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Fields were mowed, bulldozing and ditch digging occurred in random locations. Temporary fences and water lines snaked across the grounds. By 1935 everything was moved again to Island Park where the fair stayed for some time.
This is an ongoing project, but definitely a necessary one. Money was donated by her family to honor the adult and the youth who won the most ribbons in the still exhibit categories. In 1969 the first permanent restroom facilities were constructed. The horseshoe pits designed for big league competition were also built. All volunteer work was done by the horseshoe people on their facility.
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Another project completed before the fair was the numbering and sealing of the bleachers in the pavilion. We have an outstanding facility of which we can be proud. The Warren County Fair Board is just as committed now as it ever has been to bringing the best fair possible to the people of Warren County. From generation to generation, we have focused on our agricultural heritage. Still a third project was a walkway at the new campground area. A continuing project deals with upgrading electrical service.
In addition to the pavilion, a bridge and the addition of a number of primitive campsites across the road from the fairgrounds was completed and used for the 2011 fair. The campgrounds was named “The Island Campgrounds,” at the suggestion of Mr. and Mrs. Urno Gustafson. Mrs. Gustafson’s father always called that area “the island” because of its location.
Warren County Farmers’ Fair
I would like to thank each and every volunteer, exhibitor, patron, vendor and sponsor who has contributed in some form or fashion to the success of this fair over the years. I hope you will take something away from your experience here that will benefit you in a positive way.
A new entry for carnival equipment was finished in the spring. Most lighting at the fair has been replaced with newer, more energy efficient lighting. Renovations of the food booth at the Cornplanter pavilion continued also with a new hood ventilation system installed and some remodeling done. In 2008, our food booths were upgraded and much work was done on ticket booths. For the first time, premium books were published by our local Warren Times Observer. That year a well was drilled and a pump house contracted.
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Also installed on the front of the stage was a sign naming the stage the “Cornplanter Stage.” The fair bought 2 acres of property behind the domestic buildings. Trees were removed, dirt leveled off on some of the property and fenced off to make a cart path for handicapped golf carts and emergency vehicles. By 2016 decisions will be made as to the full use of the property. The old office had served its purpose, but just was not set up in the technical world as is now necessary.
The Warren County Fair bought more property behind the domestic/Grange/4-H buildings. Property is being cleared in the hopes of adding around 50 more campsites for campers that are 30 foot or longer for the 2020 fair. Riley Green, Home Free and a Tom Petty Tribute were the entertainers. Agri-Puppets and Cowboy Circus with Danny Grant were the ground acts.
Warren Farmers Fair
Twenty years later only nine dairy animals were exhibited and no 4-H projects. The fair became a well organized dairy show in northwestern Pennsylvania. Competitive exhibits and commercial exhibitors increased in number. The first Agricultural Show in the county was a one day event in 1850 at Sugar Grove.
Fair visitors were impressed with the new beautiful building and its wonderful seating capacity. A farm field was transformed into a busy jumble of sprawling tents, which protected dresses, cows, pickles, horses, food booths, popcorn stands and baked goods. The 4-H exhibits outnumbered the open class exhibitors in almost all categories. Even though there was no fair, many improvements were done in 2020. Work on the new campground for campers that are 30 feet or longer has continued and is almost completed and will be ready for the 2021 fair.
The farm was Mrs. Gustafson’s childhood home, and it was purchased by the fair board in the early 1990’s. The bridge was named the Dave Harrington Memorial Bridge. Dave was president of the fair board for many years, and it had always been his dream to have a bridge built in that area.
In 1967 the relocation highway bypassing Youngsville went through the grounds and a new location was needed once again. A reorganized board purchased approximately 100 acres of the Charles Takats farm near Pittsfield to rebuild. There have been other fairs in this county to be sure. Old newspapers on file in the library reveal some interesting tales concerning several of them. All tickets are General Admission unless VIP tickets are purchased. Create your custom schedule by setting the filter on the left to "Upcoming Events", then clicking the save button on events you plan to attend.
Replacement of the Cornplanter Pavilion began in May, and was completed in time for the 2011 fair. The new building is a metal freespan building and was named the First Niagara Pavilion, thanks to a generous donation from First Niagara Bank. The building officially opened for the 2011 fair, but extras, such as dressing rooms and other frills were not be completed for this year’s fair. A temporary food booth, named the Cornplanter Café, was finished for the fair. All of this work was completed with the help of many, many volunteers.
Thanks to good record keeping by the county fair board, dates of construction have been provided. A new building was bought in 2014to provide the entertainment committee an office and to better serve the entertainers that came to our fair. There was lots of painting, planting of flowers and sprucing up the fairgrounds. Our first ever Facebook contest had over 300 participants trying to win tickets to the Tyler Farr Concert. Also, entertaining in the Niagara Pavilion was Lorrie Morgan, Joe Diffie, and Ron Carrington and Touch of Gold.
Repairs were done on 2 barns, a pump house got a new roof, the red domestic building was painted inside, wash racks were painted, memorial benches were refurbished. Intense plans were underway for a beautiful food booth to be located in front of the First Niagara Pavilion. It contains a food preparation area, freezer and storage areas. It is ADA compliant with handicap accessible serving windows.
In 2013 a new roof was put on the Livestock Pavilion, picnic tables were painted by many volunteers and a lot of other painting and repairs were done. The Warren County Fair Facebook page had been started in 2012 and was very active throughout the 2013 season. Entertainment this year was Easton Corbin, Marty Stuart, Danny Paisley Bluegrass band and Sterling Pallaro Elvis Tribute. In June was the first annual Rumble at the Fairgrounds Cruise-in.
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