Delaware County Fair_2023

to the e F a m r i o C

AUGUST 14 - 19 DELAWARE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS WALTON, NY

A Special Supplement to

Celebrating the 136th Annual Fair

Focusing on Physical Activity & Family Time

Come try the Basketball Challenge!

Delaware County Fair Commercial Tent #1

Here if you need us!

UHS Delaware Valley Hospital

Enter our Cutest Baby Contest!

1 Titus Place, Walton 607-865-2100 24-hour Emergency Dept.

Also...

UHS Primary Care

• Pick up updated the Delaware County Resource Directory • Free screenings • Giveaways UHS Delaware Valley Hospital

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See us at the Fair

Walton: 607-865-2400 Downsville: 607-363-2517 Roscoe: 607-498-4800

nyuhs.org

YOUR CARE. YOUR WAY.

136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

2023 DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE Sunday August 13, 2023

Tuesday August 15, 2023

9 a.m.

Open Horse Show - Driving, Mini and English Show Horses

** CHILDREN’S DAY **

9:30 a.m.

Jersey Parish Show

10 a.m.

Open Goat Show

10 a.m.

New Hope Church Service, Entertainment Court

12 – 4 p.m. Youth Building (4-H) Exhibits Judged

Youth Building (4-H): Teen Council Quilt Tickets for Sale; Baby Chicks Hatching; 4-H Photo Opportunity (Youth Bldg) All Day

Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program

As scheduled 4-H Public Presentations (Youth Bldg) As scheduled 4-H Youth Activities (Youth Bldg)

5 p.m.

All 4-H Beef Cattle MUST be in place - Livestock Barn

8:30 a.m.

4-H Dairy & Meat Goat Show – Livestock Barn

5:30 p.m.

Vesper Service -Practice

9 a.m.

6 p.m.

Vesper Service – Entertainment Court

4-H Horse Show (Hunt; Saddle; Minis; Driving; Gymkhana) – Horse Arena

9:30 a.m.

4-H Cavy Showmanship Show – Rabbit Show Ring 4-H Dairy Cattle Showmanship Show – Dairy Cattle Barn

10 a.m.

4-H Rabbit Showmanship Show – Rabbit Show Ring

11 a.m.

Kids Power Wheels Derby – Track Side

11 a.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

12 p.m.

Illusionist - Entertainment Court

1 p.m.

4-H Sheep (Livestock Show Ring)

1 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield - Entertainment Court

Monday August 14, 2023 **OPENING DAY ** Teen Council Quilt Tickets for Sale; Baby Chicks Hatching; 4-H Photo Opportunity (Youth Bldg) All Day

Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program

8:30 a.m.

All Day Garden Tractor Pull – Track

9 a.m.

Open Meat Goat Show – Livestock Barn

10 a.m.

Draft Horse Show

1 p.m.

Bike Giveaway – Sign ups at 1 pm

12 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield - Entertainment Court

2 p.m.

Cowboy Circus - Entertainment Court

2-4 p.m.

Canning Tomatoes - CCE Human Ecology Bldg

2-4 p.m.

Canning Jams & Jellies - CCE Human Ecology Bldg

3 p.m.

Illusionist - Entertainment Court

3 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield - Entertainment Court

3-5 p.m.

4-H Auction Animal Project Records Due

4 p.m.

Wildlife Federation Children’s Drawing

4 p.m.

All Youth 4-H Building Exhibits must be in place

4 p.m.

KARAOKE CONTEST (Youth and Junior)

4 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield - Entertainment Court

6 p.m.

5 p.m.

4-H Animal Exhibits must be in place

Presentation of the Thomson Scholarship (Youth Bldg)

5-7 p.m.

Randy’s Nashville Sound - Entertainment Court

6:30 p.m.

4-H Parade (Track-Grandstands)

5:30 p.m.

4-H Table Settings Set Up (Youth Bldg)

7 p.m.

