Cannon Opens 126th Annual Event
By JOAN JOSEPHSON
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7/24/2007 - DUNKIRK — The 126th Chautauqua County Fair opened Monday morning with a bang, literally, as fair director David Wilson lighted the fuse to fire the cannon that stood by the Central Avenue main gate.
As the loud boom echoed across the fair grounds, board president Jim Tytka welcomed the gathering of guests for the opening day's events.
These included a host of political personages from New York State Sen. Cathy Young (R-Olean) to Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards, and a number of county legislators and local government representatives.
But, the 4-H Teen Ambassadors were the stars of the show.
Pam Hoglin of Jamestown, Sarah Robinson of Silver Creek and Cali Johnson of South Dayton did an admirable job of singing an a capella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
And, although the midway rides didn't open until noon, District 5 Legislator Bob Duff decided to climb to the top of the extended fire ladder at the front gate from which the American flag was hung.
When asked why he attempted this, Duff said, ''I did it on a dare.''
The fair organizers, on the other hand, carefully plan each year's events.
Tyka said this planning starts as soon as the fair ends.
''It takes a year-long process to put on a successful fair,'' he said, adding, ''This is a great start to a great week of fun.''
Young said the Chautauqua County Fair is one of six she will attend this year.
Calling herself ''a farm girl from a way back,'' Young said she was raised on a dairy farm in Livingston County.
''This event is close to my heart, it reflects the tradition, the improvements and the advancements achieved in New York state agriculture,'' she said.
She also noted the benefits 4-H members gain through their involvement with the fair.
''Working together, we get results that help build the economy and confidence in the young 4-H people,'' she said.
This will be the last fair county legislator Fran Lus will be attending in an official capacity since he has said he will not be running for re-election to his Legislative District 23 seat.
But, that doesn't mean he'll give up going to the fair and checking out the exhibits, particularly those displayed by the 4-H.
''The 4-H offers youngsters a strong, admirable program that teaches responsibility and builds confidence,'' he said.
The Starceski family of Sherman reflects this with Joshua, Roberta and Emily all having cows entered in this year's judging event.
Emily said she intends to show her cow, which is named Gum Drop.
Under the direction of Cheryl Robinson, the 10 4-H Teen Ambassadors led the guests on a tour of the fair barns with stops at the pig, sheep, cow, goat, chicken and rabbit exhibits and concluding with a review of the 4-H handiwork displays.
When asked how the Teen Ambassadors are chosen, Robinson said they have to apply, with letters of interest and resumes accompanying the application.
Then, they must go through an interview process.
''We've had kids who had trouble talking in public become Ambassadors,'' she said. ''The process builds their confidence and prepares them for real-life job interviews.
''They are the cream of the 4-H crop of kids.''
As the loud boom echoed across the fair grounds, board president Jim Tytka welcomed the gathering of guests for the opening day's events.
These included a host of political personages from New York State Sen. Cathy Young (R-Olean) to Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards, and a number of county legislators and local government representatives.
But, the 4-H Teen Ambassadors were the stars of the show.
Pam Hoglin of Jamestown, Sarah Robinson of Silver Creek and Cali Johnson of South Dayton did an admirable job of singing an a capella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
And, although the midway rides didn't open until noon, District 5 Legislator Bob Duff decided to climb to the top of the extended fire ladder at the front gate from which the American flag was hung.
When asked why he attempted this, Duff said, ''I did it on a dare.''
The fair organizers, on the other hand, carefully plan each year's events.
Tyka said this planning starts as soon as the fair ends.
''It takes a year-long process to put on a successful fair,'' he said, adding, ''This is a great start to a great week of fun.''
Young said the Chautauqua County Fair is one of six she will attend this year.
Calling herself ''a farm girl from a way back,'' Young said she was raised on a dairy farm in Livingston County.
''This event is close to my heart, it reflects the tradition, the improvements and the advancements achieved in New York state agriculture,'' she said.
She also noted the benefits 4-H members gain through their involvement with the fair.
''Working together, we get results that help build the economy and confidence in the young 4-H people,'' she said.
This will be the last fair county legislator Fran Lus will be attending in an official capacity since he has said he will not be running for re-election to his Legislative District 23 seat.
But, that doesn't mean he'll give up going to the fair and checking out the exhibits, particularly those displayed by the 4-H.
''The 4-H offers youngsters a strong, admirable program that teaches responsibility and builds confidence,'' he said.
The Starceski family of Sherman reflects this with Joshua, Roberta and Emily all having cows entered in this year's judging event.
Emily said she intends to show her cow, which is named Gum Drop.
Under the direction of Cheryl Robinson, the 10 4-H Teen Ambassadors led the guests on a tour of the fair barns with stops at the pig, sheep, cow, goat, chicken and rabbit exhibits and concluding with a review of the 4-H handiwork displays.
When asked how the Teen Ambassadors are chosen, Robinson said they have to apply, with letters of interest and resumes accompanying the application.
Then, they must go through an interview process.
''We've had kids who had trouble talking in public become Ambassadors,'' she said. ''The process builds their confidence and prepares them for real-life job interviews.
''They are the cream of the 4-H crop of kids.''
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