Elected officials pose with local Future Farmers of America members at the 138th Delaware County Fair. Kneeling in the front (from left to right): District 51 Senator Peter Oberacker, District 101 Assemblyman Brian Maher, and District 121 Assemblyman Joe Angelino. Behind Oberacker is NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball, and standing all the way to the right is Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond.
Elected officials chat before the press luncheon at the 138th Delaware County Fair. From left to right: Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, Walton Supervisor Joe Cetta, and District 121 Assemblyman Joe Angelino.
Newly elected Delaware County Fair President Jason Craig speaks at the press Luncheon on Aug. 12.
By Mary A. Crisafulli
WALTON - The Delaware County Fair Board hosted a press luncheon for elected officials on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the 19th annual Delaware County Fair in Walton.
Attending officials included District 51 Senator Peter Oberacker, District 121 Assemblyman Joe Angelino, District 102 Assemblyman Chris Tague, District 101 Assemblyman Brian Maher, NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball, NYS Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Kelly Young, County Sheriff Craig DuMond, Walton Supervisor Joe Cetta, Walton Deputy Mayor Eric Northrup, Colchester Supervisor Arthur Merrill, Davenport Supervisor Timothy Kelso, Deposit Supervisor Rebecca Walley, Hancock Supervisor Jerry Vernold, Masonville Supervisor Betty Scott, Stamford Supervisor John Kosier, and County Treasurer Beverly Shields.
Those officials who spoke echoed one another in expressing gratitude to the FFA (Future Farmers of America) for supporting and building careers in agriculture. It was also noted that the Fair Board puts on the best agricultural fair, which showcases rural culture.
Commissioner Ball provided opening remarks, stating, "Let's start by giving a round of applause for the next generation in agriculture," as he gestured toward several local FFA members in attendance. "County fairs are such an important part of rural communities and such an important part of NY," Ball said. It is clear that the workforce in these fields is not as robust as it should be, he explained. "We have to stop thinking about farmers being one percent of the population feeding everybody else, because we are also the food system," he said, "We are genetics, research, logistics, food, food safety, blockchain technology, we are all of those things. And our county fairs are such an important place where people can come and touch agriculture."
Assemblyman Angelino said, "It's great to see the FFA here." He said FFAs are popping up at an increased rate in the districts that he serves. Angelino further explained that the board members are often seen attending other county fairs. "Maybe this is why you are so good," he noted.
"Delaware County is probably the best Agricultural fair in Upstate New York, and I know my good friends in Schoharie County, where I live, are going to get mad at me, and they are a close second, but these folks here do it right," said Assemblyman Tague.
"FFA does an amazing job," Senator Oberacker said, "The future of farming the future of fairs, you are keeping this tradition alive."
"They put on an excellent show," said Sheriff DuMond of the fair board. "I have been down here since I was a kid showing animals, seeing those kids still engaged in agriculture, and the importance of our culture here is very heartwarming and would not happen without all those directors," he said.
Supervisor Cetta said, "We are proud to be the host town for this event for over 138 years."
Deputy Mayor Northrup said, "I want to say thank you to everyone who has come out to our little village." He further noted how uplifting it is to see so many children engaged and excited about the fair he once attended as a Walton youth.
Ed Rossley, former president of the fair, who recently stepped down, was honored with a proclamation from Oberacker. The Senator recognized Rossley's over 30 years of service. He said, "Let's celebrate his legacy as we enjoy the many sights and sounds at the Delaware County Fair." Jason Craig was elected president after serving many years as fair secretary.
For more information on this year's 138th fair, visit delawarecountyfair.org. The fair is scheduled through August 16th.
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