FREE!TAKE TAKE ONE! FREE! ONE! AUGUST 4 - 10, 2017
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 31
JULY 28 - AUGUST 3, 2017
Your Hometown Newspaper & The Official Newspaper of the Springville-Griffith Institute Central Schools
Countdown to the Erie County Fair is On
Catt. County Fair Upcoming Continues This Events Weekend Now-Aug. 6 Cattaraugus County Fair Little Valley
By Elizabeth Riggs
The Erie County Fair is closing in on nearly 200 years in operation, and nothing, not even a few tornadoes, can stop the people of Western New York from their annual dose of agriculture, fair food and events. Despite nearly $2.5 to $3 million dollars worth of damage to the fairgrounds, debris has been cleared, glass has been swept and fallen trees have been removed. According to a news release from the Fairgrounds, “more than 138 people, comprised of the grounds’ staff and private contractors, have been working to prepare for opening day.” And as it rises from the disaster, this year’s fair
See schedule page 5. schedule is jam packed full of the fair traditions, with a steady schedule of special events to keep things interesting. Fairgoers can expect nothing less than livestock barns packed with cows, horses, pigs and goats, on which the
premise of the entire fair is based. Visit the 4-H Youth Development barns to see additional 4-H projects ranging from sewing to photography, and time your visit to watch the respective judging events and fashion shows.
See Erie County Fair page 5
The Summer Bucket List
Historical Events in WNY
By Jennifer Weber
You don’t need a flux capacitor to go back in time and experience history. This month, right here in Western New York, there are so many options available for you and your family to explore. Also, here’s a personal inside scoop from one of those crazy historical
reenactors (my husband and I do Revolutionary War and French & Indian War)—don’t be afraid to ask questions and approach the reenactors for photos. Despite not having cameras back in the day, we actually enjoy taking selfies with the guests!
This Weekend: The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst is hosting a Civil War School of the Soldier on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Children ages 8-14 will participate in activities that Civil War soldiers did, from playing games and singing songs, to marching, drilling and other planned scenarios. Lunch, non-firing wooden muskets and battle flags are included with the registration fee of $30. Parents are welcome to attend and observe. The BNHV also is hosting an Intro to Blacksmithing workshop this weekend, but there’s a wait See Back in Time page 3
By Mary Heyl
Now in its 176th year, the Cattaraugus County Fair is taking place at the fairgrounds in Little Valley now through Sunday, Aug. 6. Bring the whole family to this annual celebration of local agriculture, family-friendly entertainment and grandstand events all
Springville and the Erie County Fair Historical Building
The Concord Bicentennial display showing general stores throughout the years. By Derek M. Otto
The Cattaraugus and Erie County Fairs are upon us and Springville has always had a large involvement in the fairs. This week, I want to focus
The first Sunday in August is the date that puts the small hamlet of Langford, NY on the map of places to be in Western New York. The Langford New Volunteer Fire
All New Jeep Compass 14 to choose from
on one interesting aspect on the fair that doesn’t include agriculture as much as it does history. If you have ever entered the
Aug. 5 Tough Mudder Kissing Bridge Aug. 5-6 Down Home Weekend Langford Aug. 9-20 Erie County Fair Hamburg Aug. 10 Shake on the Lake Presents Romeo and Juliet SYI Community Park Aug. 12 BBQ Fest and Softball Tournament to benefit Boys & Girls Club
See A Look Back page 7
Langford’s Down Home Weekend Aug. 5-6
By Alicia Dziak
See Races page 6
See Catt. County Fair page 4
A LOOK BACK:
Race Through August It’s the home stretch of the summertime races—time to lace up those sneakers and embrace your competitive side! The Springville Kiwanis has organized Christine Padasak Memorial Autism Awareness 5K Run & Family Fun Walk on Aug. 5, while devoting the proceeds to The Children’s League and its Autism Program in Springville. Following the race and walk there will be a Deluxe Pancake Breakfast. Additional family friendly activities will be held in the park-like setting behind the school. In addition to the play structures and beautifully shaded
weekend long. JM Motorsports is hosting an exciting weekend of grandstand events that you won’t want to miss! From Monster Truck shows to the World’s Largest Demolition Derby, there’s something to rev your engine at the fairgrounds this weekend.
Aug. 5 Autism Awareness 5K/ Walk to benefit The Children’s League
Sport - Latitude - Limited - Trailhawk
Saturday with World Class Truck and Tractor Pulling action on Sunday. Langford’s population goes from hundreds to thousands for the weekend; this year’s event is Saturday Aug. 5 and Sunday, Aug. 6. This combination has been a great success for the hard working fire Company for over 25 years. It all started with the first Langford Tractor Pull in 1946, making Langford’s Pull one of the longest running pulls in America! By providing top notch entertainment at affordable prices the events have grown to be an annual staple in many folks summer
Company’s annual fundraiser, appropriately known as the “Down Home Country Weekend,” is truly a great time. This unique event combines a Jamboree and Concert on See Down Home Weekend page 6
EMERLING
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Exceeding Expectations
195 West Main Street, Springville NY (716) 592 - 2881 • Open Mon & Tues 9 - 8, Wed 9 - 5, Thurs 9 - 8, Fri 9 - 5, Sat 9 - 4