KARAOKE CONTEST (Adult)

6 p.m.

4-H Table Settings Judging (Youth Bldg)

7 p.m.

THE HERO’S PARADE

7 p.m.

Dairy Exhibitor Meeting (Dairy Show Ring)

7:30p.m.

Livestock Exhibitor Meeting (Livestock Show Ring)

7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

The DRIFTWOODS (Country) - Entertainment Court

7 p.m.

Demo Derby

(Fair Schedule Continues on page 8)

* The Entertainment Court is sponsored by Curtis Lumber The Hancock Herald

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WINNERS

Cutest Baby Contest

2022 saw the comeback of the UHS Delaware Valley Hospital cutest baby contest at the Delaware County Fair. 71 adorable entries of babies aged two and younger were received.

There was extremely stiff competition, but the winners are: in first place, Gracelyn

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Cronk of Walton, daughter of Shannon Hitt; in second place was Kelly and Cassandra DaBrescia-McGraw’s son Beckett of Hancock; and in third place was Lincoln Moody, the son of Caitlin and Trevor Moody of Walton. Each child receives a savings account at Wayne Bank. $1,427.00 was raised during the event and will be used for improvements at the hospital.

In addition to the baby contest, the hospital offered blood pressure screening, COVID vaccines, information on the use of MyChart, a patient portal, available to all UHS patients, and information on the importance of physical activity and families enjoying activities together. The basketball game was a huge success bringing in hundreds of players over the course of the fair.

The end of fair drawing for a $100 gift card or an indoor/outdoor basketball game was won

by Kim Sperry and the $50 gift card was won

by Jacob Weissflog of Endwell.

136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

3 rd Place: Lincoln Moody

1 st Place: Gracelyn Cronk 2nd Place: Beckett DaBrescia-McGraw

Custom Signs & Banners Engraving Plaques & Decals and MORE! gallopinghorsegraphics@gmail.com

917-538-9754 Hancock, NY 13783

The Hancock Herald

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The Mini Manias are BIG in East Branch Local 4-H Club Trains and Shows Miniature Horses

The East Branch Mini Manias 4-H Club members from left, Zoey Gilmore, Roseann Warfield, Skyelee Kauffman, Jersey Forrest, and Elizabeth Doig.

By Kristin Barron

M

embers of the East Branch Mini Manias, an area 4-H club dedicated to the care and show of miniature horses, were hard at work at Lamica Stables in East Branch on a sunny, warm day in early July—training the horses in anticipation of an upcoming competition to qualify for the New York State Fair in Syracuse later this summer. However, before the State Fair, comes the Delaware County Fair, in Walton, where club members will show their miniature horses on Tuesday and Wednesday of fair week, scheduled August 14th through the 19th.

But first of all—what is a mini horse? That is the first question many people ask when meeting members of the club and their petite equines.

“A mini horse is in exact proportion to a fullsized horse but in miniature,” says Lori Lamica Nelson, 4-H Club leader, who owns and houses Page 6

Little Charmers—Five-year-old Elizabeth Doig with her mini “Little Charmer.”

the horses in East Branch at Lamica Stables.

According to the Miniature Horse Association, “minis,” as they are affectionately known, also must be under 34 inches in height at the withers (the end of the mane hairs).

In contrast, ponies, another type of small horse which are sometimes confused with mini horses, are proportioned differently than a fullsized horse. Ponies have shorter legs, stockier build, and thicker coats and manes. They are 14.2

136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

“hands high” or practiced jumping their tiny horses over Minis are much harder to up to 58 inches poles, taught them to weave through hula in height while a hoops, and walked them through an obstacle train than regular horses horse is anything course which included standing in a baby . . . They are very taller than that. pool. Members also used curry combs—bushes headstrong and stubborn.

