Dresser, 10, of Medina had to work hard keeping up with this sheep.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kenny Draper washes off a truck this morning at parking lot for the Elks Lodge in Albion at 428 West State Street.

The Elks will be there until 2 p.m. washing cars and vehicles for $12 as a benefit for Supportive Care of Orleans.

Rick Standish uses a brush to get any grime off the vehicle.

Mike Dugan, left, and Albert Burch team up to clean this truck.

Camille Jenks gives a jeep a hose down.

Photos by Tom Rivers: William Kingdollar, 3, of Clarendon pedals a tractor in the small fry tractor pull on Friday. Participants pedals a tractor with had a wagon with weights.

Daily Feature: Animal Meet and Greet with Party Animals

Daily Feature: Orleans County Amateur Radio Club Scavenger Hunt win one of 20 free ice creams daily!

Daily Feature: Family Games Lounge located in the Lartz Commercial Exhibits Building

9 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens – Senior Council Stand

8 a.m. Open Sheep Show – Show Arena

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

The Spider ride in the midway is pictured while fireworks are set off Friday night at the fair.

10:30 a.m. Cat Show – Show Arena

11 a.m. “Iron Chef” 4-H Youth Cooking Contest Starts – Orleans Hub Stage

10 a.m. Paid admission begins, Buildings open to the public – Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan – Lartz Building

10 a.m. NEFCC Licensing Exam – Education Center

10 a.m. Small Animal Grandmaster Showman – Knights Building

12 p.m. “Iron Chef” 4-H Youth Contest Judging – Orleans Hub Stage

12 to 3 p.m. SNAP Educators – Trolley Building

The 4-H leaders food stand was assisted by firefighters from the Murray Joint Fire District on Friday. From left includes Howard Mills, 4-Her Kendyll Kidney, Adam Blosenhauer and Charlie Ricci.

1 to 5 p.m. Main Event Amusements $25 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 1-5 only) – Midway

1 to 7 p.m. WNY PRISM, invasive species experts – Lartz Building

2 p.m. Blacksmithing Demo by Barn Owl Blacksmithing – Beadle Heritage Building

4 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens – Davis Building

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

4 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

5 p.m. Arestov Acrobatic Extravaganza – Education Center Parking Lot

Kirk Mathes checks out the classic cars during Friday’s cruise in. There were 80 vehicles on display as part of the show.

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

6 p.m. Blacksmithing Demo by Barn Owl Blacksmithing – Beadle Heritage Building

6 to 10 p.m. Main Event Amusements $25 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 6-10 only) – Midway

6 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – JCH of Buffalo Tent

6:30 p.m. Market Auction Preview and Reception – Show Arena

7 to 10 p.m. Live Music with the Orleans County String Band – Orleans Hub Stage

Jordan Boccacci and Eric Brown formed the “Mullet Brothers” and work to push an 800-pound hay bale through an obstacle course on Friday night at the fair. They finished fifth out of seven teams with a time of 2 minutes, 20 seconds.

7 p.m. Arestov Acrobatic Extravaganza – Education Center Parking Lot

7 p.m. Orleans County 4-H Market Auction – Show Arena

8 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

9 p.m. Entertainment 2 – Curtis Pavilion Lawn

10 p.m. Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:20 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Course (Immediately Following Qualifier will be Hay Bale Rolling Contest with winners-only championship round  – Hay Bale Rolling Course)

10 p.m. Buildings Close

Conner Miller, left, and Nick Mace of Bear and Owl Blacksmithing in Medina have been doing blacksmith demonstrations throughout the week.

Dale Frasier of Kent and Floyd Young of Kendall – “The Old Boys” – won Friday’s hay bale rolling contest in a time of 1 minute, 36 seconds and advance to tonight’s championship round.

Claire Streicher, 4, of Holley put pedal power on display in the small fry tractor pull.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday issued an Executive Order declaring a State Disaster Emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

The Executive Order enables the state to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated.

“After reviewing the latest data on the monkeypox outbreak in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our aggressive ongoing efforts to confront this outbreak,” Governor Hochul said. “More than one in four monkeypox cases in this country are in New York State, and we need to utilize every tool in our arsenal as we respond.”

