Smaller and Scrappier, Tioga County Fair Fights Back from Flood

7/12/2012 (Updated 11:16:15 PM)

(Source: Suzanne Goldklang)

"That all this has come together in such a short time is a miracle."

It's been a long four weeks for Andy Fagan, Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga and Chemung Counties.

Four weeks ago, every facility at the Tioga County Fairgrounds lay in ruins. With no power or water, even figuring where to start was overwhelming.

But with a push from volunteers, a trimmed-down version of the fair survived.

While there is no midway or grandstand, there are kids with animals they raised, food for sale, and on Thursday evening, even a beauty pagent.

Debbie Stocks of South Owego says it was vital that the tradition of the fair survive, and begin building for the future.

"My son helped build this fair...and the flood came and it seems like they are always knocked down...but my grandson is showing and it means a lot to have the fair come back and give these kids a chance."

To see more about the Tioga County Youth 4-H Fair click on the "view video" link below.

The fair runs through Saturday.