LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the first
Agricultural Fair held in America, and the impact of Agricultural Fairs
on New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the continuing
welfare of this Empire State is greatly enriched and reliably served by
the good works and purposeful endeavors of those community organizations
which remain committed to showcasing agriculture, the number one indus-
try in New York State, and to the recreational needs of its citizens and
visitors; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
200th Anniversary of the first Agricultural Fair held in America, and
the impact of Agricultural Fairs on New York; and
WHEREAS, The Agricultural Fair has come to symbolize summer for the
residents of New York; and
WHEREAS, The first County Fair held in New York took place in Water-
town in 1817; and
WHEREAS, The first State Fair in the United States was held in Syra-
cuse, New York, in 1841; and
WHEREAS, Today there are 55 Agricultural Fairs that are held in the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The vast majority of these fairs are served by thousands of
volunteers who are residents of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Current statistics indicate that annually, New York Agricul-
tural Fairs attract over 4,000,000 people through their gates; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that Agricultural Fairs are
very important to local and rural economies, and are huge economic
engines for small towns and counties throughout our State; and
WHEREAS, The economic impact of New York fairs to the local and State
economy can be as much as $800 million each season, from June through
August; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural Fairs remain one of the last critical linkages
between our agricultural heritage and today's urban based society, as
agricultural exhibits, activities and programs during Fair Week are the
only opportunities for the vast majority of non-farm families to learn
and appreciate their connection and relevancy to today's agricultural
world; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural Fairs in New York and across the United States
began as a place to come together, to socialize, to exhibit, showcase
and display the best of our fields and farms; and
WHEREAS, The essence of Agricultural Fairs has not changed much in 200
years, as the mission is still to "preserve, promote, and protect" our
grand agricultural traditions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Agricultural Fair; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members of the New York State Association of Agricultural
Fairs.