Developed specially made for horses—to untangle knots for centuries and remove debris from the horse’s coats. through selective The horses must also be “desensitized,” breeding, the earliest appearance of miniature Nelson said, a process which accustoms them to horses in history is recorded in 1650 at the Palace the noises they may encounter at shows or along of Versailles where King Louis XIV kept them as the parade route, such as sirens, fire truck horns, pets. Miniature horses were also used to pull coal crying children, and crowd commotion. Mini carts in coal mines in northern Europe. They were horses can start attending shows at about three brought to America in the 19th century for use in months of age, said Nelson. coal mines.

The horses are herd animals and cannot be Today, mini horses are increasingly popular left alone, said club member Zoey Gilmore, who as companion animals and therapy animals. They pointed out the accompanying donkeys and mini cost and eat less than regular horses. And, while donkeys that are part of the equine crowd at the they can’t be ridden because of their small stature, Stables. they are especially useful for children to learn the basics of horse care and participate in equestrian sports such as driving and jumping.

In Delaware County, 4-H clubs, including the East Branch Mini Manias who are active in the horse program can participate in shows, horse clinics, and the annual 4-H Horse Bowl & Hippology which is a team event with a game show set up to answer questions about horses.

The East Branch Mini Mania 4-H Club has been in operation for about 17 years now, says Nelson, who currently runs the club with the help of fellow leaders Tina Kokoszka and Roseann Warfield. Nelson calculates the club started in 2007, when her son, Austin, was eight years old.

In addition to horse activities, the club also participates in community service projects and walks with the minis in regional parades each year such as the East Branch Fire Department’s 100th Anniversary parade held July 2 and the Parade of Lights Holiday Parade held annually in Hancock each December.

“Minis are much harder to train than regular horses,” said Nelson, “They are very headstrong Jersey Forrest jumps her mini horse, Cadence. and stubborn,” she said, as club members The Hancock Herald

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Currently the club is training six minis. They are all registered show horses.

Club member Zoey Gilmore, a club member for nine years, is in charge of showing “Valley Girl,” “Valley Boy,” and “Desiree.” Last year at the NY State Fair, Gilmore took first place in the costume competition, fourth place in jumping, and eighth in showmanship. Club member Jersey Forrest, who has been showing for three years, shows “Cadence.” Club member Skyelee Kauffman, also a 4-H member for nine years, took first place in showmanship last year at the State Fair. She shows “Sunday Surprise,” so named due to the fact that the horse was a surprise birth

(weighing 22 pounds) at the stables one Sunday morning a few years ago. The youngest club member, five-year-old Elizabeth Doig, is a “Clover Bud” 4-H member and is learning to show “Little Charmer.”

The club hopes to show their horses, have fun, and earn even more awards at the fairs this year.

Wednesday August 16, 2023

Thursday August 16, 2023

Teen Council Quilt Tickets for Sale; Baby Chicks Hatching; 4-H Photo Opportunity (Youth Bldg) All Day

4-H Club Leader Lori Lamica Nelson

** Senior Citizens Day – Seniors $5 Admission Teen Council Quilt Tickets for Sale; Baby Chicks Hatching; 4-H Photo Opportunity

Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program (Youth Bldg)

As Scheduled 4-H Public Presentations (Youth Building)

All Day

As Scheduled 4-H Activities (Youth Building)

As Scheduled Youth Activities (Youth Building)

9 a.m.

As Scheduled 4-H Public Presentations (Youth Building)

4-H Beef Cattle Show – Livestock Barn 4-H Horse Show (Western; Gymkhana) Horse Arena Stock Farm Tractor Pull – Track Side

8 a.m.

Open Horse Show -Hunter Division Horse & Pony 9 9

9 a.m.

Antique Tractor Pull

9 a.m.

4-H Swine Show – Livestock Barn

9:30 a.m.

Open Class Cattle Show Open Class Beef Show (after the 4-H Swine Show)

11–12 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

12 p.m.

Randy’s Nashville Sound – Entertainment Court

1-2 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

2 p.m.

4-H Poultry Show (Poultry Barn)

2-3 p.m.

