Shandaken ZBA Hears Contentious Two-Family Home Proposal - Verizon Rehearing Effort Fails

Staff Report

SHANDAKEN – The Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals heard a contentious proposal for a two-family home on St. Kathrin Drive on Tuesday, with numerous neighbors speaking in vehement opposition, citing the applicant’s past actions and the project's incompatibility with the single-family neighborhood. The board also approved a setback variance for a home addition on Cinder Road.

The board held a public hearing for an application seeking an area variance to construct a “mother-daughter” home on a 5.32-acre lot on St. Kathrin Drive. The property is in a residential 5-acre zone, which does not permit two-family dwellings on a lot of that size.

Multiple neighbors voiced strong objections, arguing that the applicant had a history of disregarding regulations.

“The builder has already demonstrated his total lack of regard for proper procedures by damaging and denuding the property and leaving a scar on our landscape,” another St. Kathrine Drive resident. “I resent the further destruction of the quality of life on our enjoyment of our privacy for the urbanization and commercialization of said property.”

Letters from other residents echoed these concerns, stating that the applicant had previously clear-cut the lot without permits and arguing that a two-family home would be out of character for the area.

“When exceptions are considered in well-established single-family home zoning, it opens up the path for more exceptions and that will forever hurt the value and change the face of the quiet family living our existing owners cherish,” one.

In response, the resident defended his project, stating that the home would have a walk-out basement apartment and that all necessary fill would be taken from the land itself. He argued that existing homeowners should not prevent new construction.

“As soon as they build their home, they want to stop all construction. That’s not right,” Papia said. “It’s not fair for everybody else.”

Following the contentious hearing, the board voted to table the application to allow members an opportunity to visit the property before making a decision.

In a separate, brief public hearing, the board heard an unopposed application for a 23-foot front-yard setback variance to construct an addition at 72 Cinder Road. The board later voted to approve the variance as submitted.

The board also addressed its previous denial of variances for a Verizon cell tower. A motion to rehear the application was made but failed to receive a second, leaving the denial in place.

 

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Local History at the Old Stone Fort - Timothy Murphy’s House and Miner’s Hat

Picture of Timothy Murphy's House

The Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds sent us this picture of Timothy Murphy's house taken before 1934 when it was torn down. Murphy was a sharpshooter from Daniel Morgan's Rifle

Brigade and is credited for shooting the British General Simon Fraser during the Saratoga Campaign. Murphy also helped defend the Middle Fort (Fort Defiance) during the 1780 Johnson Raid.

 

Miners Hat

A Miner’s hat had a light source attached to it so that Miners could work in the dark without having to hold a source of light. This particular Miner’s Hat was worn by Jack Dempsey when he lost his life while working in a mine. This was given to the museum by A.K. Thomas.

 

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WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS - Timothy Murphy Playhouse Presents Cabaret

Sometimes, when life is good, people forget to pay attention to the dirge playing right around the corner.  Drinks are flowing, debauchery is at its worst and the world goes by.  So it was in Berlin, Germany, when the Nazi party ripped friends away from friends, destroyed communities, education, religious freedom, art, honest media, music and the good life. The stench of concentration camps stretched across Europe, and fear gripped the moral codes of those who would survive. Jews, Gypsies and the mentally ill were hauled away from their homes, and horrified neighbors and friends stood by, and hoped they wouldn't be next.

