'It's Happening!' at the Niagara County Fair

Compiled by Linda Conlin and Janet Schultz

Planners are gearing up for a great week of family fun, food and entertainment at the 2010 edition of the Niagara County Fair, taking place at the fairgrounds, Route 78, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport, Wednesday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Aug. 8.

The traditional Farm City Breakfast kicks off the event at 8 a.m. Wednesday, where more than 800 people typically enjoy breakfast made on one of the world's largest frying pans.

Among the many fair highlights are the Niagara County 4-Hers show horses, swine, poultry, rabbits and cavy, and goats on display throughout the week. An Antique Tractor Parade and fireworks are also scheduled. Carol Stream Amusements is providing the midway rides and games, and merchants and vendors of many wares can be visited all week.

Thursday will feature a chicken barbecue, the Niagara Experience Players, a fashion show, line dancing and entertainment by country singer Craig Wilkins and a presentation by Buffalo Hypnosis.

Friday is "Seniors Day." Those over age 60 are invited to partake in a luncheon provided by the Niagara County Office of the Aging. Reservations are required; call 438-4030. Wellness activities including Tai Chi and Reflexology are also scheduled.

The Amateur Wine Maker's Contest will also take place on Thursday along with a visit from the Buffalo Zoomobile.

Other fair highlights include a fish fry dinner and a beer tent, both Friday and Saturday. The livestock auction, a magician and the band 21 rounds out Friday's events.

Saturday will feature exhibits; the Niagara County Community College Tanzen Dance Co, a dog show, and a rooster crowing contest among other activities. Entertainment includes Johnny Cash impersonator, Billy D; storyteller, Tom Walsh; and Jonesie on the main stage. Other activities include an arts and crafts show, and the American Red Cross Bloodmobile on the fair grounds both Saturday and Sunday.

A non-denominational church service will highlight the activities on the last day of the 2010 Niagara County Fair.

Pastor Gene Wood, Newfane Living Waters Community Church, will lead the service on Sunday, Aug. 8, at 8 a.m. in the Food Tent on the fairgrounds.

Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served following the 45-minute service. A group of gospel singers will perform from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The annual Classic Car Show will also be held Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Teddy Bear Picnic; The Garden Tractor and the Toy Tractor Pedal Pulls; and the Crowning of the Fair Royalty end the day.

For more information and scheduling of all fair events sponsored by Niagara County Credit Union, Niagara County Office of the Aging and Cornell Cooperative Extension go online at www.cceniagaracounty.org or call 433-8839.

Admission to the fair is $2 per person; children under 5 are free.