Randy’s Nashville Sound – Entertainment Court

2-4 p.m.

Freezing Fruits & Vegetables - CCE Human Ecology Bldg

3-4 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

4-6 p.m.

Singing Oldies Mary Frances Perricone – Entertainment Court

6 p.m.

Illusionist – Entertainment Court

6:30 p.m.

4-H Sheep Olympics followed by 4-H Animal Dress-up Contest – Livestock Barn

9:30 a.m.

4-H Cavy Breeds Show – Rabbit Show Ring 4-H Dairy Cattle Breeds Show – Dairy Cattle Barn

10 a.m.

4-H Rabbit Breeds Show – Rabbit Show Barn

12 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

1 – 3 p.m.

Country’s Sweetheart KRYSTAL LEE

2 p.m.

Open Swine Show (following 4-H Beef Show)

2-4 p.m.

Canning Pickles CCE Human Ecology Bldg

3 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield - Entertainment Court

4 p.m.

4-H Dairy Challenge (Dairy Show Ring)

4 p.m.

Illusionist – Entertainment Court

5-6 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

6-7 p.m.

Cowboy Circus – Entertainment Court

7 p.m.

NYTPA Super Stock Combo, Modified, Two Wheel Drive

7:30-10:30 p.m.

The NATE GROSS BAND (Blues and Southern Rock) 6:45 p.m.

– Entertainment Court 7 p.m.

* The Entertainment Court is sponsored

by Curtis Lumber Page 8

Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program

7:30-10:30 p.m.

Cowboy Circus – Entertainment Court Street Legal Gas & Diesel 4x4 Truck Pull The BEADLE BROTHERS (Todays Country & More) High Energy

(Fair Schedule Continues on page 17)

136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

Midway opens at Noon on Tuesday

Sharon (Dennis) Gordon

Lic Real Estate Salesperson in NY & PA

607-778-9954 sharond@hancock.net Joanne McGibney Real Estate 676 N. Sanford Rd. Deposit, NY 13754

Bringing It All Together The Hancock Herald

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Dreamland Amusements will once again be providing all the

exciting amusement rides, fun family game and delicious fair foods for the Delaware County Fair! There will be rides for riders of all ages including kiddy rides for the little ones, family rides which everyone can enjoy, and spectacular thrill rides for thrill seekers!

Midway House of Operation

MIDWAY WILL NOT BE OPEN ON MONDAY 8/14 8/15 Tuesday.....12pm-11pm 8/16 Wednesday...12pm-11pm 8/17 Thursday....12pm-11pm 8/18 Friday......12pm-11pm 8/19 Saturday....12pm-11pm Armband Ride Special Information Pre-sale 1 wristband for $25 (save $10) 50 ride tickets for $45 (save $15) At the Fair 1 wristband for $35 50 ride tickets for $55 (save $5) Ride Ticket Pricing Single ticket $1.50 20 tickets $30 50 tickets (includes 1 free ride) $55

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136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

Smith’s

Colonial Motel

Beautiful Views ~ Beautiful Rooms on the Delaware River (607) 637-2989 * EV & Pet Friendly 23085 State Hgwy 97, Hancock, NY 13783

The Hancock Herald

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136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

The Hancock Herald

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136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

VESPER SERVICES WILL BE HELD IN THE ENTERTAINMENT AREA Sunday Night, August 13th, Vesper Service 6:00 P.M. TO BE HELD IN THE ENTERTAINMENT TENT The Delaware County Christian Ministries is sponsoring a Sunday evening Service at the Fairgrounds for the convenience of those working at the Fairgrounds setting up exhibits and caring for animals, making it difficult for them to attend Sunday Services.

