Over this past weekend, the second annual “The Country Fair” opened its gates at the Education Center & 4-H Park in Otisville. This collaboration between Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County and the Otisville Lions Club this year celebrated all things old and new in a wonderful celebration of the beauty of small towns and the joy of community.

During this year’s fair grand opening, CCE Orange County and the Otisville Lions Club dedicated the “Story of Food” agriculture tent in memorial to the late Jack & Edie Hoeffner. Jack and Edie, of Montgomery, are remembered for their successful farm operation at Hoeffner Farms alongside their families. At a young age, Jack traveled to New York City to sell his family’s produce in the city’s farmers’ markets and continued until his passing at 84 years old. Jack was also a founding member of the Bronx Terminal Growers, a member of the Orange County Farm Bureau, a Chairman of the Orange County Farmland Protection Board, and a 60+ year member of the Montgomery Fire Department. Both Jack and Edie were avid Orange County 4-H supporters. During the dedication, the Hoeffner family came to honor and remember their loved ones with a wonderful toast using locally produced milk.

“Jack and Edie, passed along their love for agriculture preservation, that’s exhibited in their farm family and will continue for generations,” said Jill Van Aken, CCE Orange County’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “On behalf of CCE Orange County and the Otisville Lions Club, we are truly grateful to the Hoeffner Family, and we are pleased to dedicate the “Story of Food” tent in their memory.”

During the final day of the fair, New York Congressman Pat Ryan came by to generously unveil a check to Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County for $1,000,000. The funding will go towards expanding infrastructure to the Education Center & 4-H Park for fair and 4-H opportunities. Not only will the funding go a long way in creating an engaging environment for the public, but it will help provide more opportunity to have programming for youth through 4-H and CCE Orange County.

“The Education Center & 4-H Park is a cherished local asset, poised for enhancements with Community Project Funding. Expanding its infrastructure, and paving the way for year-round utilization, will unlock the Park’s full potential,” said Lucy Joyce, Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Orange County. “Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County is grateful for Congressman Ryan’s dedication and looks forward to serving even more individuals through expanded programming opportunities.”

The Country Fair this year had a wide assortment of family-oriented activities and attractions to enjoy. There were amusement rides, delicious fair food, creative vendors of all sorts, and engaging entertainment such as bands, magic shows, a chainsaw contest, a pie eating contest, and a ladies skillet toss contest. CCE Orange County also had different program tents around the fair including the “Family Fun” tent where families can rest and enjoy fun family activities, “The Story of Food” tent where visitors can learn more about the food grown and produced right here in Orange County, and SNAP-Ed NY’s “Market Sprouts” where children can learn about how to make healthy meals using locally grown fresh produce and learn about the importance of not having to break the bank to buy healthy options.

The Country Fair was a superb chance to have a great day out with the family in a fun, safe environment while also providing an educational opportunity to learn about the rich history of agriculture and farming in Orange County. Along with the events, activities, and attractions, The Country Fair offered a chance to watch and support the Orange County 4-H programs as they showed off their skills and talents honed throughout the year. Over 550 projects were exhibited and over 50 were selected to advance to the New York State Fair.

Additionally, various shows they participated in included animals and livestock of all varieties. Dairy cattle, dogs, sheep, horses, and poultry were on show as the 4-Hers demonstrated all the knowledge they had gained throughout the year on taking care of these animals. Onlookers were able to watch and learn all about proper handling and support these adolescents as they received certificates for excellence.

On Sunday, the nightcap of the event was the tantalizing fireworks show, that lit up the night sky to send off The Country Fair to another year.