Veterans, dignitaries celebrate start of 4-H Fair

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Nick Fitzak raising the American flag while other veterans join at opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.

Veterans for many years have led a flag-raising ceremony for the start of the fair.

Next to Fitzak are Dave Kuzmierszak, at left, and Tom Snyder.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said fairs help celebrate agriculture’s critical importance to the local and state-wide economy.

The 2022 Ag Census put the farm revenue in Orleans County at $233.6 million, the 15th most of 62 counties in the state. Cayuga is the top-ranked county at $461.9 million.

State-wide, the ag revenues totaled $8.04 billion in 2022.

Hawley also invited veterans to consider going on the next Patriot Trip to Washington, DC from Sept. 19-22.

These veterans provided a dignified presence at opening ceremonies for the fair.

JW Cook, the Finger Lakes region representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul, touted NY’s investments in rural New York, including $11 million to broadband Internet expansion in Orleans County.

Caton Conde, president of the board for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, praised a team of staff and volunteers that have worked on the fair all year. Conde was an active 4-H member when she was a kid. She said the fair is a showcase for 4-Hers and their projects.

Fair manager Marty Zwifka said the fairgrounds have new bathrooms/showers, and a full slate of entertainment.

This week’s fair also changes the admission, from per car to a $10 admission fee per person that is good all week. The parking lot off Wood Road also is being used for vendors with the public lot shifted to the side by Taylor Hill Road, the second entrance off Route 31.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the fair is a chance for local youth to make memories that will last a lifetime.

A parade through the grounds included Orly the Ox in the Gator, 4-H members and their dogs, and a Ridgeway fire truck.