The Kit Kat Klub, in downtown Berlin, is a metaphor for the wild and free life that existed prior to the blitzkrieg; all were welcome, and an anything goes atmosphere dripped from the stage lights of the glorified entertainer, Sally Bowles (Stella Beardsley). When an American writer named Clifford Bradshaw (Antonio Brooks) enters her life and the lives of her neighbors, he begins to realize what is happening in Germany and desperately wants to get her out of the country.  Unfortunately, what he begins to witness falls on deaf ears and the neighborhood, as Fraulein Schneider (Isabella Hanu) and Herr Schultz (Roger Christman) are forced apart because they are of Jewish descent.  The growing political tension finds Ernst Ludwig (Mike Foster,), a seemingly friendly German, who is actually a smuggler, develops a friendship with the American writer.  While he is absorbing all the changes going on in Berlin, some are still oblivious to the creeping Fascist Regime.  One such character is Fritzi Kost (Megan Bramer,) a dancer and lady of the night, at the Kit Kat Klub, who is also a boarding house neighbor of Fraulein Schneider. She does what she must to survive, and although others may look down upon her profession, they refuse to see what is happening in their country.

The main character, the emcee (Issak Simeon) embodies the decadent and increasingly dangerous atmosphere of 1930's Berlin. He acts as both entertainer and commentator, while reflecting, through his performances, the encroaching political chaos. His dark humor envelops both the evil that exists in current day society and the escalating danger of what stands looming outside the Kit Kat Klub's door. His own vulnerability and despair demonstrate someone, who understands what is happening in his beloved country, but despite his warnings, through song and dance, is unable to convince his friends and fellow workers of the treachery and extreme evil that awaits.

Heralded as one of the most factual musicals, regarding Berlin's turmoil, just prior to the Nazi invasion, Cabaret stands as a metaphor of people's inability or desire to see what is right in front of their eyes.

This year's musical, proudly brought to our communities by Timothy Murphy Playhouse, now in its 30th year, is perhaps the most difficult musical attempted by this theater group, given the talent needed to sustain all the roles.  The music is riveting, the dances and costumes are reflective of a 1930's cabaret, the orchestra is amazing and each and every actor/actress is phenomenal.  It will be presented Saturday August 2nd and Sunday (two showings) at 2 pm and 7 pm in the Middleburgh Central School auditorium.

 

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Alert Ryan Acknowledged at SCS

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School Assistant Principal/Athletic director Carley Ryan was lauded at last month's school board meeting for her quick thinking that saved the district "hundreds of thousands of dollars" after discovering a water leak on school grounds.

Ms. Ryan, a Middleburgh high school graduate, discovered a significant water main break near the soccer field on a Saturday afternoon, Superintendent David Blanchard told school board members at their July 9 meeting.

By alerting the district authorities, Ms. Ryan saved "a great deal of damage," Mr. Blanchard said. A two-inch water line had broken and spread mud across the soccer fields and tennis courts and would have been much worse if not discovered by Ms. Ryan.

The discovery, Mr. Blanchard said, "saved thousands of thousands of dollars."

 

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All About Racing

Camron Hotaling of Schoharie celebrates his second win of his first season of racing at Fonda Speedway on Saturday.  Biittig photo

 

By Ed & Betty Biittig

First and foremost, we begin this writing with an update on Stewart Friesen’s condition after he was involved in a multi-car accident at Autodrome Drummond in Quebec, Canada on Monday night.  Stewart suffered multiple injuries including multiple breaks in his pelvis and a fractured right leg.  The latest update just prior to this writing indicated he is still in serious but stable condition at a hospital in Quebec.  He will be transferred to a hospital in New York on Wednesday where he will undergo multiple surgeries.  His wife Jessica continued by thanking the racing community for the outpouring of support as they continue to work through the next steps in his recovery. 

To win you only need to lead one lap, the final lap and that’s what Ronnie Johnson of Duanesburg did on Friday at Albany-Saratoga Speedway.  The big block Modified win was Johnson’s first this season, his last big block win came on July 14, 2023. 

Other winners on Friday were Tim Hartman, Jr. (Sportsman), Rich Crane (Pro Stock), Bodie Marks (Limited Sportsman), Andrew Firzgerald (Street Stock), and Adam Montville, (Four Cylinder). 

