WESTPORT — The Essex County Agricultural Society, the nonprofit that organizes the annual Essex County Fair, invites the community to help preserve one of the Adirondacks’ most cherished landmarks while making it accessible to everyone.
Construction is underway on the Grandstand Accessibility Improvement Project, which will make the Essex County Fair Grandstand area wheelchair accessible in time for the opening of the 177th Essex County Fair on July 29.
The project represents an important investment in both historic preservation and accessibility, ensuring visitors of all abilities can enjoy the fair’s signature events for generations to come.
The project is funded through a Capital Improvement Program Grant from the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund in partnership with Essex County. In addition, the Cloudsplitter Foundation has awarded the fair a $5,000 Challenge Grant.
To receive the foundation’s grant, the Essex County Agricultural Society must raise $5,000 in community donations by July 29.
Construction is expected to be completed before the Fair opens on July 29.
The Essex County Fairgrounds was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 in recognition of its significance to New York’s agricultural, architectural, educational and social history. The fair moved to its present Westport location in 1881, opening on the site in 1885.
The grandstand, racetrack, Floral Hall and judge’s stand are among the original structures that welcomed visitors when the fair first opened and continue to define the historic character of the fairgrounds today.
The National Register nomination notes that the grandstand retains a high degree of its historic architectural integrity while continuing to serve generations of fairgoers.
“For years, families have gathered in our historic grandstand to cheer on horse racing, concerts, tractor pulls, demolition derbies and countless other fair traditions,” said Dennie Westover, president of the Essex County Agricultural Society. “This project allows us to preserve one of the fair’s most recognizable landmarks while ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, has the opportunity to experience those traditions.
“As a 100% volunteer-run organization, every improvement we make is made possible through the generosity of our partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers. We hope our community will help us meet the Cloudsplitter Foundation Challenge and become part of preserving this historic treasure for future generations.”
Donations can be made at paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UQVXPH7YS4WYW.
For more information about the 177th Essex County Fair, including the complete schedule of events, visit essexcountyfair.org.