Herkimer County Fair
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: August 14, 2012
It's mid-August and for many community members, it means it's that special time of year again for the Herkimer County Fair. The fair kicked off it's yearly festivities this afternoon. Our Rachel Polansky joins us live from the fair. Rachel, what's it like down there?
We are having a great time out here. It's a beautiful and sunny night like Jeff was saying. I'm standing with my new 4-legged friend Saka. Some say the best part about the fair is petting the animals. Let's take a look at the rest of the fair.
For some community members, the fair is a yearly tradition
"I've been coming for 6 years, I like the petting zoo, and the rides, and all the booths set up," says Harmoni Burge, attendee.
"I've been coming out here since I was 4 or 5 doing a lot, it just means a lot to everyone," says Kathleen Aney, attendee
And the treasurer of the fair says it's more than entertainment - the fair is also a tremendous moneymaker for the community.
"We have over 70,000 people. If everyone spends 10 bucks, thats almost a million dollars to this community," says Gerry Elthorp, Fair Treasurer.
Youngsters enjoy the rides and petting zoos, but they say it's also a learning experience.
"They teach you how to hold the animals and what they eat and stuff and it helps me learn because i have animals at home so they teach you how to do that kind of stuff too," says Burge.
"Our main purpose is to teach everyone young and old alike about agriculture," says Elthorp.
The fair kicked off today and runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds here in Frankfort. Coordinators encourage community members to come on down and enjoy some rides, food, and entertainment.
We are having a great time out here. It's a beautiful and sunny night like Jeff was saying. I'm standing with my new 4-legged friend Saka. Some say the best part about the fair is petting the animals. Let's take a look at the rest of the fair.
For some community members, the fair is a yearly tradition
"I've been coming for 6 years, I like the petting zoo, and the rides, and all the booths set up," says Harmoni Burge, attendee.
"I've been coming out here since I was 4 or 5 doing a lot, it just means a lot to everyone," says Kathleen Aney, attendee
And the treasurer of the fair says it's more than entertainment - the fair is also a tremendous moneymaker for the community.
"We have over 70,000 people. If everyone spends 10 bucks, thats almost a million dollars to this community," says Gerry Elthorp, Fair Treasurer.
Youngsters enjoy the rides and petting zoos, but they say it's also a learning experience.
"They teach you how to hold the animals and what they eat and stuff and it helps me learn because i have animals at home so they teach you how to do that kind of stuff too," says Burge.
"Our main purpose is to teach everyone young and old alike about agriculture," says Elthorp.
The fair kicked off today and runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds here in Frankfort. Coordinators encourage community members to come on down and enjoy some rides, food, and entertainment.
