Madison County Grew a Great Fair!

By Annette Tanney

(Brookfield, NY – July 22, 2015) The 176^th Madison County Fair demonstrated it has indeed got a Good Thing Growing.  Even intermittent rain showers did not dampen the spirit of enthusiastic concert goer’s opening night when the awarding winning country duo Montgomery Gentry took the stage.  Some enjoyed the show under the cover of the grandstand; others donned their rain gear to be closer to the stage, while some danced in the rain on the mud track.

Horses, sheep, goats, and rabbits came to compete for blue ribbons.  The dairy and beef cattle shows featured 22 youth exhibitors, all 7 breeds of cattle were represented with over 70 head of cattle in attendance.  The karaoke contest sent 7 contestants to the Grand Finale to compete for a chance to audition for NBC’s “The Voice.”  Demonstrations and hands on projects were hosted by 4-H throughout the fair’s 4 day run.  The stage showcased the Talent Show and the Miss & Mister Madison County Pageant.  BMX stunt cyclist flew through the air and visitors to the petting zoo had the opportunity to ride a camel.

The Youth Tent hosted over 200 people throughout the six hours the tent was operational on Saturday. A total of 122 youth each received a goody bag full of activity books and games generously donated by the American Red Cross. A dozen Madison County organizations offered free activities and valuable information to fairgoers.

As well as the opening night concert, grandstand crowds were entertained with trucks & tractors spinning their wheels to compete for trophies and the demolition derby proved once again to be a “smashing” success playing to a capacity crowd that sold out before the first engine roared to life.

The Directors of the Madison County Fair would like to thank all of the volunteers, superintendents, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors and patrons; along with the Madison County Board of Supervisors, Madison County Tourism, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Youth Bureau, Madison County 4-H, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and everyone who contributed to the success of the 176^th edition of the Fair.