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History of the Fair
The Fair has a rich history that dates back to 1841 when the Herkimer County Agricultural Society started traveling from village to village. Eventually, the Fair found its home at the Herkimer Site, now known as the Herkimer Thruway interchange, in the early 1900s. Over the years, the Fair evolved, incorporating as the County Fair and establishing a race track and grandstand, which unfortunately were destroyed by fire. However, this setback did not deter the Fair, and in 1950, it found a new location in Frankfort, where it was held annually.
In 1958, the Fair made another significant move to a permanent site on Cemetery Hill Street in Frankfort after acquiring the Slocum Farm. The inaugural event at this new location featured the existing farm buildings and numerous tents, with Gillette Shows providing the carnival entertainment for the 4-day fair, attracting an impressive attendance of 14,000 visitors.
As the years passed, the Fair continued to expand and develop. Today, it sprawls across 26 acres and boasts 10 permanent buildings, including essential facilities like bathrooms, showers, and a Horse Corral. The event show ring is surrounded by 1,850 aluminum bleacher seats, providing a comfortable viewing experience for attendees.
The Fairgrounds have become a hub for various events throughout the year. Notable gatherings include the Great American Irishfest in July, the New York State Trappers Convention in August, and the New York State Good Sam Samboree also in July. Additionally, the Fairgrounds host auctions, craft fairs, motor home rallies, and music festivals, making it a vibrant and diverse venue.
Today, the Fair attracts over 70,000 visitors during its 6-day duration, with Gillette Shows remaining an integral part of the event. The Fair's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving annual celebration reflects its enduring appeal and importance within the community.
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