Erie County Fair: Veteran & active military nominations now open; nominate a hero for flag retreat ceremony

Press Release

The Erie County Fair will honor 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 deserving individuals at www.ECFair.org/flagretreat or at any Made in America store by July 15.

The fair’s daily flag retreat ceremony – now in its sixth year – pays tribute to a veteran or active military member. The ceremony features live music by the Erie County Fair’s All-Star Band and takes place every evening at 6:30 p.m. in Slade Park. Each day, one individual will be selected as the "Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day," based on their dedication to service and community. Honorees will receive special recognition, a full-sized American flag made in the USA courtesy of the Made in America Store, four fair admission passes, a Strates Shows midway ride card, and a $20 meal voucher.

The daily flag retreat ceremony is sponsored by The Made in America Store and WOLF-FM.

“It is an honor to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of deserving service people in our community,” CEO and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg said. “We are proud to carry on this tradition at one of Western New York’s biggest events.”

The Erie County Fair will also celebrate service people on its annual Veterans Day, taking place Sunday, Aug. 11. On Veterans Day, admission to the fair is free for active military, veterans and auxiliary members (with proper ID), who will also receive a $10 voucher valid toward food, drink or rides that day. On Veterans Day, a veterans Catholic Mass will take place at noon in the Family Entertainment Complex. Additionally, a special veterans recognition ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. on the infield of The Buffalo News Grandstand.

Beyond special celebrations, interested fairgoers and service people alike can spend time at the military corridor any day of the fair, situated inside Gate 4 (South Park) near the midway entrance. The corridor includes representation from U.S. Army Recruiting, New York Army National Guard, and U.S. Marines.

The Erie County Fair will be held Aug. 7-18. Visit www.ECFair.org.