Delaware County Fair_2023

Come

2023 DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE

Sunday August 13, 2023

9 a.m. Open Horse Show - Driving, Mini and English Show Horses

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

5 p.m. All 4-H Beef Cattle MUST be in place - Livestock Barn

5:30 p.m. Vesper Service -Practice

6 p.m. Vesper Service – 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

Tuesday August 15, 2023

** CHILDREN’S DAY **

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)

8:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy & Meat Goat Show – Livestock Barn

9 a.m. 4-H Horse Show (Hunt; Saddle; Minis;

9:30

(Fair Schedule Continues on page 8)

7:30p.m.

7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

7

* The Entertainment Court is sponsored by Curtis Lumber

Cutest Baby Contest WINNERS

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

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.

1 st Place: Gracelyn Cronk

2nd Place: Beckett DaBrescia-McGraw

3 rd Place: Lincoln Moody

The Mini Manias are BIG in East Branch

Local 4-H Club Trains and Shows Miniature Horses

By Kristin Barron

Members 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

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

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

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

“hands high” or up to 58 inches in height while a horse is anything taller than that.

Developed for centuries through selective breeding, the earliest appearance of miniature horses in history is recorded in 1650 at the Palace of Versailles where King Louis XIV kept them as pets. Miniature horses were also used to pull coal carts in coal mines in northern Europe. They were brought to America in the 19th century for use in coal mines.

Today, mini horses are increasingly popular as companion animals and therapy animals. They cost and eat less than regular horses. And, while they can’t be ridden because of their small stature, 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 and stubborn,” she said, as club members

practiced jumping their tiny horses over poles, taught them to weave through hula hoops, and walked them through an obstacle course which included standing in a baby pool. Members also used curry combs—bushes specially made for horses—to untangle knots and remove debris from the horse’s coats.

The horses must also be “desensitized,” Nelson said, a process which accustoms them to the noises they may encounter at shows or along the parade route, such as sirens, fire truck horns, crying children, and crowd commotion. Mini horses can start attending shows at about three months of age, said Nelson.

The horses are herd animals and cannot be left alone, said club member Zoey Gilmore, who pointed out the accompanying donkeys and mini donkeys that are part of the equine crowd at the Stables.

Jersey Forrest jumps her mini horse, Cadence.

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

Wednesday August 16, 2023

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 Building)

As Scheduled 4-H Activities (Youth Building)

9 a.m. 4-H Beef Cattle Show – Livestock Barn

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

9:30 a.m. 4-H Cavy Breeds Show – Rabbit Show Ring

(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.

4-H Club LeaderLori Lamica Nelson

Thursday August 16, 2023

** Senior Citizens Day – Seniors $5 Admission

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

All Day Food Preservation- CCE human Ecology Program

As

Beef Show)

2-4 p.m. Canning Pickles CCE Human Ecology Bldg 3 p.m. Buffalo Barfield - Entertainment Court

* The Entertainment Court is sponsored by Curtis Lumber

(Fair Schedule Continues on page 17)

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

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.

Friday August 18, 2023

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 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

9:30 a.m. Open Class Cattle Show

FFA Judging and Demonstration

10 a.m. Final Weigh-in for 4-H Livestock Auction Animals –Livestock Barn

11–12 p.m. Buffalo Barfield – Entertainment Court

12 p.m. 4-H Rooster Crowing Contest – Poultry Barn Open Open Sheep Show

12-1 p.m. Catskill Dance Expo – Entertainment Court

Friday August 18, 2023

4-H

(Fair Schedule Continues on page 22)

Come to the Fair

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

Saturday August 19, 2023

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 Youth Activities (Youth Building)

8 a.m. Open Horse Show - Gymkhana Division

9 a.m. 4-H Master Livestock Showman Competition –Livestock Barn

9 a.m. 11,000 lb Farm & Hot Farm Tractor Pull – Donation to Enter

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

Saturday August 19, 2023

6 p.m. River of Dreams, Billy Joel Tribute

6:15 p.m. Cowboy Circus – Entertainment Court

7-11 p.m. Music by BJ Hendrickson - Entertainment Court

8 p.m. E1 Presents Brings The Ultimate Journey Experience by LEGEND

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

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

* The Entertainment Court is sponsored by Curtis Lumber

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.

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

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.

~ by Cindy R Ray

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

~ Cindy Ray

The Hancock Herald

Established 1873

Phone: (607) 637-3591

Email: hancockherald@hancock.net

Website: www.hancockherald.com

The official paper for Delaware County

Cindy R. Ray Editor & Publisher, Photographer

Kristin Barron Assistant Editor, Photographer

Rachael Argiros 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.

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

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