HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Chemung County Fair has made its highly anticipated return for a 182nd year at the Chemung County Fairgrounds. Organizers say the fair is a fun way to say goodbye to July and kick off August with food, and entertainment spread out across four days of festivities.

"From Wednesday to Saturday noon to 10 pm, rides from 1 to 10 [p.m.]," says Kevin Adams, mayor of the Village of Horseheads. "We have everything going on. We have over 16 rides and over 50 vendors. This place is jam-packed and [...], we cut gate emissions by 60% just to bring everyone in. Two dollars for anyone 17 and older."

Once you've secured your wristband, each day will offer a unique theme that will allow certain guests to enter for free. The theme of the first day is Veterans/Military Day. Wristbands for unlimited rides are $25, and $20 for themed guests. Tickets are also available for rides. 

Chemung County Fair President Mark Watts said the fair wouldn't be possible without the work of the volunteers who help make everything come together.

"There's 13 of them. They're all volunteers. They've all taken it on. They've put hours and hours of their time in there to try to bring this back. So we hope the community will come out and see us and see what we've done and anything else we had," Watts said. 

Mayor Adams shared his favorite three things to do at the fair, though not necessarily in order. 

"Top three things, oh eat and then eat and then go on the rides Maybe not in that order, though, Max, because that might be bad and then go on the rides maybe not in that order, though, Max, because that might be bad. So go on rides, then eat, and then go on rides again. Maybe, I don't know. But we have so much food. We have Pick's Pub, we have two sidekick doing turkey legs, and we have the traditional fair food with fried Oreos, but then 90-foot drop," said Mayor Adams.

Wednesday was Veteran Appreciation Day at the Chemung County Fair. Veterans were able to get in for free. There was also a ceremony that honored those who served Wednesday night before the Demolition Derby. The Chemung County Honor Guard, made up of members of the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 803 presented the colors. The E.J. Brewer Detachment of the Marine Corps League delivered a gun salute. Taps was also played at the ceremony.

Hours of operation:

  • Wednesday, July 31st through Saturday, August 3rd, 12-10 p.m.

Gate admission:

  • 17 years and younger free every day, all day
  • Adults $2.00 fee

Theme Days:

  • Wednesday, July 31st – Military Day. Sponsored by the Chemung County Agricultural Society
  • Thursday, August 1st– Senior Citizen Day. Sponsored by Casella
  • Friday, August 2nd– 1st Responders Day. Sponsored by Delaware River Solar
  • Saturday, August 3rd– Family Day (Everyone Free of Charge!) Sponsored by
    Chemung Supply & Hillard Corporation

The fair is located at 171 Fairview Rd, Horseheads, N.Y. 14845.