Hamburg, N.Y. (WBEN) - One of the biggest events of the summer in Western New York is finally here.
The 185th annual Erie County Fair is back at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, as festivities begin on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 17.
There are many new attractions coming to the Erie County Fair in 2025, along with a couple of notable performances from the likes of Foreigner, as well as magician Jonathan Burns from America's Got Talent.
Erie County Fair CEO Jessica Underberg does highlight some new changes for kids 12-and-under this year.
"Kids 12-and-under are still free, but they need to come with an adult over 21 to receive that free admission," said Underberg in an interview with WBEN on Tuesday. "We obviously are not a babysitting service, and don't want to be responsible for other people's kids who are 12-and-under, so we prefer they not be dropped off, but be here with an adult. So anybody coming in 12-and-under free just needs to be with an adult. It does not need to be a 1-to-1 ratio. One adult, 21-and-over can bring in five or six [kids]."
There is set to be a number of different attractions featured at the fair this year, along with many returning acts.
"We have have the racing pigs [Swifty Swine], which is a staple. We have the Red Trouser Show, which, in my opinion, is a super great up-and-coming act, they're right next to each other. We have the ultimate stunt circus with our friend, Bello Nock. And if you have not seen Bello before, you need to check out Bello." Underberg noted. "And then down on the Avenue of Flags stage, we have our typical hypnotist shows that are down there. But we have one from America's Got Talent, Jonathan Burns, 'Magically Comedic' will be here. And obviously that's where you can see Ramblin' Lou as well. So when it comes to entertainment, we have all of that stuff on stages or set areas on the grounds. But we have a bunch of walk around entertainment too, which means you could just be waiting in line to get some food and here comes the strolling piano. The strolling piano was back this year. We have an act called the Mariachi Divas, and then over near historical building, we will have Fritzy Brothers' One Man Circus."
And don't forget the different food venues available for fairgoers this summer.
With the Erie County Fair also comes the hot temperatures of August in Western New York. Underberg advises people they are allowed to bring coolers into the fair, as long as they do not bring in glass or alcohol.