HAMBURG, N.Y. — While the Erie County fair has plenty of rides, food and fun, it's also a place where you can go to learn.

One fair worker has devoted decades to teaching visitors about outdoor education.

For Frank Miskey, it all started with a love of animals and being a true fan of the fair.

"I was a fair goer, always was, and a couple of the gentlemen that were here were part of the sportsman club, and if and when they had a busy schedule I started filling in and helping out," said Miskey.

He's now been helping out at the fairgrounds for 27 years as the superintendent of the 100-year-old environment and sportsman building helping to increase educational opportunities with hands-on, kid-friendly, staffed exhibits at the fair.

"We will take one of the pelts, like the skunk pelt, and slide your arm into it and I'll sit there with my arms crossed and flick the tail with my thumb, and people think it's real and walk way to the other side of the room." Miskey said.

He also keeps Lucy, the resident snapping turtle, awake.

"People come in and they would ask why we have a dead turtle in the tank because she would be just floating, and I tell them 'she's not dead; she's sleeping,' " said Miskey. "She spends 90% of her time in the water."

Being the keeper of all this information is a big responsibility that Miskey doesn't take lightly, especially when it comes to conservation and education and keeping people safe.

"You've got a deer slug, you've got bird shots, instead of being out and being ethical, they're destroying private property," Miskey said as he pointed to a sign with bullet holes in it. "Unfortunately, you've got bad apples everywhere. I've been a hunters ed instructor for 44 years, teaching people safety in the field."

Passing that knowledge to the next generation is what keeps him coming back year after year.

"The chances of seeing Lucy, a 51-year-old turtle, is something that they don't get to see every day and it puts a smile on their face," Miskey said. "They get excited, and you can't beat it."

For everything you need to know about the 2022 Erie County Fair, click here.