On Saturday night at Fonda Speedway the Pro Stocks were in the spotlight as the 20th annual Hondo Classic a memorial event to honor popular driver, Hondo Carpenter and the fourth annual Bobco Memorial Dash, honoring videographer, Bob James took center stage.  There was big money on the line in both events due to sponsorship from dedicated sponsors.  Organizers were Kelly and Kaitlyn Keefe who have spearheaded the Hondo Classis since its inception and Mark “Krash Mender” Krosky the driving force behind the Bobco Memorial Dash. 

Winner of the 20th annual Hondo Classic was Luke Horning, his third Hondo Classic win, followed by Beau Ballard and Andy Graves to complete the top three.  The winner of the Bobco Dash was Ivan Joslin. 

Other winners at Fonda were Rocky Warner (358-Mod), Tyler Peet (Sportsman), Camron Hotaling (Limited Sportsman), Jay Ingersoll (Four Cylinder-dual), Wayne Russell, Jr. (single cam). 

For Camron Hotaling of Schoharie the win was his second Limited Sportsman win this season at Fonda, his first full year in open wheel racing. Previously, a go-kart racer at Dodge City since age five, he aimed for a top ten finish each week but has exceeded expectations. He was named Hot Lap Hero for his division during the July 2 STSS event and led 15 laps of the main event before tire trouble.  With his second win he now sits third in points with three more weeks remaining in the point season at Fonda. 

Hotaling gets support from his crew Jimmy Burns, Brandon Gibbons, and his father Dale, with sponsorship on the car from his dad’s business, Home Magic. Camron also works as a heavy equipment operator at Amtrak to help fund his racing.

At Lebanon Valley on Saturday, Chris Curtis won the big block Mod, Andy Bachetti won the 358-Mod.  Other winners were Tommy Dean (Pro Stock), Tim Hartman, Jr. (Sportsman), Ray Royals (Limited Sportsman), Dave Streibel (Street Stocks). 

Looking Ahead:

This Friday, August 1, at Albany-Saratoga it’s Native Pride Night, $3000 to win for Modifieds, $2000 to win for 358-Mods Shootout, $500 to win Limited Sportsman, plus all other divisions. 

Saturday, August 2, at Fonda the RUSH Late Models will make their second appearance plus the remainder of the Bill Ag Elimination event rained out on June 28 will be completed, plus all other divisions in action.

Saturday at Lebanon Valley, no racing, Monster Trucks on schedule both Friday and Saturday, August 1 & 2.

This Sunday at Glen Ridge the Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series will headline the action, CDRA Points race and all weekly divisions. 

Until next week please send all news and/or comments to biittig@yahoo.com

 

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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

This week's column will be a little different. I will start with the information available at this time in regard to the Monday night accident involving modified driver Stewart Friesen of Sprakers. Stewart was at Autodrome Drummond for night number one of the Super DIRTcar Series-King of the North Swing. On lap 16 of the feature, Stewart was going to the outside to move around his competitors when he drifted off the racing surface and made heavy contact with a concrete wall. This then sent his Halmar number 44 into a series of violent rolls, which destroyed his car. There was contact from other vehicles as Friesen's car was flipping and then coming to rest on the track.

A couple of posts from Stewart's wife, Jessica, have provided updates on his condition. Stewart suffered a fractured pelvis and a fractured right leg, injuries that will require numerous surgeries. He was in serious but stable condition at a hospital in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada. CT scans were clear, showing no head, neck, or spinal injuries; however, he was in a tremendous amount of pain. Plans were to relocate Stewart to a hospital in upstate New York where more surgeries could take place. We wish Stewart the best of care, and everyone's thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are with his wife, Jessica, and son, Parker. Driver Mario Clair also received injuries but was reportedly able to walk away from the horrific accident.

