The 174th Essex County Fair kicked off with a damp beginning as inclement weather swept through the fairgrounds.Despite the rain-soaked grounds, fair enthusiasts and families from far and wide gathered to celebrate this annual summer tradition.Dennis Westover, president of the Essex County Fairgrounds, revealed that adjustments were necessary due to the soggy conditions.”We’ve had to set the grounds up a little differently and keep some of the vehicles and heavy trucks off the grass,” he said. From food vendors to thrilling rides, the Essex County Fair had something to offer everyone. For decades, this event has drawn visitors from various regions to Westport, creating a vibrant atmosphere of nostalgia.“Every year we come up here and camp for the whole week and now years later with my kids, I like to bring them back and show them what I used to do,” said Lori Eurto, a fairgoer who traveled from Potsdam.A core attraction of the Essex County Fair has always been the array of animals that capture the hearts of both young and old. The fair’s tradition of connecting attendees with farm animals remains a beloved aspect of the event.Martha Hayward, the superintendent of the dairy and small animals at the Essex County Fair, emphasized the importance of this connection.”I do activities in the barns. Just so that the kids can see and interact with the cattle and with the animals. It’s very important,” she said. With numerous other fairs taking place across the region, the Essex County Fair holds a distinct significance for many attendees. For Eurto, the fair’s essence remains constant.“It hasn’t really changed too much. And I love the horses and that’s what I grew up with,” she noted.Westover acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the fair due to its rural location.“We’re in a rural area. We don’t have the population to pick from. But we do have plenty of support from our local people,” he said. The annual harness race was canceled due to the rain. However, visitors still have the opportunity to immerse themselves in fair fun as the event continues until Sunday.
The 174th Essex County Fair kicked off with a damp beginning as inclement weather swept through the fairgrounds.
Despite the rain-soaked grounds, fair enthusiasts and families from far and wide gathered to celebrate this annual summer tradition.
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Dennis Westover, president of the Essex County Fairgrounds, revealed that adjustments were necessary due to the soggy conditions.
“We’ve had to set the grounds up a little differently and keep some of the vehicles and heavy trucks off the grass,” he said.
From food vendors to thrilling rides, the Essex County Fair had something to offer everyone. For decades, this event has drawn visitors from various regions to Westport, creating a vibrant atmosphere of nostalgia.
“Every year we come up here and camp for the whole week and now years later with my kids, I like to bring them back and show them what I used to do,” said Lori Eurto, a fairgoer who traveled from Potsdam.
A core attraction of the Essex County Fair has always been the array of animals that capture the hearts of both young and old. The fair’s tradition of connecting attendees with farm animals remains a beloved aspect of the event.
Martha Hayward, the superintendent of the dairy and small animals at the Essex County Fair, emphasized the importance of this connection.
“I do activities in the barns. Just so that the kids can see and interact with the cattle and with the animals. It’s very important,” she said.
With numerous other fairs taking place across the region, the Essex County Fair holds a distinct significance for many attendees.
For Eurto, the fair’s essence remains constant.
“It hasn’t really changed too much. And I love the horses and that’s what I grew up with,” she noted.
Westover acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the fair due to its rural location.
“We’re in a rural area. We don’t have the population to pick from. But we do have plenty of support from our local people,” he said.
The annual harness race was canceled due to the rain. However, visitors still have the opportunity to immerse themselves in fair fun as the event continues until Sunday.
