Oswego County Fair Celebrates America’s 250th July 1-5

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Fair joins the rest of the country in celebrating its semiquincentennial with the theme, “Farm, Family and Freedom: Celebrating 250 Years of America!” The 167th annual free event opens on Wednesday, July 1 and runs through Sunday, July 5.

In honor of the patriotic milestone, a youth reading of the Declaration of Independence is planned for noon on Saturday, July 4; followed by an old-fashioned dance from 1 to 3 p.m., sponsored by the Oswego County 250th Commission. Members of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will also be on the grounds.

Each day features something fun for everyone! On opening day, enjoy the Johnston Irish Dancers at 4 p.m., followed by the return of the parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Thursday activities include a talent show at 10 a.m. and demolition derby at 5 p.m.; while Friday features tractor and truck pulls, an animal costume contest and horse barrel racing. Demolition derby returns on Saturday, along with Wildcard line dancing.

Come back on Sunday for a bigger and better-than-ever car show! From 9 a.m. to noon, participants will compete for trophies and show off their rides. Admission is free for spectators and $10 to register a vehicle.

After the car show, stick around for the fair’s first rodeo! Featuring bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, this new attraction is full of excitement. The rodeo begins at noon and tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 3-12.

Daily entertainment includes rides by Ontario Amusements, which will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, continue from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and wrap up from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Lew-E’s Comedy Circus hosts multiple daily performances filled with laughter and magic, while Robin’s interactive bird sanctuary, Alesiafy live mural painting, Hartley Hartwood woodcarving demonstrations, a vintage tractor display, a kids’ scavenger hunt and bike drawing also take place every day!

Enjoy live music every day! The Nelson Brothers Band plays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and The Grizzly Ridge Band takes the stage on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Friday, “American Idol” golden ticket winner Ricky Boyce performs from 3 to 6 p.m. and Still Kickin’ returns to the fair from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Fritz Polka Band performs from 1 to 3 p.m., while Mariah Kat Music plays at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

In keeping with its origins as the Oswego County Agricultural Society, the fair has animal shows scheduled every day throughout the event. The animal shows feature horses, poultry, swine, beef and dairy cows, as well as sanctioned goat and rabbit contests.

Don’t forget to check out all the buildings at the fair to see a variety of visitor and historical displays, contest entries and ribbon-winners headed to the New York State Fair!

Other favorite initiatives are back! The fair offers free vouchers for the first 100 youth (under age 18) in attendance each day. The voucher packet includes an unlimited rides wristband and up to $15 for food. Vouchers must be used at participating vendors only and can be picked up each day at the youth building starting at 10 a.m. The youth building will also have interactive activities, including a bubble fun area.

Through a partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, the “Bucket of Junk” sculpture building contest returns to challenge participants. Individuals or teams can build a themed “Farm, Family and Freedom” sculpture using the contents of a provided bucket of random items for a chance to win a prize.

A variety of businesses will be at the fair, including vendors for shopping, delicious fair food, drinks and more. The Fair Café is newly remodeled with air conditioning and will be run by Huckleberry Café in Sandy Creek.

The Oswego County Department of Mobility Management again announces free round-trip transportation for people anywhere in the county to enjoy the event! The Oswego County Fair received a grant from the 2026 New York State Agriculture & Markets Transportation for Youth to County and Local Fairs Program to cover transportation costs.

There will be two transportation providers: Oswego County ACCESS will provide curb-to-curb transportation service from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 and again on Sunday, July 5. To reserve a ride within these hours and days, call 315-598-1514.

The second transportation provider, NY Transportation taxi service, will be available from 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3 and again on Sunday, July 5. It will also be the only free transportation service operating to and from the fair on Saturday, July 4. To reserve your ride, call 315-806-8497.

Mark your calendars for Senior and Elected Officials Day on Wednesday; Children’s Day on Thursday; Family Day on Friday; Veterans and First Responders 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/.