Erie County Fair: Free fair admission Aug. 12 with canned food donation

For the third consecutive year, the Erie County Agricultural Society will partner with the Food Bank of Western New York to help fight hunger. With the donation of a canned food item, fairgoers will receive free admission to opening day of the 176th Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 12 (gates open at noon).

Canned food donations will be accepted during the entire run of the fair, but only Aug. 12 will feature free gate admission.

To further support the Food Bank of WNY, Johnsonville Brats will donate a portion of the sale of its famous sausage sandwiches Aug. 14-16. In 2014, enough money was raised through the sale of brats to provide 27,930 meals

Each month, the Food Bank of Western New York provides food and other essentials to more than 96,000 people - including 38,685 children and 7,847 senior adults - through its various member agencies.

Opening day is also WGRZ-TV Channel 2 Day at the fair, featuring $2 admission and $2 parking.

The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private, not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, the society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York.

The fair currently ranks as the 10th largest in North American as compared with all state and county fairs and expositions.

The 2015 Erie County Fair will be held Aug. 12-23.