2018 applications now being accepted
In 2009, the Erie County Agricultural Society inaugurated its award-winning Fair Camp program as a way to stimulate an interest in agriculture, a passion for learning and foster a love of the Erie County Fair. In the 10 years of its existence, more than 300 children and their parents have slept overnight in a barn, assisted with farm chores, showed animals in a livestock competition and worked inside a fair food concession.
Once again, the Erie County Agricultural Society will offer this two-and-a-half-day agricultural and county fair immersion experience for children ages 8-10 and an accompanying parent. Under the supervision of trained camp counselors, children will gain first-hand experience in raising, caring for and showing livestock, as well as receive a "behind the scenes" look at the EC Fair.
The camp hosts two sessions, one each week of the fair (Friday-Sunday, Aug. 10-12 and 17-19). Campers and a parent/guardian live on the fairgrounds during the session in a "hayloft" located inside the Agriculture Discovery Center. The number of participants for each session is limited to six children and an accompanying parent. Small groups insure each child gets a unique experience and personal attention.
Children interested in participating are required to apply no later than May 7. Applications are available online at
www.ECFair.org. There is no cost to attend Fair Camp, including meals and entertainment, as the program is underwritten by the Erie County Agricultural Society.
Questions may be directed to the fair's agriculture education office at 716-649-3900, ext. 6499, or by emailing Education Coordinator Amber Klein at
[email protected].
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, sponsor of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York. The fair strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York.
The 179th Erie County Fair will be held Aug. 8-19. This year commemorates the event's 150th year of being held on the Fairgrounds in Hamburg Visit
www.ECFair.org.
