182nd Erie County Fair to honor firefighters, veterans & active military

Public invited to nominate firefighters & service members

The Erie County Fair will honor firefighters, veterans and active military daily this August. In addition to the traditional daily flag retreat ceremony honoring a veteran or active-duty military member, there will be a firefighter honored daily in the all-new Firefighter Honoree Ceremony. These daily honorees will be chosen from nominations by the public. Nomination forms are available at www.ECFair.org and are due by July 20.

The all-new Firefighter Honoree Ceremony will showcase one firefighter of any rank (including junior firefighters) each of the 12 days of the fair during a 6 p.m. ceremony outside the Firemen’s Building. The individuals selected for this honor best exemplify the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service with a notable record of service and achievements.

Jessica Underberg, CEO of the Erie County Fair, said, “We owe all firefighters a tremendous debt of gratitude for keeping us safe every day. We are pleased to recognize firefighters who answer their call to duty and selflessly serve their fellow citizens. These firefighters will be honored for dedication, loyalty, performance, professionalism, and the impact they have on their community and fire companies.”

“Firefighters spend countless hours away from friends, family and loved ones to protect and serve their community, while expecting nothing in return,” said Michael Ruesch, fire chief, Armor Volunteer Fire Co., the primary provider of fire and emergency services on the Fairgrounds property year-round, including the Erie County Fair. “Duty, honor and courage are just three of the words that best describe the brave men and women in the fire service.”

The Erie County Fair daily flag retreat ceremony to honor a veteran or active military member is in its fourth year. This brief ceremony is a tribute to the servicemembers held each evening beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“Our daily flag retreat ceremony has become a tradition of our fair, and we are proud to honor the veterans and active service members that have long protected our country,” Underberg said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for fairgoers to take time to pause, reflect, and remember the men and women for their service and sacrifice.”

"For Americans, there's no higher honor than to serve our nation's military,” said Mark Andol, founder and owner of Made In America Stores. “As Americans, there's no greater privilege than to say thank you. We are proud to support a continuing tradition at the fair."

In addition, two special days are planned to honor firefighters, veterans and service members. Firefighter and auxiliary members will receive free admission to the Erie County Fair on Friday, Aug. 12, to celebrate Firefighters Day. They will also receive a $10 voucher for food, beverage or ride tickets for the Strates Shows Midway.

Veterans, active military and auxiliary members are invited to enjoy free admission on Veterans Day, Sunday, Aug. 14; and enjoy a $10 voucher.

For more information, visit www.ecfair.org (under “Special Days and Events”).