Potter County Fair winding down

Anyone who assumes that all young people are turning away from their agricultural heritage would be pleasantly surprised by a trip to this year's Potter County Fair.

Young agriculturalists from Ulysses, Genesee, Shinglehouse and Pleasant Valley Township are among those who have been showing off their champion beef cattle, sheep, horses, swine and dairy cows during traditional competition in Millport.

"The kids put a lot of work into this," said Wayne Irish, vocational agriculture teacher at Northern Potter Area High School, who was assisting with the events. "This is their chance to shine."

The Potter County Fair is one of the few remaining fairs with free admission, free parking and no charge for stage entertainment. It's also one of a handful of county fairs that remain true to their agricultural roots.

Friday's highlights will include the trophy horse show at 6:00 p.m. and the 4-H/FFA livestock auction at 7:00 p.m. Kelly Mountain Boys will play music from 7:00 to 11:00.

The fair concludes on Saturday with the old-timers' horse show at 10:00 a.m., music by Burnin' Hills Band starting at 6:00 p.m. and a fireworks display at about 10:00 p.m.

A carnival is operating every night, with a matinee from 1:00 to 5:00 on Saturday. Many other exhibits and concessions are also in operation, ranging from the Oswayo Valley Historical Society display of artifacts to the always popular 4-H milkshake booth.