ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. — Summertime in Western New York offers the community so many fun events to checkout in the local areas, but possibly the most anticipated event is the Erie County Fair.
The 184th Erie County Fair will be happening from August 7 - 18.
April 29th marks 100 days until the fun fair filled 'Best days of Summer' at the Hamburg Fairgrounds. Adding onto the excitement 2024 will also mark a partnership of 100-years between the fair and the James E. Strates Shows.
“We hear the stories and see the photos. So many community members have a beloved connection with Strates Shows,” said CEO & Fair Manager, Jessica Underberg. “This anniversary is not just a historic milestone in the industry, but we hope fairgoers can share in the nostalgia and special memories from the midway over the last 100 years.”
“The bonds that have developed over the past 100 years with Hamburg and Western New York are more than just a business relationship. The Strates Family considers the Erie County Fair, its leadership, and fairgoers part of our extended family,” said third generation Show owner James E. Strates. “We look forward to celebrating our 100-year partnership by continuing to make memories that last generations.”
In celebration of the historic partnership this year's fair will have special 100-year offerings for fairgoers such as
- Commemorative Emblem - To kick off the anniversary, the organizations have released a commemorative emblem designed by Erie County Fair Graphic Designer, Becca Lickfeld. The emblem captures the essence of the Strates Shows Midway, complete with intricate details reminiscent of a classical carousel. The commemorative emblem is attached.
- Wooden Nickel - The organizations have partnered to release a limited supply of wooden nickels. The nickel is good for one complimentary carousel ride on the Strates Shows Midway at the 2024 Erie County Fair. These souvenirs will be distributed at community events leading up to the Fair. Most recently, Western New Yorkers may have seen Fair Bear strolling down Delaware Avenue at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the 1949 Fair Mobile driving around the Dyngus Day Parade. Erie County Fair representatives will attend additional community events with the wooden nickels this summer, including Buffalo Bisons games, the Village of Hamburg Sesquicentennial, and the Town of Aurora Independence Day Parade, to name a few.
- Advance Sale - Plan ahead and save! Throughout July, Strates Shows will offer discounted ride pricing. Weekday One Price Ride Day Wristbands (ride all day for one price) will be sold for $35. (Ride wristbands are valid Monday-Friday and cannot be shared.) Fun Cards will be sold for $50 for 120 ride credits. (Fun cards are valid any day of the week and can be shared and reloaded.) These discounted prices will be available exclusively at www.ECFair.org in July.
- “Share Your Fair” Ride Discount Day - Strates Shows will offer an all-new ride discount day this year. On August 15th, ride wristbands will be offered at two wristbands for $50 (including fees), which is over $20 in savings! This pricing will only be available on August 15th at www.ECFair.org and at Strates Shows ticket booths. The wristbands are only valid to be used that day.
- 100 Winners for 100 Years - Over the next four months, the Erie County Fair will run social media contests—many geared around the Strates Shows Midway—in which 100 winners will be selected to receive free giveaways to be used at the 2024 Erie County Fair. Giveaways may include gate admission tickets, ride vouchers, and meal vouchers.
More additional 100-year offerings will be announced as the fair gets closer to kicking off. To learn more visit www.ecfair.org
Related Video: