Senator Pam Helming today announced that six county fairs in our region will receive state funding to help them improve their facilities and promote New York agriculture. The 2017 Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program that Senator Helming supported was approved as part of this year’s state budget. Fifty-two local fairs around the state earned a combined $5 million that will be divided equally among them.
The Cayuga County Fair, Monroe County Fair, Ontario County Fair, Seneca County Fair, Wayne County Fair, and the Trumansburg Fair in Tompkins County will each receive an award of $96,153.
“With agriculture being the No. 1 industry in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region, our county fairs showcase the best in agriculture and livestock and raise awareness and education of this important industry. These events also foster a sense of community spirit and provide terrific family fun and entertainment for people of all ages. I’m glad that all of the county fairs in my district received this important funding, and I invite everyone to stop by your county fair in 2018 to check out the new and exciting changes,” Senator Helming said.
County fairs promote locally produced food, beverages, and livestock and highlight the latest technology and innovation. These events capture the spirit of our rural communities by creating family memories and promoting tourism.
This grant funding will allow our fairs to make much-needed upgrades to buildings, facilities, and equipment that are used to promote agriculture. To receive the funding, fairs must submit the scope of work and estimated budget for the specific project to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which administers the program. People are encouraged to visit the county fair in their community in 2018 to see the improvements.
