By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
LITTLE VALLEY — The 183rd Cattaraugus County Fair kicked off its eight-day run on Saturday morning.
More than two dozen men and women were entered in the morning’s Antique Tractor Pull on the north end of the infield. There were different weight classes, so tractors were competing against similar tractors.
There were antique Fords, Olivers, Minneapolis-Moline, Allis Chalmers, John Deeres and other models. Some had that antique patina, while others wore shiny coats of paint.
Participants took turns pulling a dirt-filled sled from one end of the pull area to the other. After the last tractor had their chance pulling the sled, another bucket or two of dirt was added and each tractor driver got another chance.
During the first round, most tractors pulled the 25-foot length of a chain trailing the sled. They proceeded to the second round. There, with a heavier sled, not everyone pulled the distance. Those who did would advance to the next round, where an even heavier sled pull was often measured in feet or sometimes inches.
The winner in the 3,500-pound class — Shelby Siliano of Ashford — was measured by less than one inch. She drove a 1944 John Deere tractor that looked as shiny as the day it was made.
Many of the antique tractors participating in the tractor pull were on display outside the track near the Conservation Exhibit. Others were brought in that morning for the pull.
4-H horse jumping was held in the horse arena beginning at noon. There was also a dog show and the annual Parade of Animals, where 4-H members led their animals on a path through the fairgrounds.
Later in the afternoon, the Open Beef Show was held in the dairy/beef show arena.
Saturday night’s grandstand entertainment was Derby Dog Demolition Derby #1. A second demolition derby is scheduled for Monday night.
Sunday night’s grandstand — the Black Cat Helldrivers Stunt Show is free. Grandstand shows Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are $10. Tickets may be purchased at the grandstand or at etix.com.
Tuesday’s grandstand show at 7:30 p.m. with Dylan Scott cost $45 for track seating and $35 for grandstand seats. Sammy Kershaw performs in concert Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Track seats are $40 and grandstand seats are $35.
Midway rides open at 1 p.m. daily.
Sunday’s pay one price admission for Patriot Day is $12, which includes midway rides. Admission Monday — Youth and Seniors Day, is $10 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages are 15 and under and seniors age 62 and older. The regular price is $17, which includes midway rides. Parking is free. Many people purchased discount tickets at $14 prior to the fair opening.
Thursday’s grandstand is a truck and tractor pull, with Monster Truck rallies Friday and Saturday. Another truck and tractor pull in front of the grandstand will close out Saturday night.
Saturday morning’s 4-H Market Class Animal Sale starts at 10:30 a.m. in the beef/dairy show ring. There are 34 beef cows and 10 dairy steers up for auction.
Following those sales, the auction will move to the Livestock Arena where 10 goats, 27 lambs, 64 pigs, three pens of rabbits, 13 turkeys and 38 chickens will be auctioned.
There is also an annual pie auction that brings in hundreds of dollars in bids for the 4-H program.
There are about 265 4-H exhibitors at the county fair this year, according to 4-H educator Abbie Luzier.
Monday and Tuesday events at the county fair include:
Monday, Aug. 3 – Youth/Senior Day
Youth 15 & under and Seniors 62 and older $10 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9 a.m. – 4-H English Horse Show
10 a.m. – 4-H/FFA Judging Contests
Noon – 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show followed by Dairy
1 p.m. – Midway Opens
2 p.m. – 4-H/FFA & Open Goat Show
Discover more from Olean Star
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