About the Fair THE AREA'S BIGGEST AGRICULTURAL FAIR RETURNS TO WALTON, NY Get ready, because the 136th annual Delaware County Fair will be here before you know it! The Delaware County Fair in Walton, NY is the largest agricultural fair in the region and has something for everyone. Over 80,000 people flock to the six day spectacular in Walton, NY to enjoy our local events, shows, contests, rides, cuisine and more. If you're looking for family friendly local events, go ahead and mark Delaware County Fair down on your calendar for family fun and excitement!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE COUNTY FAIR? When the Delaware County Fair offers so much fun and excitement, it's hard to choose! All of the fun and excitement of an agricultural fair is in Walton, NY! As a guest, you and your family can expect tons of fun with attractions such as: y Tractor and farm equipment displays and demonstrations y Livestock contests and encounters with over 1,000 animals y Great Food from corn dogs to cotton candy and local favorites. y Live entertainment all day long y COME SHARE THE FUN! We would like to invite you and your family to come spend some time with us at the Delaware County Fair. Our volunteer board of directors features local residents who are familiar with the agricultural industry and dedicated to providing you and your family the best experience at the Delaware County Fair. We are always welcoming of individuals and organizations that would like to help the Delaware County Fair of Walton, NY, be the best it can be for our visitors.

The Hancock Herald

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136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

Friday August 18, 2023 Teen Council Quilt Tickets for Sale; Baby Chicks Hatching; 4-H Photo Opportunity (Youth Bldg)

Friday August 18, 2023 1-2 p.m.

Buffalo & Barfield – Entertainment Court

2-3 p.m.

Illusionist – Entertainment

2-4 p.m.

Fermentation Sauerkraut - CCE Human Ecology Bldg

3-4 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

4-6 p.m.

New Orleans Singer John Paul – Entertainment Court

All Day

Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program

As Scheduled

Youth Activities (Youth Building)

As Scheduled

4-H Public Presentations (Youth Building)

8 a.m.

Open Horse Show - Western Division

9 a.m.

Pony Pull - #1400, #1800, Miniature Unlimited – Track

6 p.m.

THE TOM NEWMAN MEMORIAL HORSE PULL-Horse Ring

9:30 a.m.

Open Class Cattle Show FFA Judging and Demonstration

6:30 p.m.

Cowboy Circus - Entertainment Court

10 a.m.

Final Weigh-in for 4-H Livestock Auction Animals – Livestock Barn

7 p.m.

4-H Goat Olympics – Livestock Barn 4-H Sheep Exhibitor Dinner following Open Sheep Show – Livestock Barn 7 7

11–12 p.m.

Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

7 p.m.

Demo Derby – Track

12 p.m.

4-H Rooster Crowing Contest – Poultry Barn Open Open Sheep Show

8-11 p.m.

LAZY II BAND (Country & Classic Rock)

12-1 p.m.

Catskill Dance Expo – Entertainment Court

(Fair Schedule Continues on page 22)

The Hancock Herald

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136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

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6186 Hancock Hwy, Starlight, PA 570.635.5810

Open Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.– 9 p.m.

Owned and operated by the Hurley Family The Hancock Herald

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to the e F a m r i o C

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136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

GRANDSTAND SCHEDULE

Monday - Derby $8 Tuesday- Hero’s Parade FREE Wednesday - NYTPA $8 Thursday - Street Legal gas and diesel 4x4 trucks $8 Friday - Derby $8 Saturday Morning: 11,000 lb farm and hot farm tractor pull DONATION TO ENTER Saturday Night: 6pm River of Dreams Billy Joel Tribute 8pm E1 PRESENTS brings The Ultimate Journey Experience by LEGEND The Hancock Herald

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Saturday August 19, 2023 Teen Council Quilt Tickets for Sale; Baby Chicks Hatching; 4-H Photo Opportunity (Youth Bldg)

Saturday August 19, 2023 6 p.m.

River of Dreams, Billy Joel Tribute

6:15 p.m.

Cowboy Circus – Entertainment Court

All Day

Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program

7-11 p.m.

Music by BJ Hendrickson - Entertainment Court

As Scheduled

Youth Activities (Youth Building)

8 p.m.

