Pictured Tuesday morning at the opening of the Chautauqua County Fair are state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, Hector Gonzalez, Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas, Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek, state Sen. George Borrello, County Executive PJ Wendel, and Fair President Dave Wilson. The fair’s return was marked by the firing of the ceremonial cannon. Photos by Anthony Dolce

DUNKIRK — The 138th iteration of the Chautauqua County Fair kicked off Tuesday morning with the firing of the ceremonial cannon.

Fair President Dave Wilson said he was happy to see everyone back this year. Tuesday’s opening marked the fair’s full return since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been in limbo for a couple years, so it’s good to be back,” Wilson said.

Wilson was joined by several local officials, including Hector Gonzalez representing Gov. Kathy Hochul; Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas; Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek; state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; state Sen. George Borrello; County Executive PJ Wendel; and others, who all expressed how happy they were to see the fair return.

Goodell said the fair provides an opportunity for people of all ages to have some fun.

County Executive PJ Wendel and Fair President Dave Wilson combine to set off the ceremonial cannon as part of the opening ceremony of the Chautauqua County Fair.

“I’m delighted because the fair brings together the best of both worlds,” Goodell said. “We have the midway where kids can have a great time with their friends and family and, of course, the fair always highlights our incredible agricultural industry.”

Wendel said Tuesday was his first opening ceremony since taking over as county executive. It was an opportunity he has been looking forward to, and noted that nearby 4-H members at the fair represent the future of the county and its agriculture.

“This is my first time as county executive and, the last two years, I was eager to get behind this cannon,” Wendel said. “I’m looking at our 4-H young men and women, that’s the future of agriculture in Chautauqua County. We need to keep that culture going, we need to keep it vibrant.”

Meanwhile, because of the state of the world the last few years, bringing the fair back to its full glory was quite the accomplishment, Borrello said. He believes the fruits of that labor will be rewarded.

“This is an amazing highlight for Chautauqua County,” Borrello said. “For our rich agricultural history and for the fact that we still like to get together to celebrate and enjoy ourselves, and that’s why I believe the fair will have record attendance.”

Competitors are pictured in one of the many animal shows taking place at the Chautauqua County Fair.

The company providing the rides, Powers & Thomas, couldn’t arrive until Tuesday, which delayed the fair’s opening. Wilson said the midway rides almost didn’t happen. The rides eventually opened at 4 p.m Tuesday.

The grandstand is expected to be packed with events each night beginning today with music from Rumba Caliente; Thursday night includes a truck and tractor pull; Saturday will feature State Horse Pullers; and Friday and Sunday will include the popular demolition derby.

The Chautauqua County Fair is open through Sunday. Hours, tickets, and other event information can be found at chautauquacofair.org/