Tonight at Dodge City Speedway is a Money Race for the Senior Wing Champ division on Frank's Heavy Duty Truck Repair Night. Next week is a regular program on PowerHouse Motorsports night. At Albany-Saratoga Speedway, it is Native Pride Night with $3,000 to win for the DIRTcar big block modified division, plus a DiCarlo's Auto Body 358-modified $2,000-to-win feature. Utica-Rome Speedway has First Responders, Police, and Nurses Night, where firefighters, EMS, police officers, and nurses receive free grandstand admission.

On Saturday, Fonda Speedway is offering a full night of on-track action with two Amsterdam Truck Center modified features, plus the completion of the Bill Ag Modified Elimination Races. On Sunday, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park will host the DIRTcar Championship series, with many of the top drivers from the northeast confirming their intentions to race at the "Fastest 1/4 Mile on Dirt."

Last Friday, for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, it was the 200th Truck Series start for Stewart Friesen on his birthday. Friesen started 35th and steadily moved up, finishing Stage One in 15th and Stage Two in eighth. For Stage Three, Friesen stayed out, taking a risk on older tires and less fuel, which allowed him to start in first place. Stewart was able to lead approximately 25 laps and finished third, earning his fourth top-five finish of 2025. However, during post-race inspection, Friesen’s number 52 Toyota Tundra was found to be too low in the front, causing the Sprakers driver to be disqualified and receive no points for his gallant performance. An appeal was filed with NASCAR, and as of this time, I have not seen any results from the appeal.

On "Stan Da' Man" night at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Ronnie Johnson led just the final lap to win the Next Generation Roofing modified division 32-lap feature. In the Doug Wholey’s Ideal Excavating DIRTcar crate 602 sportsman division feature, Tim Hartman Jr. scored the win. In the Saratoga Masonry Supply pro stock feature, Rich Crane claimed the victory. The Haun Welding limited sportsman division feature winner was Bodie Marks, and the Cornell’s Auto Parts street stock division feature was won by Andrew Fitzgerald.

At Utica-Rome Speedway, Matt Sheppard took the win in the 3 Bastards Brewing modified division feature. In the Taylor’s Trailers crate 602 sportsman division feature, the winner was Payton Talbot. In the Next Generation GraphiX pro stock division feature, George Cushman beat Devon Camenga and “Cousin” Luke Horning. The Fastline Performance limited sportsman division feature was won by Chris Darling, and the limited division feature from June 16 saw Jayden Wust take the win.

At Outlaw Speedway, former Fonda Speedway modified champion Bobby Varin finished fifth in the modified feature. At Penn-Can Speedway, Darwin Greene finished second in the modified feature. Bobby Hackel IV was at Accord Speedway, where he finished 18th in the 35-lap modified feature.

At Fonda Speedway, Rocky Warner claimed the win in the 358-modified division feature. In the Swagger Factory Apparel crate 602 sportsman division 25-lap feature, Tyler Peet earned the win. For the Leatherstocking Credit Union pro stock division, it was the 20th annual Hondo Classic, and "Cousin" Luke Horning was victorious over Beau Ballard and Andy Graves. Ivan Joslin won the BOBCO Dash for the pro stocks. The Montgomery County Office for Aging limited sportsman division feature was won by Camron Hotaling, and in the Fonda Fair 4-cylinder division, Wayne Russell Jr. won the single cam division and the dual cam division was won by Jay Ingersoll.

At Weedsport, Stewart Friesen earned his 52nd Super DIRTcar Series victory over Mat Williamson and Matt Sheppard. Alex Yankowski finished fourth and Jack Lehner sixth. For Friesen, the number 52 carries a family tradition dating back to when his grandfather was racing and was track champion at Weedsport in 1972.

Unfortunately, on Sunday, Glen Ridge Motorsports Park was forced to cancel their program. Backpack Night will take place this week, plus the DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series will highlight the show, and the Hall of Fame inductions will be rescheduled.

At Weedsport for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink sprint car series, the 30-lap feature was won by David Gravel, and Danny Varin earned the Hard Charger Award. The 40-lap big block modified feature was won by Erick Rudolph over Larry Wight and Mike Mahaney.

