Officials celebrating another classic opening of the Lewis County Fair with huge crowd following gigantic parade

Published on July 19, 2023

Lewis County Fair Crowd 2023

LOWVILLE- Tuesday was another classic opener for the annual Lewis County Fair.

Now in its 202nd edition, fair officials said the traditional and gigantic parade was the biggest it has ever been.

Crowds packed the streets from downtown all the way up to the fairgrounds. Those crowds then jammed the midway, exhibits and food alleys.

Fair officials said late Tuesday it was certainly one of the largest, if not the largest crowd for opening night in Lewis County history, so far.

Of course, fair officials have said numerous times before that because of free admission, it is always difficult to actually gauge an accurate attendance.

Opening ceremonies took place at 10:00 a.m. at the Bostwick Street gate entrance, soon followed by the traditional Cheese Auction, with all proceeds going back to benefit Lewis County youth and agriculture.

The opening ceremony ribbon was cut by Greg and Doug Schantz, sons of Jesse Schantz. Betty Ann’s Woodard grandson, Ryan Woodard, also attended.
Jesse and Betty Ann, who passed away recently, were long time members and contributors of the Lewis County Fair Board.

As a traditional prelude to the Cheese Auction, various agriculture and dairy awards were issued to local farming figures.

Lewis County Fair Ehlers Award

Lewis County, 2023 Young Farmers Award, presented by Lewis County Dairy Industry Building Committee: Marissa Ehlers and Andrew Flansburg.

Lewis County Fair Beller Award

Lewis County Distinguished Farmer Award: Glenn and Emily Beller.

Lewis County Fair Lehman Award

Dairy Distinction Award: Curtis Lehman.

Lewis County Fair Big Cheese 2023

Winner of the BIG CHEESE at the traditional Cheese Auction: Jeff Tompkins, who bid $8,500 on behalf of Lewis County Republican Committee. Tompkins is running on both the Republican and Conservative Line for Lewis County DA.

Be sure to check out this week's daily activities at the 202nd Lewis County Fair here.

We will be broadcasting live from the Forest Park Pavilion through Friday. Be sure to stop by, say hello and sign-up to win great prizes.

Images by Brian Trainor.