Nominate a hero: Erie County Fair to honor firefighters, veterans, active military with special ceremonies

The Erie County Fair will honor firefighters, veterans and active military during its 12-day event this August. Daily honorees will be chosen from nominations by the public, and reviewed by a local committee.

The public is asked to submit nominations for firefighters at www.ECFair.org and for veterans/active military at www.ECFair.org, or at any Made in America store. Nominations are due July 15.

In its second year, the firefighter honoree ceremony will showcase one firefighter of any rank (including junior firefighters) each day of the County Fair during a 6 p.m. ceremony outside of the Firemen’s Building.

A press release stated, “The individuals selected for this honor exemplify the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service with a notable record of service and achievements. Honorees will receive a custom plaque, four admission passes, a Strates Shows midway card, and $20 meal voucher.

The Erie County Fair daily flag-retreat ceremony to honor a veteran or active military member is in its fifth year.

The press release explained, “The ceremony, which includes live music, is a fitting tribute to the servicemembers, and will be held each evening at 6:30 p.m. in Slade Park during the 12-day Fair. Individuals selected exhibit dedication to service and community.

“Honorees will receive a full-sized American flag (made in the U.S.), four Fair admission passes, a Strates Shows midway card, and $20 meal voucher.”

The Erie County fair flag-retreat ceremony is sponsored by The Made in America stores.

“These patriotic traditions are a meaningful staple at the Fair,” CEO and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg said. “It is an honor to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of deserving servicepeople in our community.”

Related events:

√ “Firefighters Day at the Fair” will be held Friday, Aug. 11. Admission will be free for firefighters and auxiliary members (with proper ID), and they will receive a $10 voucher valid for food, drink or rides that day. A picnic shelter will be available to firefighters in Hickory Tree Park. That same day, the Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association will hold a firefighter’s memorial service outside the Firemen’s Building at 7 p.m.

√ “Veterans Day at the Erie County Fair” will be Sunday, Aug. 13. Admission is free for veterans, active military and auxiliary members (with proper ID), who will also receive a $10 voucher valid toward food, drink or rides that day. A picnic shelter will be available to firefighters in Hickory Tree Park.

About the Erie County Fair

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 mission of the Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS), sponsors of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York state.

The Erie County Fair will be held Aug. 9-20. Visit www.ECFair.org.