Monday night was a trip to Canada to Autodrome Drummond for the Super Dirt Series-King of the North. It was the 100th SDS win for Sheppard, who was followed by Alex Payne and David Hebert. Tuesday was night two at Drummond, and fans would see Matt Sheppard earn the win over Mat Williamson and Alex Yankowski. Alex would receive the guaranteed starting spot for the Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux 200 at Oswego during Super Dirt Week in October.

 

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Berg Family's PO Box Turns 85

By Matthew Avitabile

CENTRAL BRIDGE -- Earl Berg's family has held the same Post Office box in Central Bridge for 85 years. Times have changed, but one thing has remained the same. We spoke with Mr. Berg this week about the changes. The anniversary of the box comes as the USPS celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Berg said that his father was the first to have the box which Berg inherited.

He could remember back when the box was a combination lock. Back then, the train would come to deliver the mail.

You could view through the glass whether or not you had mail.

The postmaster's name around the 1950s was Mort Crapser.

Berg's father would give him a dime to get candy.

"Central Bridge was a booming town," he said.

"We never had the mailbox on the end of the road," he said. Back then, there were no separate mailboxes. The town always headed into town, Berg said.

The train would enter into the town to get water for the steam engines. Grant Fanning had a two-wheeled cart with wooden wheels to bring in the mail.

"I can remember that cart," Berg said. He can still remember the sound of the wheels headed in.

The family would receive a Sears & Roebuck catalog each year and purchase items throughout the year.  Berg said that his biggest memory was purchasing the chickens. The family would buy 100 per year. The Bergs would also purchase clothes through the mail and when he was born, his mother ordered a high-chair through the mail, which he still has.

The Central Bridge Post Office honored Berg in 2006 for holding the same box-- then for 66 years.

"What a change over the years," he said. The family would come to the Post Office in the back of the family's pickup truck.

"When the train was there, everyone was there."

The current employees at the Central Post Office are always "very helpful" and "very friendly" and credits the Postmaster Marcie Caldwell.

"How times have changed," he said.

 

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Dan Dial Book Signing at Schoharie Mercantile Aug. 2

SCHOHARIE – Dan Dial will be presenting copies of his new book, “Abby’s View” at the Schoharie Mercantile, 303 Main Street, Schoharie. The book signing on Saturday August 2, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Dan has an interesting story to tell:

“I have been writing off and on since I was a young man. Mostly short stories and poetry. One day I was jotting down several ideas for a story. One of them was about a German Shorthaired Pointer named Abby. I wrote a few pages about her and her sisters but left it alone for quite some time. It wasn't until Abby was the only dog left and she had started recovering from a severe illness that she started sharing her stories with me. I can't really explain it but I know it happened. Several weeks after she started, I approached the local paper to see if they might publish some of her stories. She ended up having a weekly column for a year. This book is those stories plus others she shared with me.”

“I was proud to know her. I was made better by knowing her. She had a heart as big as the world around her. I am very happy to be able to share her stories with a larger audience. Suspend for a while your thoughts on what a dog can and cannot do and let Abby take you inside her world.”

Dan lives in Huntersland, and continues to write in his spare time.

 

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Eminence Walk-About Aug. 3

EMINENCE — Eminence was once a thriving hamlet, uniquely split among the towns of Summit, Jefferson, and Blenheim, and closely bordering Fulton. According to the 1872-73 Schoharie County Directory, Eminence boasted two churches, a hotel, two stores, a wagon shop, a blacksmith shop, a shoe shop, a milliner, a dressmaker’s shop, and about 20 dwellings.

Though part of Eminence lies within the town of Jefferson, its history has seldom been highlighted by the Jefferson Historical Society. To help change that, we invite you to join an Eminence Walk-About on August 3 at 3:00 p.m., led by Summit Town Historian Karen Cuccinello.

