Hamburg, N.Y. (WBEN) - Strates Shows' train cars were put back on the rails one final time, pulling into Hamburg's Erie Depot on Thursday for the Erie County Fair's annual "Train Day", which returned after a four-year hiatus to mark the fair and carnival midway's historic 100-year partnership.
"100 years ago, long before any of us were here, the Erie County Fair and Strates Shows entered into a partnership that stands the test of time," said Erie County Fair CEO Jessica Underberg.
"I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Strates family for the relationship over the last 100 years. This partnership is the longest standing relationship between any one midway in any one fair in the United States, maybe the world."
While Strates Shows representative Marty Biniasz notes that this marks the end of an important era in history, the Strates Shows will always be going on at the Erie County Fair.
"What you witnessed today is a moment in history. This is the last time that any carnival circus show train will ever come on the rails in a commercial forum like this, this era and chapter American history has passed, but what hasn't passed is the Strates Show dedication to the fair and to the community," said Biniasz.
"We will continue to provide the safest and the most innovative rides and the greatest promotions to continue to make the Erie County fair the best fair in the world."
Hundreds of Western New Yorkers came to witness the newly-painted train cars that held the rides and games that they can ride and play at the Erie County Fair come August 7 through August 18.
"I think this is the biggest crowd I've ever seen for a Train Day which means maybe we can have the best fair ever." said Jimmy Strates, Senior Show Manager of Strates Shows.
Hamburg not only celebrated the Train Day with food, commemorative t-shirts, and the County Fair Marching Band in A+ form, the Strates family was handed a key to the Village of Hamburg by Mayor Tom Tallman, who also decreed that, for a day, Scott Street will be named James E. Strates Way.
"As a young boy, I grew up on Norwood Avenue. And when the fair train was coming in, I would run down to the Church St. crossing with high anticipation as it came in and it's a part of the Village of Hamburg's history," said Mayor Tallman.
Hamburg, N.Y. - Village of Hamburg Mayor Tom Tallman at the final "Train Day" for the Erie County Fair and Village of Hamburg on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024.Max Faery - WBEN
