Posted on June 22, 2022
HAMBURG, NEW YORK – The Erie County Fair will honor firefighters, veterans and active military daily this August. In addition to the traditional daily Flag Retreat Ceremony honoring a veteran or active-duty military member, there will be a firefighter honored daily in the all-new Firefighter Honoree Ceremony. These daily honorees will be chosen from nominations by the public. Nomination forms are available at ECFair.org and are due by July 20th.
The all-new Firefighter Honoree Ceremony will showcase one firefighter of any rank (including junior firefighters) each of the twelve days of the Fair during a 6 p.m. ceremony outside the Firemen’s Building. The individuals selected for this honor best exemplify the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service with a notable record of service and achievements.
Jessica Underberg, CEO, Erie County Fair said, “We owe all firefighters a tremendous debt of gratitude for keeping us safe every day.” “We are pleased to recognize firefighters who answer their call to duty and selflessly serve their fellow citizens,” Underberg said. “These firefighters will be honored for dedication, loyalty, performance, professionalism, and the impact they have on their community and fire companies.”
“Firefighters spend countless hours away from friends, family, and loved ones to protect and serve their community, while expecting nothing in return,” said Michael Ruesch, fire chief, Armor Volunteer Fire Company, Inc, the primary provider of fire and emergency services on the Fairgrounds property year-round, including the Erie County Fair. “Duty, honor, and courage are just three of the words that best describe the brave men and women in the fire service.”
The Erie County Fair Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony to honor a veteran or active military member is in its fourth year. This brief ceremony is a fitting tribute to the servicemembers that will be held each evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing each evening during the 12-day run of the Fair.
“Our Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony has become a tradition of our Fair and we are proud to honor the veterans and active service members that have long protected our country,” Underberg said. “It is a wonderful opportunity for fairgoers to take time to pause, reflect, and remember the men and women for their service and sacrifice.”
“For Americans, there’s no higher honor than to serve our nation’s military,” said Mark Andol, founder, and owner of Made In America Stores. “As Americans, there’s no greater privilege than to say thank you. We are proud to support a continuing tradition at the Fair.”
In addition, two special days are planned to honor firefighters, veterans and service members at the Fair.
Firefighter and auxiliary members will receive free admission to the Fair on Friday, August 12 to celebrate Firefighters Day. They will also receive a $10 voucher for food, beverage, or ride tickets for the Strates Shows Midway.
Veterans, active military, and auxiliary members are invited to enjoy free admission on Veterans Day, Sunday August 14 and enjoy a $10 voucher.
For more information, visit www.ecfair.org, Special Days and Events.
About the Erie County Fair
The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, the Society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The mission of the Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS), sponsors of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State. The Fair strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York. The Erie County Fair will be held August 10th-21st, 2022. (www.ECFair.org).