We'll meet by the Eminence Walled Cemetery, located between 109 and 135 Rossman Hill Road, just north of its intersection with Eminence Road. This event is free and open to the public.

 

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Gilboa-Conesville School Board Approves New Elementary Principal

By Chris English

GILBOA-CONESVILLE _ The Gilboa-Conesville School Board approved Candice Gockel as the district's new elementary principal during a special meeting on July 17. The probationary appointment was effective July 18.

Gockel is moving up from her previous positions as GCSD's K-12 Instructional Technology Facilitator, Data Protection Officer and District Data Coordinator. She is succeeding Jacqueline Frederick, who left to become PK-12 Principal in the Stamford Central School District.

Gockel, who will earn a starting annual salary of $90,000 in the new position, moves into it with a solid track record and the full confidence of Gilboa-Conesville Superintendent Bonnie Johnson.

"Candice Gockel is a seasoned educator and instructional leader who brings over two decades of experience in teaching, program development and educational technology to the Gilboa-Conesville School District," Johnson wrote in emailed comments after the meeting.

"She has spearheaded initiatives that integrate cutting edge technology into the classroom. Her efforts have included launching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs such as drone piloting, student-led podcasting, eSports and the FUSE Studio Curriculum. With a strong background in grant writing, she has secured funding to support innovative, future-ready learning experiences for students and staff."

Johnson added that Gockel has a CAS in Educational Leadership from Russell Sage College and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Camp H.E.R.E. and is also the former CSE Chairperson for Stamford Central School.

"Her 16 years of classroom teaching experience, combined with her commitment to professional development and community engagement, make her a strong advocate for student-centered learning and faculty collaboration," Johnson continued. "Already a valued member of the Gilboa-Conesville community, Gockel's deep knowledge of the district's goals and culture uniquely positions her to support and elevate its mission of empowering lifelong learners." 

In other actions from the July 17 meeting, the board approved the 2025-26 parent/student handbook. The 69-page handbook covers everything from attendance and behavior at school activities, student dress code, consequences of absences and tardiness and dozens of other areas, including school board and administrator responsibilities.

Also approved was the Summer 2025 transporation agreement with Margaretville Central School. In addition, Johnson said the district recently shared its internet enabled device policy and procedures with students and parents through the ParentSquare communication system.

The policy and procedures covers smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other devices that are capable of connecting with the internet and essentially states their use by students is not allowed during the school day and they must be stored in student lockers or a secure area in the main office. However, several exceptions are listed in the policy, which also spells out ways that parents can get in touch with students during the school day.

 

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Historical Society BBQ Today

SCHOHARIE — Location: Parrott House Parking Lot in Schoharie Aug. 1 at 3pm.

Get your BBQ fix and support local history! We’ll be serving up chicken and ribs until we’re sold out.

Menu & Pricing:

• ½ Chicken – $11

• ½ Rack of Ribs – $14

• Chicken Dinner – $16

• Rib Dinner – $17

Pre-order online by clicking the button below.

All proceeds benefit the Schoharie County Historical Society.

 

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Jefferson Resident Dies After Middleburgh Crash

EAST COBLESKILL — On July 29, 2025, State Police responded to the report of a crash with serious injuries on State Route 145 between Middleburgh and Cobleskill.

On July 29, 2025, at about 1:30 p.m. Troopers responded to the report of a two-car crash on State Route 145 at the intersection of Schoharie Hill Road in Schoharie. The investigation determined that a southbound vehicle attempting to make a left turn onto Schoharie Hill Road was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound. Melissa L. Guest, 49 of Jefferson who was the front seat passenger in the turning vehicle sustained severe injuries during the crash and was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of both vehicles and four passengers within the other vehicle were transported to Albany Medical Center with what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. 

State Route 145 was closed in both directions for the ongoing investigation and collision reconstruction. The roadway was reopened at approximately 5:45 p.m. on July 29, 2025.

