Celebrating 130 Years: The Afton Fair Returns
The Afton Fair is back for its 130th year from Thursday, June 20th to Sunday, June 23rd in Afton, NY.
"We're the only small village kind of fair in New York," said Vicky Gregory, Secretary of the Afton Fair Board Committee.
Although it is a small town affair, the event is a big-time production for thousands of visitors to enjoy a variety of festivities.
"People will see at the fair tonight the stock car races. Tomorrow night will be a rodeo. Sunday will be a demolition derby. Yesterday was a free day; there was a parade, there was a local band, our local fire departments were there," said Gregory.
In addition to the races, the fair also features agricultural contests.
"I'm showing my little Swiss flurry over here and I have a couple of different ones," said Shelby Benjamin, Chenango County Dairy Princess Alternate, while she held her cow.
Benjamin was crowned back in May. She is using the fair as a chance to connect with her community and share a message.
"The cows that are here are super friendly, so little kids can walk up to them. And that's just kind of nice. I feel like it helps being able to see them and touch them, and that way you know where your milk and all the dairy products are actually coming from," said Benjamin.
If racing and agriculture are not your thing, the Afton Fair has you covered with live music, boardwalk games, theme park rides, art shows, craft vendors, and food.
The attractions are popular among visitors and locals alike. People of Afton especially enjoy the event because they all work hard to put on a production of this size.
"Everybody pitches in in one shape form or another to make this fair a success," said Gregory.
Gregory has helped with planning the fair for the last 20 years and has been going to the fair for over 40. Planning for next year’s fair will begin as soon as this weekend’s event ends.
For more information head to https://theaftonfair.com/.