HAMBURG, N.Y. — Fairs are like a family reunion. Whether it’s because you’re part of 4-H, you’re an artesian, vendor, a long-standing staple part of the fair. The Hamburg couple you’re about to meet are two faces you’ll certainly recognize from the Erie County Fair.

They say a marriage is 50/50. For Trudy and Harold Beil, that doesn’t include a love for the Erie County Fair. That love is 100/100.

“We live close by, so the fair is special,” Trudy smiled.

“Oh, I don’t know, I just kind of liked it,” Harold smiled.

Trudy says the fair has always been in the family’s blood. They took their three daughters to it every year. Then when Harold retired, he decided it was time to work at the fair. Fast forward 30 years, and the couple has become staples of Gate 6.

“I have to keep an eye on him,” Trudy laughed.

Trudy scans tickets and stamps hands. Harold monitors the traffic.

Harold is 86, Trudy, 84, and they are both celebrities in their own right.

“Oh yeah, they recognize me, and say, “You’re still here another year,” Trudy recalls.

“Glad you’re here today, glad you’re here this year,” Harold smiled.

What keeps them coming back?

“I like people,” Trudy said.

“Oh, I don't know,” Harold said. "Just keep going at it.”

Perhaps it’s this take on life that keeps them going.

“Take it as it goes,” Harold said. “Yeah, take it as it comes.”