Now in its 92nd year, the Erie County Fair and its midway provider, the Strates Shows, is the longest continuous run of any carnival midway in the United States.  And with Friday's official signing of a 10-year contract to continue that relationship it means that the Strates Shows will be a part of the Erie County Fair beyond their 100th anniversary. 

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E James Strates signs 10-year contract to continue providing midway rides at Erie County Fair [Dale Mussen photo][/caption]During a press conference on Friday, Erie County Fair Manager and CEO Denny Lang said "we look forward to a centennial celebration with Strates in 2024."  To commemorate the extended contract, fairgoers will be able to enjoy 90-minutes of free midway rides from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 18th, "Strates Day at the Fair."

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Three generations of the Strates family; John, James and Nick were on hand for the signing of a 10-year midway extension [Dale Mussen photo][/caption]Three generations of the Strates family were on hand for the press conference.  James E. Strates founded the company in 1923.  Since his death in 1959 his only son, E. James Strates has managed the company and is still active in its operation.  Also on hand was grandson John Strates and great grandson Nick Strates.

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The original 1923 contract between the Erie County Fair and the Strates Shows then known as the Southern Tier Shows [Dale Mussen photo][/caption]What's unique about the Strates Shows is that it's the only railroad carnival in North America.  It spends the winter in Florida and each spring it travels to carnivals and fairs across the east coast and northeast for eight months.  The arrival of the 50-car fair train at the Hamburg train depot is an annual event that many people look forward to.  The fair train will arrive in Hamburg during the week prior to the opening of this year's Erie County Fair on August 10th.

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