 

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There's A Little Bit of Everything at the Fair

By Liz Page

WALTON – It's difficult to explain all that you will find at the Delaware County Fair in Walton where they are getting ready to kick off number 134 in a little more than a week. It remains the largest agricultural fair and attracts more than 80,000 visitors over its six day run. It officially opens on Aug. 11 and runs through Aug. 16. Ahead of the official opening, on Sunday, Aug. 10, there is an Open Horse Show featuring driving, mini and English show horses at 9 a.m.. 

You will find a little bit of everything from the best of the best.

Kids are practicing leading their livestock for the show ring, putting the finishing touches on clothing and other items for exhibits. They are trimming and polishing.  One of the dairy ambassador candidates said she loves doing table settings at the fair. The dairy ambassadors will soon be busy in the dairy cattle show ring, handing out ribbons and trophies and showing their own animals. They will also be in Tuesday's Hero Parade and involved in building the giant ice cream sundae on Tuesday, which is Children's Day at the fair.

Others are painting their demolition derby cars, fine tuning their tractors for the tractor pull or rehearsing for the karaoke contest. 

"We are on pace to have 1,200 animals on the fairgrounds all week," said Jason Craig, president of the fair board of directors. "We are looking at the long range forecast, which is warm and humid and could spark a thunderstorm, but we are hoping for good weather  so people can come out and have a good time at the fair."

There are baby pigs, friendly goats, rabbits, sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, ponies and contests and competitions galore.

Thursday is Senior Citizens Day, with seniors admitted for $5. There is an antique tractor pull in front of the grandstand all day with the truck pull that night.

On Friday night there will be the Tom Newman Memorial Horse Pull in the horse show ring at 6 p.m..

Craig said there have been some changes in the fair board, but they have been working all year and making a smooth transition as Ed Rossley retires and Craig shifts from secretary to president. Don't worry, Rossley is still very much involved and has been working to make a smooth transition. 

Craig said there are several new things for fairgoers to see this season. There will be pig racing, with a couple of shows each day; the Flying  Cortes Trapeze Spectacular will do multiple shows per day near the Main Gate. The dock dogs return, but will be in a different location. The Snake Man claims to have the largest diamond-backed rattler, along with several other things that crawl, including lizards. There is Red Eye, who will be telling tales of his encounters chasing after Big Foot and the giant sand sculpture returns as well.

In between all this, there is constant entertainment in the entertainment court and don’t forget the rides.

"This is the first year with our new officer team. The board has worked great together all year to put together a fair for people to come out and enjoy. 

“There have been improvements to the grounds, such as lighting and black top. There are new water and sewer lines, rails have been restored and new fencing installed. We are proud to showcase our event. It is a place where families and classmates hold reunions. They gather to have a good time together."

In addition to all the exhibits, shows and contests, there will be 150 vendors, including some new food vendors, according to Craig. And don’t worry, you will still find the classics, like fried dough.

Dreamland rides will be open at 1 p.m on opening day, which the board is very happy about. They also run specials and the best way to know about the specials is to follow the fair on Facebook. "We are always putting updates there."

One of the things that is often overlooked is the Cornell Cooperative Extension Human Ecology, which provides tons of information and demonstrations. Here again, there is always something going on. 

Perhaps the best thing about the fair is, that no matter what your fancy, it is likely you will find it. It brings the best of the best all together in one spot and showcases all the county has to offer.

Daily admission is $10, season passes are $20 and children under 12 are admitted free. Grandstand tickets went on sale in July and are $8 in addition to daily admission. The grandstand schedule is, as follows:  Monday features the first of two Demolition Derbies,; Tuesday is the Hero's Parade; Wednesday is the NYTPA Tractor Pull, four classes; Thursday is the the Street Legal 4 x 4 trucks, Memorial Tractor, Hot Farms; Friday is the Black Cat Hell Drivers Stunt Show and Saturday finishes with the Demolition Derby.

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