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Section: Life & Leisure
August is America’s Fair Time
By Mary Georger
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Nighttime at America’s Fair in Hamburg.
Image courtesy of Angel Art Photography.
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Summertime in Buffalo means sunshine, festivals, picnics, daytrips, and, of course, America’s Fair. With over 265 acres, the Hamburg Fairgrounds site is home to 125 musicians and entertainers, over 2,500 animals, 70 rides, 100 games and all the fair food you’ve come to cherish.
“It’s continuous planning year round for a staff of 18, and it’s fun looking for new ideas and meeting with other fairs throughout North America,” says Lou Ann Delaney, director of marketing for the Fairgrounds Agency.
Entertainment is always a key feature of fair fun. This year’s lineup is filled with fresh and exciting performances for the whole family, and some are even on the house. Free concerts will be performed by 70s soul vocal group the Spinners on August 13 and 1964 The Tribute, named the best Beatles tribute band on earth by Rolling Stone, on August 15.
Featured concerts held at the Grandstand stage will begin with grandkid-favorite Vanessa Hudgens. Known for her role as the star of Disney’s High School Musical, she’ll perform from her solo album, V, on August 9. Indie rockers Rooney open this all ages show. On August 10, all-American hard rock guitarist and noted hunter Ted Nugent will play along with Gregg Rolie, an original member of Santana.
Pop and country radio are packed with Taylor Swift’s chart busters; the popular award winner will take the stage on August 11. On August 12, former Black Sabbath members join together with singer Ronnie James Dio for the band Heaven & Hell. Guests of the evening will be British heavy metal band Motorhead, known for lead singer Lemmy’s onstage antics. Next, on August 14, legendary country music singer, guitarist and songwriter Merle Haggard will play with modern country musician Phil Vassar.
The fair will also receive visits from special guests outside of the music realm. NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne will visit with the crowd on August 11. From August 7 through the 10, fans can visit the AT7T Pit Stop, where part of Jeff Burton’s pit crew will be at the tire changing station with the orange No. 31 Chevy. There will also be chances to win Team AT7T memorabilia.
For the grandchildren’s amusement, there’s the Ag-Science award-winning display, teaching kids how farmers of today work to provide safe and healthy foods to the community; the talent show, where the youth of Erie County compete for a chance to go on to the New York State Fair in Syracuse; the Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade; and clown and balloon shows.
New this year is Banana Derby, featuring real-life monkey jockeys and Wild About Monkeys, a fun and educational show featuring the rambunctious animals. Kids can also enjoy the four-legged-fun at the petting zoo, the pig, chicken and cow baths, and the always memorable Swifty Swine Racing Pigs event.
The fair’s Daily Fun Parade will pass through the grounds with enjoyment for the ears and eyes, featuring the Pepsi-Cola Marching Band. They are followed by a calliope, a steam-powered organ and a wagon pulled by six Percheron horses.
“We balance the traditional favorites that our guests come to expect with a variety of new topical events and attractions,” says Delaney. “There’s something for everyone.”
Fairgoers will get a chance to watch professionals in needlecraft, soap making, paper marbling and broom making. The Stars of the Peking Acrobats will awe crowds with their famous plate spinning, and Slade Park Music Series will showcase Western New York talent.
There is much more, including the new Two Day Pull on August 6 and 7, the Ultimate Night of Destruction on August 16, and the World’s Largest Demolition Derby on August 17.
For a complete rundown, visit www.americas-fair.org.
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