Erie County Fair

The Erie County Fair, founded in 1885, has applied digital age innovation to help people explore the classic and new elements of the 12-day August fair’s 275 acres with exhibits, food, performances, agricultural displays, rides and entertainment: Use the free “Erie Fairgrounds” phone app to find a series of guided routes aligned to fit 10 different interests and approaches – from animal lover, outdoor enthusiast and history buff to kids. “Those routes help make the fairgrounds more manageable,” said Alison Bukowski, chief marketing officer of the Erie County Fair.  

One of her favorites: The “Thrill Seeker” tour that includes the rides on the midway, exotic animals, stunt dogs, a hypnotist and stilt walking.  

At the Erie County Fair, classic farm festival ingredients mix with the unexpected. Bring a cooler and find a shady lunch spot at one of the grassy parks on the grounds. Play golf on a mini-golf course with creative holes built by local community groups. Look for the bowling themed one made by a Daemen University Women’s bowling team and a dog and blueberry tribute by an animal shelter. Kids can pose for photos with the Fair Bear mascot at a new farmland play areaon Barnyard Boulevard. Sample creative and classic food creations involving pierogis, sausage, hot dogs, corn, and pizza that is savory and, sometimes, sweet. Feed the butterflies. View the prizewinning chickens and their fine feathers. See llamas, wood carvers and the “Ultimate Stunt Circus.” Watch Seneca Indian dancers and their puppet shows. Get lost in the maze in the Firemen’s Building. Catch a tribute band. And, at the end of every evening, take in the fireworks. 

“There’s something for everybody at the Erie County Fair – of every age and of every walk of life,” said Jessica Underberg, CEO of the Erie County Fair. “There’s very few events, or very few places you can go, where you can take grandma, grandpa, mom, dad and the grandkids and everybody’s going to have a good time.” 

Plan your visit by looking over the options and calendar listings of artisans, food purveyors, national acts, carnival rides and local competitions at ecfair.org. The lineup has the expansive variety of a state fair with the hometown vibe of a county fair – along with lots of flowers and plants, said Underberg. “It still has that small, community feel,” she said. “Not many fairs dedicate an entire building to horticulture and flora culture.” 

When she was growing up, her farm family went to the fair instead leaving town for vacation. “The fair, for a dairy farm kid, was kind of like Disney,” Underberg said. “Now that I have the opportunity to work here and help create those memories and traditions for other families, it’s really great.” 

For a deeper look into the fair and its traditions, watch the special from WNED, the local Public Broadcasting Service station: “The Great Erie County Fair”. 

Find sensory-friendly features for people sensitive to noise and light at the Sensory Room, on the Avenue of Flags, with ambient sound, calming colored lights, wall padding, weighted blankets and a bubble water feature. People can also come for the toned down “Sensory Hours,” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 when rides will turn off flashing lights and music and lower volume throughout the fair. Kits with noise cancelling headphones, fidget spinners and soft toys are available in the Main Office, the Security Building and the Friends of the Fair Office. “There’s a growing population that are on the autistic spectrum and have sensory issues,” said Underberg. “We want those folks to be cable to come and enjoy the fair like everybody else.”

In 2024, the Erie County Fair at 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, will be held from Aug. 7 –18. Gates and buildings open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The midway carnival attractions open from noon to 11 p.m. Buy the $22.60 tickets online at ecfair.org. Use credit or debit cards at the gate. Cash is not accepted for ticket purchases, but there are reverse ATM machines that will dispense temporary debit cards to help people who would like to pay with cash. Children under 12 are free. Parking is free on fair lots. For information, call 716-649-3900 https://ecfair.org/or write FrontDesk@ecfair.org.