The Executive Order specifically extends the pool of eligible individuals who can administer monkeypox vaccines, including EMS personnel, pharmacists and midwives; allows physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue non patient specific standing orders for vaccines; and requires providers to send vaccine data to the New York State Department of Health.

The announcement builds on New York State’s ongoing response efforts on monkeypox, including efforts to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity, and distribute the latest information and resources to New Yorkers.

Hochul on Thursday announced that the federal government had secured an additional 110,000 vaccine doses, resulting in a total of 170,000 doses to New Yorkers to date. Governor Hochul and the Department of Health are continuing their ongoing coordination with White House, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) to ensure that New York continues to receive its fair share of vaccine supply as soon they are available, especially for those New Yorkers in communities with high transmission rates.

Recently, New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett declared monkeypox an Imminent Threat to Public Health (ITPH) in New York State. Earlier this month, NYSDOH launched a new SMS-text notification effort to deliver the latest monkeypox information directly to New Yorkers. New Yorkers can sign up for text messages—which will include alerts about cases, symptoms, spread, and resources for testing and vaccination—by texting “MONKEYPOX” to 81336 or “MONKEYPOXESP” for texts in Spanish. By providing a zip code, New Yorkers can also opt-in for location-based messages.

In addition to public outreach, the New York State Department of Health continues to focus on distributing vaccines to communities. Local county health departments that have received supply are administering the vaccine directly and establishing their own appointment processes. Working in partnership with counties, New Yorkers who sign-up for location-based alerts may receive alerts on vaccine availability, clinic locations, scheduling, and other monkeypox-related updates specific to their area.

For more information about monkeypox, including case counts by county, treatment, and care, visit: health.ny.gov/monkeypox.

Editor’s Note: There haven’t been any reported cases yet in Orleans or the GLOW counties, but there have been 4 in Monroe, 4 in Erie and 1 in Niagara, according to the state.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) was one of two Republicans to join Democrats on Friday in narrowly passing H.R. 1808 – The Assault Weapons Ban of 2021. Five Democrats voted against the legislation, but it passed 217-213.

The legislation would ban the sale of assault-style weapons and high capacity magazines. A similar ban lapsed in 2004.

The bill isn’t expected to pass the evenly divided Senate.

Jacobs released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1808 – The Assault Weapons Ban of 2021.

“Two months ago, following the massacre of 10 people in Buffalo and the horrific killing of 19 children in Uvalde, I announced that I would support an assault weapon ban that stops the further sale and manufacture of AR-15 style weapons – the guns used in these and many other mass shootings. Today, that bill was brought to the floor of the House of Representatives and I voted in favor of it.

“I strongly support the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense and have a record of doing so. As Erie County Clerk, I ran our county’s Pistol Permitting Office, issuing over 10,000 pistol permits allowing citizens to avail themselves of their Second Amendment rights. “However, what I do not support is easy access to high-powered semiautomatic weapons and large capacity magazines that have time and time again resulted in mass casualty shootings. These weapons have been proven to cause an immense amount of damage quickly – in Buffalo, 13 people were shot – 10 fatally – in less than 3 minutes.

“We have a duty to provide for the safety of all Americans. These weapons do not belong in our communities. While this bill is not perfect, I believe it will save innocent lives.

“I want to be clear; this legislation does not call for the confiscation of guns that are already legally owned today, they are grandfathered in the bill. Finally, gun reform is only one piece of solving our nation’s gun violence problem. We need to work to increase security at our schools, provide resources to our law enforcement officers, and significantly enhance our mental health infrastructure. Our work is not done until we accomplish these goals as well.”

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board on Thursday voted in favor of two 633-foot-high turbines in Shelby.

Borrego Solar System Inc. is proposing the two turbines on South Gravel Road in an apple orchard owned by the Smith family. Town Supervisor Jeff Smith recently retired as an apple grower. His family’s property is proposed for the two turbines. He is recusing himself from any votes or official discussion about the project.

The County Planning Board recommended that Shelby approve a special use permit for the project and also OK the site plan.

The two turbines would each have a capacity to generate 5 megawatts of power. The turbines would disturb 11 acres of land. The turbines would peak at 633 feet in height, and that is from the ground to the top tip of the blade. The ground to the main hub is 363.7 feet with the blades at a total diameter of 479 feet. Because of the height of the turbines, they will need to be lighted for Federal Aviation Administration standards.

The project includes a 20-foot wide access road, and that road will need to cross a stream. A battery storage system isn’t part of the project.

Borrego, the project developer, plans to keep existing trees around the edge of the property to act as a noise and visual buffer. Borrego presented visual studies that show the turbines would be very prominent on Route 63, and also would be visible from the Oak Orchard Elementary School and Glenwood Avenue canal bridge near Main Street.

A shadow flicker study was conducted at 166 locations. Borrego said the maximum light flicker will be 19 hours, 34 minutes a year, or just over 3 minutes a day on average.

Borrego in a noise analysis report said the sound decibels will range from 28 to 43 dBA, which falls within the sound category for quiet rural nighttime to small town residence.

The County Planning Board recommended that Shelby submit the proposal to the U.S. Department of Interior for its review about whether the turbines pose a risk to migratory birds and bats. The project would be close to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

County planning officials said construction of the project would result in some traffic delays when the long blades are being delivered. Once the project is constructed, there will be minimal traffic to the site, planners said.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced flags on state buildings will be flown at half-staff on July 31 and Aug. 1 in honor of fallen Rochester Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz.

Flags should be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on July 31 and August 1, the day of Officer Mazurkiewicz’s funeral service and returned to full-staff at sunset on August 2, following the funeral service.

“The loss of Officer Mazurkiewicz was a senseless tragedy, and my thoughts are with his wife, his children, and all of his loved ones,” Governor Hochul said. “Every day, police officers put their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers, and we will continue taking aggressive action to tackle gun violence in our communities. All of New York grieves the loss of Officer Mazurkiewicz alongside his family, the Rochester Police Department, and the community, and we will never forget his sacrifice.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a drought watch for 21 New York counties after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies.

New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

“Recent rains across the state were not enough to address the dry conditions that have persisted this year,” Hochul said. “Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources will be crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen.”

The counties under drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming, and Yates.

A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch.

“Conserving water is important all year long, but particularly during extended dry periods like we are experiencing now,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC will continue to monitor water conditions as the summer continues and work with our partners to help address the short-term water issues leading to this watch and the longer-term impacts of climate change on our everyday lives.”

While few public water supply challenges have been reported due to dry conditions, below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels prompted the need for action to ensure adequate public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

Provided photo

HOLLEY – Holley Police Chief Bob Barton, right, holds the Bible while swearing in Jeremiah Welch Ruth as a new member of the Holley Police Department.

The new officer is from Lockport and is in the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College.

ALBION – Four people pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on Wednesday and could be sentenced to the county jail or state prison.

Devon M. Rose, 27, of Rochester pleaded guilty to arson in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree.

He admitted that he set a 2009 Acura on fire on May 22, and also stole a 2003 Chevy Silverado from the Town of Murray on May 22. The Silverado is estimated to have been worth about $6,000.

He took the Acura from Monroe County and drove it to the Murray Town Hall and set the car on fire at 5 a.m. on May 22.

Rose, as part of a plea agreement, faces a maximum of 4 to 8 years in prison when he is sentenced on Sept. 21.

He also will need to pay restitution and could be fined $5,000.

Alonzo Rivera, 23, of Albion pleaded guilty to attempted making a terrorist threat.

When law enforcement was called due to a domestic situation on Jan. 6, Rivera allegedly called 911 to say he was armed and fire at police officers.

Law enforcement went to the scene and saw Rivera walking along Ridge Road without any weapons.

Rivera said he was drunk at the time and doesn’t remember the incident. County Court Judge Sanford Church said Rivera had enough presence of mind to call 911.

Rivera after consulting with his attorney pleaded guilty and faces a maximum of 6 months in jail and five years on probation when he is sentenced Sept. 21.

