Organizers of the annual Genesee County Fair officially announced the event will move from the end of summer to the beginning of summer on October 21.
Next year, the 178th annual tradition, will take place June 21-27 at the E.A. Cummings Center in Mount Morris Township in what organizers of the Fair called “one of the most significant scheduling changes in the Fair’s history,” in a news release.
The change had been rumored for months but became official on October 20 with approval from the Genesee County Agricultural Society. The move was made to account for changing school schedules, with many districts using some form of a balanced calendar that has kids returning to classrooms earlier in August than in the past.
“For generations, the Genesee County Fair has brought families together to celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and community,” said Christian Miller, executive director of the Genesee County Agricultural Society, in a news release. “That tradition isn’t changing. What is changing is when we celebrate it. Moving to June allows us to welcome families when summer is beginning, rather than competing with the start of another school year. We want families to experience everything the Fair offers without having to choose between school commitments and summer fun.”
The earlier dates will also allow different types of agricultural education opportunities — particularly, being able to feature different types of crops, flowers, and other activities that occur earlier in a growing season.
Each year, the Genesee County Fair includes a carnival, live music and entertainment, games, food, exhibits and livestock, demonstrations, and many opportunities for attendees to learn about agriculture, farming, and other youth activities. It attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually. Organizers are currently planning next June’s lineup for the Fair, which is using a theme of, “Hello, Summer. Hello, Fun.” Check the Fair website for information as it comes out.
“This isn’t about changing who we are,” Miller said in the news release. “It’s about ensuring the Genesee County Fair remains relevant, accessible, and successful for future generations.”
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to catch up on all of our headlines every Wednesday.
