Core Exhibits
Primary themes of the Fair were communicated
through the use of a frame and panel system designed by VSP Marketing of West
Seneca. Graphics for these 4 by 8 panels were completed by Michele Meissner.
Meissner is the former Director of the Toy Town Museum in East Aurora, New
York. Research, layout and narrative was provided by Marty Biniasz.
Pioneer Fairs – Founded in 1819, First Fair in
1820; Re-establishment of the Agricultural Society in 1841. Display was
designed to reconnect the Fair to the City of Buffalo.
The Traveling Fair & Finding A
Permanent Home – Highlighted
locations of the Erie County Fair prior to 1868 and how the Fair ended up in in
Hamburg.
Fairgrounds – Using a 1955 map, visitors learned
about the Fair’s historic structures, both past and present, and now the grounds
have evolved over the past 149 years.
Feeding the Fair – The legend of the birth of the hamburger
was explained; from pizza to fried gummies, how Fair food has influenced Western
New York.
Agriculture & Competition
Heritage – Bigger,
Better & the Best! It’s the primary mission of the Agricultural Society. Images
and panels were also dedicated to 4-H, FFA and Women’s Department (Creative
Arts) activities.
Midway & Strates History – The most exciting place at the
Fair. Panels celebrated the 92+ year history with James E. Strates Shows.
Firefighters & Veterans Days – As a community we gather at the
Erie County Fair annually to honor those served this country, who died for our
freedom and for those who time and time again put their lives in danger to keep
us safe.
Growing the Fair – Modern transportation to the
fairgrounds in the 1890s and the use of electronic media after 1950 assisted
the transformation of a traditional, agriculturally based fair into the largest
independent county fair and exposition in the United States.
