Honor Boonville Fair Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 215 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 130th Anniversary of the Boonville-Oneida County Fair WHEREAS, Fairs and festivals empower communities to attract new visitors while capitalizing on local commercial and cultural value; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and support events of significance which contribute to the entertainment and vitality of the communities they serve and which exemplify the history and development of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Boonville-Oneida County Fair; and WHEREAS, The Boonville Fair Association was incorporated in 1888; the incorporators were H.W. Bentley, C.C. Tharratt, J. J. Hoyt, F.A. Willard, W.W. Roberts, W. Ray Tanner, George H. Beck, Charles E. Thompson, F. W. Owens, Charles Kilkeney, and R. R. Roberts, and the same persons were named in the certificate of incorporation as directors of the first year; and WHEREAS, At a meeting of the Board of Directors held at the Hulbert House in Boonville, New York, June 12, 1888, the following officers were elected: President J.J. Hoyt; vice-president, C.E. Thompson; secretary, F.W. Owens; treasurer, R.R. Roberts; and WHEREAS, Prior to the organization of the Boonville Fair Association, the Boonville Union Agricultural Society, which was organized in 1871, held fairs for a number of years on the grounds leased by the Boonville Driving Park Association; and WHEREAS, The first Fair held by the Boonville Fair Association took place September 11-14, 1888, on the grounds of its present location with the exception of the considerable land which has been acquired since that time; and WHEREAS, In 1905, the Association purchased 17 acres of land, including what was known as the Avery house and lot of W.R. Tanner; later, approximately 10 more acres of land was purchased, and in 1970, three acres of land was obtained from the Adirondack School District; and WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished 130-year history, many prominent individuals have been present, including notable President William Howard Taft, who made an address from the grandstand before a large assemblage of people; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the Boonville-Oneida County Fair has brought the finest entertainment to the area; and WHEREAS, Beginning in 1961, with the Kitty Wells show, some of the finest country shows and stars have appeared, including Connie Smith (1969 & 1971), Jeanne C. Riley (1973 & 1984), Barbara Mandrell (1972-75-78), Crystal Gayle (1977), Dolly Parton (1974), Charley McClain (1980), Donna Fargo (1982), Jim Ed Brown (1983), and many other nationally acclaimed entertainers; and WHEREAS, The Boonville-Oneida County Fair celebrated its 100th Anniversary July 25-31, 1988, with such guests as the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, Joie Chitwood Chevy Thunder Show, and Louise Mandrell; many other events were held and the fair set a new attendance record, exceeding 50,000 people; and WHEREAS, In December of 1992, a new executive office was completed for year-round use, and two years later the grandstand was rebuilt and new bleachers were added; a new cattle barn was constructed in 1997, and a major midway was paved in 1998; and WHEREAS, Today, the Boonville-Oneida County Fair continues to serve as an extraordinary attraction, bringing thousands of people each year to see what it has to offer; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those organizations that have brought entertainment and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Boonville-Oneida County Fair; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of the Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Boonville Fair Association.