Veterans open Orleans County 4-H Fair with flag-raising

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Freas, left, a retired Marine and head of the Orleans County Honor Guard, and Tom Snyder, who served in the U.S. Navy, fold a flag to ready it for the flag-raising signaling the start of the 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.

KNOWLESVILLE – The 2026 Orleans County 4-H Fair opened Monday night with the traditional flag-raising by the Orleans County Honor Guard, featuring veterans from all posts in the county.

Jim Freas, who is organizer of the Honor Guard, said he has been doing it for at least 20 years.

Dave Kusmierczak, a member of Medina’s American Legion Post, welcomed fairgoers and shared the fair has been an annual event in Orleans County for 70 years.

Nic Mroz, director of Orleans County Veterans’ Services, said the fair is a time for community to come together and celebrate. It is also meaningful to recognize the men and women who served their country, he said.

Mroz also reminded veterans of several upcoming events of interest to them – a golf tournament Aug. 17 and a Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue at the YMCA in Medina, free to veterans. They must stop at the Y in advance, however, and pick up their free ticket at the front desk. Tickets for the public to purchase are $16.

Navy veteran Tom Snyder, left, stands at attention after Louis Craston, Army National Guard, raised the American flag opening the 2026 Orleans County Fair. At right is Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, who led efforts last year for a new flagpole and a monument paying tribute to all six branches of the military.

Madelyn Elliott of Medina wowed the crowd with her rendition of the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Next, Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion Post in Lyndonville, praised those involved in obtaining a new flag pole and monument for the area, especially all the posts in Orleans County. He thanked those who spearheaded fundraising and those who donated time or materials or gave a discount.

Caton Conde, president of the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension board, extended her welcome and said there are so many people to thank. She said faith in God and memories make us strong in hard times.

“It is the memories I’ve made here that I cherish,” she said.

State Sen. Rob Ortt said it is the memories made at fairs like this which get us through tough times. While the country celebrates 250 years, he said it is things like the Orleans County Fair and the memories made here which bind us together.

“It is great to meet young people who go through 4-H and then go on to other walks of life,” Ortt said.

Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard salute as the American flag is raised Monday night near the Dwight Hill Education Building. Seen in the second row at right are Senator Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley reminded the audience of his involvement in 4-H and background in farming.

“4-H taught me all the important things in life,” he said.

He also shared he will be in the fair’s dunk tank on Tuesday.

Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson next spoke on her memories of 4-H.

Fair Queen Mackenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to visit the exhibits by 4-H’ers.

“I remember when my oldest daughter took part in the frog jumping contest at the fair,” Johnson said “We still talk about that today.”

Fair manager Marty Zwifka thanked the fair board, saying he couldn’t have a better board. He also reiterated the changes at the fair this year, and said the board put 100 percent in the fair.

“I love to see the children here and their exhibits,” he said. “They are our future..

Fair Queen McKenzie McGrath urged fairgoers to check out the exhibits of 4-H’ers.

“They have worked very hard at them,” she said.

McGrath, 18, has been in the 4-H program since she was 4 years old.