Erie County Fair camp application deadline is May 10

Looking for a summer camp? How about Erie County Fair Camp, a two-and-a-half-day county fair experience for children ages 8-10 and an accompanying parent/guardian.

A press release noted, “Under the supervision of trained camp counselors, children will gain first-hand experience in raising, caring for and showing livestock, working in a food concession stand, as well as receive a ‘behind the scenes’ look of the fair.”

The camp hosts two sessions, one each week of the fair (Friday-Sunday, Aug. 11-13 and 18-20). Campers and a parent/guardian stay on the Fairgrounds (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) during the session in our “hay loft” located inside the Agriculture Discovery Center. The number of participants for each session is limited to six children and an accompanying parent. Organizers said, “Small groups ensure each child and parent/guardian enjoy a unique experience and personal attention.”

Children interested in participating are required to apply no later than May 10. Applications are available online at www.ECFair.org. There is no cost to attend Fair Camp, including fair admittance, meals and entertainment, as the program is underwritten by the Erie County Agricultural Society.

Organizers said, “Due to the limited spots, we do encourage applications to showcase the child’s interest in being a part of this experience.

“The goal of the award-winning Fair Camp program is to encourage an interest in agriculture, a passion for learning and to foster a love of the Erie County Fair. Past participants have heralded fair camp as ‘one of the best experiences my daughter and I have shared.’ Many past campers have returned to the fair to show animals and joined their local chapters of 4-H.”

A complete schedule for the camp can be found at fair camp (ecfair.org). Questions may be directed to the fair’s agriculture education office at 716-649-3900, ext. 6413, or by emailing [email protected].

The 180th Erie County Fair will be held Aug. 9-20. Visit www.ECFair.org.