DUNKIRK, N.Y. — Jazmyn Hannold, of Bemus Point, her kids, nephews and mom all went to the Chautauqua County Fair in Dunkirk on Wednesday.

"I can't wait for them to go out and ride the rides,” Hannold said. “And they love seeing the animals and just everything they have here is just amazing for the kids.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The Chautauqua County Fair is underway

  • There are many new attractions and returning favorites

  • The fair runs through Sunday

"Everybody's very pleased that the fair could come back this year,” Chautauqua County Fair board president Dave Wilson said.

The fair is back after a two-year absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers said state guidance on county fairs came out too late last year, as Chautauqua's is one of the earliest in Western New York.

"I mean, I could have set something up,” Wilson said. “But it would have been a half-way job and I wasn't going to do that.” 

On Tuesday, the annual firing of the cannon started this year's event off with a bang.

"[It is] excitement that brings everything,” Wilson said. “Here we are at the fair. It's here. Let's go.”

Wilson said there's a little something for everyone, including new and returning food vendors, midway rides, grandstand events and 4-H and a complete variety of animal exhibits and shows.

"It's almost like Christmas morning for us,” Wilson said. “It's great to see smiles on people’s faces. They're all excited about walking through the animal barns. The 4-H students, they're happy to be back with their animals.”

Hallie Boardman, 17, of Mayville, was one of several 4-H members happy to be back on the grounds, with her two hogs. Each weighs more than 200 pounds, as she has been raising them for about nine to ten years with plans to auction them off.

"It means a lot really because we didn't have this opportunity,” Boardman said. “We didn't have the opportunity of showing off our animals during COVID.”

This year, those like Hannold and her kids get to see the animals and all the other attractions, and keep up the family tradition.

"I've been coming here since I was a kid and I absolutely love it,” Hannold said. “Now it's my turn to bring my kids here so they can enjoy the fun the amazing time that we have here.”

Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Rides start at 4 p.m. on Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday through the weekend.