Bryan Bates, 42, of Albion pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal contempt and faces 1 ½ to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced on Sept. 28.

Bates admitted to striking a person in the face on July 6. That person had an order of protection from Bates since July 2018.

Adam Locke, 37, of Albion pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse in the first degree. Locke entered an Alford plea, where he didn’t admit a crime. He said he was concerned he might be found guilty at a trial and could face state prison. As part of a plea agreement, he faces up to 364 days in the county jail and probation.

District Attorney Joe Cardone said Locke was around a girl under age 11 over several days in August 2019. The girl was sitting on Locke’s knee and he allegedly subjected the child to sexual contact while clothed. Locke denied those allegations in court on Wednesday, but still plead guilty to attempted sexual abuse in the first degree.

He will be sentenced on Sept. 28. He also could be fined up to $5,000 and be put on the sex offender registry.

In another case, Prince Z. Wilson, 23, of Albion rejected a plea offer of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree reckless endangerment with a maximum sentence of 9 years in state prison. Wilson could face 15 years after exchanging gunfire in Albion last August and wounding a man in the leg.

William Grimble of Albion wins top prize for ‘We Are The Champions’

Provided photo: William Grimble, 26, dressed as Freddie Mercury of Queen and performed the band’s famous song, “We Are The Champions” on Thursday night in winning the $500 first prize in the karaoke championship.

KNOWLESVILLE – Karaoke singers continued to be crowd pleasers at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

The finals on Thursday included about 15 singers who qualified on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Brad London has been the deejay for the event for about 20 years. The karaoke singers have now won $20,000 in prizes during those 20 years.

William Grimble of Albion won the event for the first time. He was third in 2019 and fourth in 2021.

Grimble, 26, recently earned his PhD in imaging science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He sang “We Are The Champions” by Queen on Thursday. He said he felt like a champion after completing his doctorate degree.

“I just love singing and performing,” he said.

He won $500 for first place.

Others in the top five included Tyler Thomas of Medina in second ($250); Brittany Dix of Albion in third ($125); Sonya Catalino of Bergen in fourth ($75); and Brilyn Rebisz of Bergen in fifth ($50).

Brilyn Rebisz, 17, of Bergen (left) sings “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. Eleanor Thomas, 91, of Warsaw sang “Right or Wrong” by Wanda Jackson. “I’ve been singing all my life,” Thomas said. “I do old country.”

Brittany Dix of Albion sings “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride. Dix said the singing karaoke is “so fun” in front of the crowd at the fair.

Tyler Thomas, 29, of Medina performs “Return To Sender” by Elvis Presley. Thomas won second place and $250 on Thursday. He was last year’s champion.

Thomas said he enjoys performing for people as a singer. His grandmother was a big Elvis fan and Thomas said he grew up listening to Elvis music.

“I just love to make people laugh,” he said. “I love entertaining people.”

Tyler Thomas congratulates William Grimble on winning the karaoke title on Thursday.

Daily Feature: Animal Meet and Greet with Party Animals

Daily Feature: Orleans County Amateur Radio Club Scavenger Hunt win one of 20 free ice creams daily!

Daily Feature: Family Games Lounge located in the Lartz Commercial Exhibits Building

8 a.m. Western and Ranch Horse Show – Carlos Marcello Arena

9 a.m. Senior Council Stand Opens – Senior Council Stand

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

Zoey, a Chihuahua, gets on its back legs and leaps over a hurdle as part of the show from Hog Diggity Dog & More. That show also includes camels, many other dogs doing acrobatics and a singing 750-pound pig.

12 p.m. Paid admission begins, Buildings open to the public – Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots

12 to 5 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive – Education Center

12 to 10 p.m. Free Psychic Readings by the Shushed Charlatan – Lartz Building

12 to 6:30 p.m. ESF-NYS OPRHP Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention – Lartz Building

12 p.m. Dog Show Agility and Fun Classes – Knights Building

1 p.m. Goat Education Competitions (goat bowl, judging, obstacles) – Goat Barn/Show arena

1 p.m. 4-H Cake Decorating Contest (for rules contact office) – Orleans Hub Stage

Layla, 4, of Albion tries to get a frisbee on a duck as part of the Ring A Duck game at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. Layla’s mother Lindsey States offers encouragement.

