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The Clinton County Fair
I've just spent parts of three days at the Clinton County Fair with three more fun days to go. My main mission during the fair days is to spread the word about all the things to do there. So, I end up with about five television programs for the public-access channel.
It all started on Tuesday night with the Opening Ceremonies, presided over this year by Steve Frederick, who replaced Bob Bruno, who had emceed for what seems like decades. I arrived early with a certain someone as my videographer and we opened the "Fox On the Run" show with interviews with some of the dignataries who were present on opening night.
Our first interview was with Bill Meconi, the Democratic Party's candidate for Family Court Judge. I asked Bill and the other important county officials about their involvement in the fair through the years and what things they enjoyed the most about the Clinton County Fair. I also spoke with County Treasurer Joe Giroux, a fellow 1966 graduate of Our Lady of Victory Academy, and county legislator Tom Sears.
Assemblywoman Janet Duprey somehow found time to attend, despite her many responsibilites in Albany. She is a tireless representative of our assembly district and I see her at many community events.
Tim Lawless, the current Family Court Judge, who is seeking a second ten-year term, stopped by to remember his days as a youth at the fair. He is the Republican Party's candidate for the post.
On Wednesday with Cortney on camera, the second "Fox on the Run" show featured businesses and organizations who had displays at the fair. We spoke with a variety of people and picked up souvenirs from the Republican Party and Democratic Party booths as well.
It was nice to see Hannah and her family at the fair. There is an area for the Hannah's Hope Fund (www.hannahshopefund.org). Even Hannah was there to smile for our cameras, along with her two sisters, Madison and Reagan. I interviewed Lori Sames, who filled me in on recent fundraisers and events to raise money for research into Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN).
This "Fox on the Run" show includes information about everything from thermal heating to energy drinks to log cabin homes and Avon products.
On Thursday Cortney was on camera again as we added more interviews, including stops to talk with Mike Parrotte of Airborne Speedway about the North Country's finest race track. I even had the opportunity to try driving a modified race car on a simulated Airborne track on a computer system set up by Gary Hamel. It was fun, but I crashed three times and handed the steering wheel over to Cortney, who did a better job, even though she's had a driver's license for just a few months.
I also talked with representatives of the Clinton County Firefighters Association, who, year after year, spend countless hours teaching children about fire safety. They have a great display. Before I left I was presented a firefighter's plastic helmet and sticker as an official junior firefighter.
Of course, the county fair is famous for its food. I've been so busy working thus far I've only had time for a few stops, but on Friday I'll really indulge. I've enjoyed a michigan at McSweeney's and hot wings at Owlyout's. Those wings were hot, but being a junior firefighter I knew how to put out the fire!
The highlight of Thursday was the michigan-eating contest, sponsored by McSweeney's to raise money this year for the Boy Scouts of America. There were ten contestants this year. Nine challengers for the defending champion, the four-time defending champion, David Burdo. Mike Criss gave David a challenge this year, as he did a few years ago, but the final stats showed that in the twelve-minute time period, David Burdo downed 14 michigans and Mike Criss gobbled 13. Howard Newton and Zael Kravitz tied for third with ten each.
Five-time champion David Burdo left with $100 in his pocket and one more michigan in his hand, just in case he got hungry while enjoying the fair the rest of the evening.
I haven't even mentioned the main entertainment each evening and the free music every day and night. I haven't even mentioned the midway with the rides and games. That remains for Saturday's show.
Then on Sunday it's the Demolition Derby. This year's event, promoted by Butch Hendrie, should be extra spicy with a grudge match and several last-minute entries. Most of the veterans will be there, as well as some newcomers who have promised to become heavy hitters.
Over our last eight years of videotaping the Clinton County Fair's demo derby our all-time heaviest hitter choice is Brian Criss in #98. Word is that the derby vet will be back and you can bet he'll be banging like never before. There's no sandbagging with Brian Criss. Just constant metal on metal.
You still have Friday, Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the 61st edition of the Clinton County Fair. Odds are you'll see me someplace, probably at one of the food vendors. I still have time to enjoy sausage and peppers, french fries, ice cream, and another batch of hot wings. Maybe I'll even take home some cotton candy for that certain someone.
Comments
I remember being jealous of Richie (Bugsie) Duquette because he was able to sleep over in one of the cow tents - his cousin Bob Harrigan from Ellenburg brought his cow to show & those 4-H kids had to stay with their animal @ all times during fair week. Jack Kochman's Hell Drivers always put on a great show - and how about those crazy guys that drove the motorcycles in the tall round wooden structures? Mike Conley, bless his soul, helped me win at the baseball toss game once. Cotton candy, candy and caramel apples, sausage with grilled onions (no peppers for me - reflux city) and fries w/vinegar were stuffed down my throat - you? The ferris wheel @ night was beautiful & running wild with my friends was a must. I enjoyed the horse pulling contests the most - I don't think they had tractor pulls back then. Those farm horses were magnificent. When I lived in West Chazy I went down the road to Felton's Farm everyday & it was a treat to see their huge farm horse do his work. I also really enjoyed the 4-H food contests - hats off to all you 4-Hers.
(Foxy's note: Great memories here, Miney! Thanks. My Dad, too, had his horse - Buddie's Golden Banner, a registered palamino stallion - on show at the fair one summer and I recall sleeping on some bales of hay in the horse barn. I thought I owned the fairgrounds by the next morning.)
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | July 28, 2008 7:58 AM
It was great to see you, Foxy, opening day and Thursday as well. Our oldest son, Nate, and I attended this morning and had a great time.
I love the food, people, and the North Country interest. Glenn, Steve, and Butch do a great job as well as everyone else that makes the Fair a fun time for all!
Posted by: The Donald | July 26, 2008 9:31 PM
Foxy; My wife reminded me that we were in Plattsburgh and visited the 1985 fair. I was reminded about entering the horse shoe tourney! Barb still laughs! I had to borrow horse shoes to enter! Everybody had horse shoe club jackets on and their own shoes to throw! I had to put my adult beverages away! I only had two drinks, one for each hand! I finished 3rd - the date on the trophy and ribbon is 8-3-85! $20.00 to enter! I think! My wife still can't believe I finished third! The food and fun was great! Memories
Posted by: Lenny Smallacombe | July 26, 2008 8:28 AM
Hi Foxy! Mmm Mmm. I can smell the Fair food right now. My indulgence was always the fries w/malt vinegar. Funny how they never tasted quite as good any other time of year.
Will you have recordings of the Demolition Derby available? I've been in Texas for nearly 21 years and haven't seen a Demo Derby since I've been here. The Continental Club, where I work, hosts Kustom Kar shows & Nostalgia Drag Races, but no Demo Derby. Too bad.
Enjoy the rest of the Fair & think of me when you have those fries!
(Foxy's note: Yes, we are happy to sell souvenir DVDs of the Clinton County Fair Demolition Derby. Contact me at foxman@westelcom.com for more information.)
Posted by: Dianne Scott | July 25, 2008 1:20 PM