OSWEGO COUNTY – “Barn in the USA” is the theme for the 166th annual Oswego County Fair which opens on Wednesday, July 2 and runs through Sunday, July 6.
This free event features traditional fair entertainment with rides by Ontario Amusements and animal shows by Hog Diggity Dogs. Rides begin on Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. and continue from noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Hot Diggity Dogs will have multiple performances each day, offering an exciting show with fun camel rides and more.
This year’s fair is better than ever for kids! Along with many exciting activities, including the scavenger hunt and kids’ daily bike drawing, the fair also offers free vouchers for the first 100 youth in attendance under age 18 each day. The packet includes vouchers for an unlimited rides wrist band with Ontario Amusements, a voucher for up to $10 for food, and a voucher for up to $10 in souvenirs.
Vouchers must be submitted to participating vendors and can be picked up each day at the youth building starting at 10 a.m. The youth building will also have interactive play areas, including a bubble fun area, children’s construction site, farm, store, post office and more.
Other new additions to this year’s fair include prizes for the talent show and scavenger hunt, and the “Bucket of Junk” sculpture building contest in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County.
Funding for the vouchers, prizes and the “Bucket of Junk” contest comes from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ 2025 Transportation for Youth to County and Local Fairs Program grant. The Oswego County Fair Association and Oswego County Agricultural Society received $25,000 in funding to assist in increasing youth attendance and participation.
The Oswego County Department of Mobility Management will offer free round-trip, curb-to-curb transportation to and from the Oswego County Fair. Transportation is available July 2-6 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are required and must be made by Monday, June 30. To reserve a ride, contact the Oswego County Department of Mobility Management at 315-746-4220 or 315-746-4221.
Other highlights include a performance by the Johnston Irish Dancers at 4 p.m. as well as the return of the parade at 7 p.m. and fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., all on Wednesday. On Thursday, compete in the talent show at 10 a.m. or check out the demolition derby at 5 p.m. Enjoy a pie eating contest, tractor and truck pulls, animal costume show and more on Friday. The demolition derby returns on Saturday at 1 p.m., along with the Lake Ontario Vintage Tractor Drive at 10 a.m. and George’s Fair Chicken BBQ at 11 a.m. until sold-out. Come back on Sunday for “Touch a Truck,” various animal shows and more.
Every day, visit Robin’s Heavenly Birds, Bob’s Butterflies, Hartley’s Hartwood woodcarving demonstrations and the vintage tractor show.
Live music also returns! Enjoy a performance by The Fiddlers on Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. and The Grizzly Ridge Band from 7 to 10 p.m. Brett Falso takes the stage on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Kickin’ Up Dust performs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, catch The Fiddlers again from 1 to 3 p.m. and enjoy music by Still Kickin’ from 6 to 9 p.m. Live entertainment concludes on Sunday with the Lake Effect Line Dancers from 3 to 5 p.m.
In keeping with its origins as the Oswego County Agricultural Society, the fair has animal shows – featuring horses, poultry, swine, beef and dairy cows, and sanctioned goat and rabbit contests – scheduled throughout the event.
A variety of businesses will be present at the fair, including vendors for shopping, delicious fair food, drinks and more. This year’s Fair Café will be run by Huckleberry Café.
Mark your calendars for Senior and Elected Officials Day on Wednesday; Veterans and First Responders Day on Thursday; Family Day on Friday; Children’s Day on Saturday and Agricultural Day on Sunday.
The Oswego County Fair runs from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with buildings open until 7 p.m. On Sunday, the fair and buildings are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shows and activities are scheduled at various times throughout the fair.
For more information about the Oswego County Fair or to view the full schedule of events, find the fair on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oswegocountyfair or go to the website at http://www.oswegocountyfair.com/.
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