8 a.m.

Open Horse Show - Gymkhana Division

E1 Presents Brings The Ultimate Journey Experience by LEGEND

9 a.m.

4-H Master Livestock Showman Competition – Livestock Barn

8 p.m.

9 a.m.

11,000 lb Farm & Hot Farm Tractor Pull – Donation to Enter

All Exhibits Released (all animals and all Youth Building projects).

Exhibits remaining after 8 pm will be left at exhibitor’s risk.

11 a.m.

4-H Livestock Herdsmanship Awards – Livestock Barn

11:30–1 p.m.

Buffalo & Barfield – Entertainment Court

12 p.m.

Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Dinner – Dairy Cattle Barn

1 p.m.

Karaoke Finals – Entertainment Court

2 p.m.

4-H Livestock Auction – Livestock Barn Show Ring

2-4 p.m.

Drying Herbs – CCE Human Ecology Bldg

4:30 p.m.

Smelly Footwear Contest - Entertainment Court

5:30 p.m.

Illusionist – Entertainment Court

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* The Entertainment Court is sponsored

by Curtis Lumber

136TH ANNUAL DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

2023

There’s nothing better than a good ole’ county fair.

The Delaware County Fair in

Walton, New York is one of the largest truly agricultural fairs in the state and it celebrates its 136th year this summer. I grew up right here in Hancock and was a member of the local 4-H Club (Our club was called the French Peas -- because our members hailed from the French Woods and Peas Eddy areas of the Town of Hancock). The county fair was the pinnacle of the summer season. I just couldn’t wait for the thrill of the Midway rides and the chance that I would run into friends I hadn’t seen since school got out in June.

I loved the animal barns and the horse shows. And, of course, nothing compares to Fair Food! Cotton candy, taffy, candy apples and fried everything! Templeton the rat was right ... the fair IS a smorgasbord.

I’m a little (?) older now and the Midway doesn’t hold quite as much appeal but I still make a point to attend every year.

I still love the food, the animals, and all the wonderful displays and vendors. Even better than all that though are the people you meet at the Fair.

in nearby Franklin, New York and he still lives on the same piece of land where he spent his boyhood. He was very humble about his own service but was quick to tell me about his brother, Earl.

Earl Halaquist was a U.S. Navy air crew veteran of World War II. He returned from the war and became interested in racing cars. According to Peter, his brother Earl was a true sportsman who excelled at many sports but he really made a name for himself in the world of motorsports winning races and breaking records. The “Earl Halaquist Memorial” race is held every year in Fonda, NY. This year the race was held on August 5, 2023.

Last year I met Peter Halaquist. It had been a long day. I was tired and sat on a bench to rest for a minute and struck up a conversation with the gentleman sitting next to me. I noticed he was wearing a Vietnam Veterans cap and I thanked him for his service. He proceeded to tell me his story. I was enthralled. Peter grew up

The Hancock Herald Established 1873

Phone: (607) 637-3591 Email: hancockherald@hancock.net Website: www.hancockherald.com The official paper for Delaware County

~ by Cindy R Ray

Everyone has a story . . . I met Peter at the Fair and he told me his story . . .

~ Cindy Ray

Cindy R. Ray Kristin Barron Rachael Argiros

Editor & Publisher, Photographer Assistant Editor, Photographer Graphic Designer, Photographer

Columnists/Correspondents: Judith Present, Kristin Barron, Carmella Seely, Rebecca Nevin-Gales, Steven Taggart, John Farnsworth Subscription rates in advance in Delaware County., NY and Wayne County, PA: 1 year $39. All other areas $49 per year. Additional $20 for on-line subscriptions. E-paper available for $69 per year. Single copies $1.00.

The Hancock Herald

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shine bright together At NBT, we understand the importance and impact of supporting the organizations that in turn shape our communities.

By working together, our hope is that we all shine a little brighter.

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