Hamburg, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Hamburg Fairgrounds are buzzing with excitement and anticipation to showcase all the great events, attractions, food and more, both new and returning, happening at the 183rd Erie County Fair. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Aug. 9, with the fair concluding Aug. 20.
"It's been really fun driving around today, talking to the staff members, watching the fair build, every little piece coming together," Fair Manager Jessica Underberg told WBEN during a visit to the fairgrounds. "The team has been really excited to see it all come together and we're getting closer."
New Events
Upon entering the gates, fairgoers can enjoy over 120 free performances. Some of this year's new acts include:
- Alley Cats (Doo-Wop Acapella Group). Bringing Contemporary style to 50s and 60s classics.
- Buckets and Boards Comedy Percussion Show. Bringing music, rhythm and nonstop laughter.
- Banachek's Mind Games. Magician, mentalist and devoted nonbeliever.
- Cast in Bronze. Watch as carillons are played from the fists and feet.
- Mighty Mike Roaming Strongman. Watch as he juggles bowling balls and sledgehammers as if light as a feather.
New Exhibits
Fairgoers will find over 60 free educational and interactive exhibits throughout the grounds. Some of this year's new exhibits include:
- Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit. Near Showplace August 9th-14th.
- Hands-Only CPR Training. Inside of the Firemen's Building daily at 2, 3, 5 & 7. In partnership with American Red Cross, OSEA and the Erie County Department of Health.
- Forcible Entry Training Trailer. Outside Firemen's Building August 11th-13th.
- Vent Simulation Training Trailer. Outside Firemen's Building August 15th-17th.
- Firefighter Survival Trailer. Outside Firemen's Building August 18th-20th.
Underberg says the Tunnel to Towers Exhibit is a must-see.
"We've tried getting this here since 2019. It is an amazing exhibit. My nephew just happened to see it in Connecticut, he texted me and said 'Jess, I waited 30 minutes in line and it was worth every second of waiting to get in and see this exhibit.' So we're really excited about that."
Concert Lineup:
"There's literally something for every demographic, every kind of music lover, every genre," says Underberg. There will be a total of nine musical performances at the grandstand events plus and three ATV Big Air shows.
You must buy tickets online, they are still tickets available for every show except Bailey Zimmerman as of Sunday, Aug. 6. If you buy a ticket for a paid concert, you receive admission into the fairgrounds.
Chubby Checker, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9; free with paid gate admission.
Fitz and The Tantrums, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10; $35-$50.
Flo Rida, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11; $35-$50.
Yung Gravy with BBNO$, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12; $40-$70.
Clint Black with Clay Walker and Tracy Byrd, 6 p.m. Aug. 13; $35-$55
NEEDTOBREATHE , 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14; $35-$50.
Bailey Zimmerman with Seaforth, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15; $35-$50.
The Guess Who, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17; free with paid gate admission.
The Spinners, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18; free with paid gate admission.
Special events ATV Big Air Tour, 3 and
7 p.m. Aug. 16; free with paid gate admission.
Ultimate Night of Destruction, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19; $25-$32.
World's Largest Demolition Derby, 1 and 6 p.m. Aug. 20; $25-$35.
Click here for more details on purchasing tickets.
Rides:
The Strates Midway will be back for an astounding 99th year at the Erie County Fair. Underberg mentions it's one of the longest-running partnerships between a festival and a carnival operator in the world.
Wristbands ($35) or "FUN" cards ($50) can be purchased ahead of time online, or in person at the fair.
You can buy tickets online here.
Animal Exhibits
The barns will be full once again this year at the fairgrounds! This year, they've invited youth ages 4-21, from any state, to showcase their livestock in a Youth Livestock Expo competition. This invites youth from 4H, Future Farmers of America and other Youth Livestock Agricultural Exhibitors.
The Erie County Agricultural Society pledges 2 opportunities for youth to win a $10,000 scholarship. If an exhibitor wins 3 of the 4 Champion Market Animal Titles they will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Also, if an exhibitor wins 3 of the 4 Champion Showman Competitions, they will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship.
The Rabbit Barn at the Erie County Fair. (08/04/2023)Max Faery - WBEN
Fair Food:
Check out all the details and events going on in the article below:
Parking & Admission
Parking is free on the fairgrounds. Admission is $17 online or $20 at the gate
Those who come on opening day and bring four cans of food to donate to FeedMore WNY will get free admission into the fairgrounds, a successful campaign that has helped feed tens of thousands of people.
"Last year, we raised 96,000 pounds of food, which is like 80,000 meals at a time of year that feed more could really really use that food. So that's a great partnership," Underberg said.
.Max Faery - WBEN
