The 201st year of the Steuben County Fair looked different this year. Organizers worked hard to ensure the country’s longest-running county fair continued, despite the circumstances.

Nick Pellham is the manager of the fair, and it’s a part of who he is. His mother had a concession stand through his teen years.

“…And once the fair gets in your blood, you just, you can’t get rid of it,” Pellham said. “It’s forever.”

This year, attendees were allowed to drive through the fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They saw award-winning pigs like the 296 pound giant Alpha, and other crowd favorites like cows.

But a big component of the fair is the fundraising efforts. Eating greasy foods might be one of the best parts, and knowing that it goes to a good cause makes it a little more enjoyable.

“It’s putting a hurt on everybody not being able to fundraise, and the small departments need that,” Pellham said. “Cheeseburger and a Pepsi…It’s a good deal. The kids are able to bring their animals out and sell them tonight, and we’re able to put as in our firetrucks.”