Time to Begin the Erie County Fair

Is there a better time of year?  Some people say Christmas comes a close second to the Erie County Fair. The 179th Erie County Fair opens Wednesday, August 8th.

Official opening ceremonies are at 11:40 am at the McKinley Parkway gate with the national anthem performed by the Erie County Fair Marching Band.  Hamburg Town Supervisor Jim Shaw, Village of Hamburg Mayor Tom Moses, Erie County Supervisor Mark Polencarz and Fair officials will be on hand.  Gates open to the public and a fireworks display are at noon.

This year marks the 150th year the Fair has been held in Hamburg and to mark that occasion the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a special sesquicentennial concert at the Grandstand at 8 pm. The concert is free with admission to the fair.

Admission is only $2.00 on opening day and it's also One Price Ride Day.  A wristband for unlimited rides on the Strates Midway is $30.00.

And to celebrate the new Erie County Fair Beer, a ceremonial keg tapping will take place at 5 pm at the Cork and Brew on the Avenue.  The Erie County Fair Beer uses the recipe of the winner of the Fair's Homebrew Competition.