2 p.m. Blacksmithing Demo by Barn Owl Blacksmithing – Beadle Heritage Building

3 to 10 p.m. Main Event Amusements $25 Unlimited Ride Wristband – Midway

4 p.m. Royalty Questionnaires Due – Fair Office

4 p.m. Leader’s Pie Stand Opens

4 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

5 p.m. Arestov Acrobatic Extravaganza – Education Center Parking Lot

5 to 6 p.m. Leadership Orleans Rubber Duck Racers! Finals – JCH of Buffalo Food Court

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

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

Hay bale rolling is back for a second year at the fair, capping off the day’s activities. There were six teams on Thursday night pushing an 800-pound bale through an obstacle course. The team of Declan McCue of Carlton, (right) and Kasey Gilbert of Dansville – “The Sugar Daddies” – won last night with a time of 1 minute, 30 seconds.

6 p.m. Blacksmithing Demo by Barn Owl Blacksmithing – Beadle Heritage Building

6 p.m. Large Animal Grand Master Showman – Livestock Areas

6 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

6:30 p.m. Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull – JCH of Buffalo Tent

7 to 10 p.m. Live music with Triple Play Band – Orleans Hub Stage

7 p.m. Arestov Acrobatic Extravaganza – Education Center Parking Lot

8 p.m. Free Entertainment: Hog Diggity Dogs – Knight’s Green Space

10 p.m. Buildings Close

10 p.m. Fireworks Show (Rain date Saturday at 10 p.m.)

10:15 p.m. Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2 ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:50 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Course

Elijah “The Bull” Starr of Lyndonville was a one-man team and still finished second on Thursday among six teams. He finished the course in 1 minute, 38 seconds. Jeremy Neal in back with his son Byron is chairman of the event. He watches to see if there are any violations, where the bale goes outside the course.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging constituents to reach out to Labor Commissioner Reardon and Gov. Hochul in the wake of an announcement that the Farm Laborer Wage Board will reconvene on Sept. 6 to vote on whether or not they will advance a final report recommending the farm laborer overtime threshold be lowered from 60 hours to 40.

It has been projected by Farm Credit East that farmers’ labor costs could rise by over 40% over the next several years if the overtime threshold is lowered, jeopardizing their continued viability.

The wage board recommended lowering the farm laborer threshold this January, but still has not released a final report containing regulatory recommendations. If they do stick to their earlier recommendation in their final report, it will be Labor Commissioner Reardon’s decision whether or not to accept or reject their recommendations within 45 days of when they’re issued. If Reardon advances recommendations to lower the threshold, Gov. Hochul would then need to choose whether or not they should be signed into law.

“The fate of agriculture as we know it in our state, from the fields to our store shelves, rests in the hands of the Labor Wage Board, our governor, and Labor Commissioner Reardon,” said Hawley. “Farmers from all corners of the state have made it clear that a lowering of the threshold will threaten the well-being of rural communities whose economies have for centuries centered around farming and agriculture. Agri-business owners, farmers and rural advocates have made the dangerous consequences of this decision incredibly clear, so I only hope that the Wage Board, Commissioner Reardon, and Gov. Hochul will do what’s right for our farms and agrarian municipalities.”

Hawley is encouraging anyone concerned for the future of New York’s farms, rural communities and food security to reach out to Labor Commissioner Reardon and Gov. Hochul to urge them not to move forward with this reduction in the farm laborer overtime threshold.

Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon office contact:

Phone: 518-457-9000

Twitter: @NYSDOLCommish

Mailing address:

Roberta Reardon

Commissioner

Department of Labor

State Office Bldg # 12

W.A. Harriman Campus

Albany, NY 12240

Gov. Hochul office contact:

Online contact form: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Phone: 518-474-8390

Twitter: @GovKathyHochul

Mailing address:

The Honorable Kathy Hochul

Governor of New York State

NYS State Capitol Building

Albany, NY 12224