LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Colum-
bia County Fair in Chatham, New York

WHEREAS, Fairs and festivals empower communities to attract new visitors
while capitalizing on local commercial and cultural value; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice 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 commem-
orate the 175th Anniversary of the Columbia County Fair in Chatham, New
York; this auspicious milestone will be recognized on Wednesday, Septem-
ber 2 through Monday, September 7, 2015, and will celebrate the history,
traditions and legacy of this renowned event; and
WHEREAS, During a meeting in the summer of 1840, the County Court
House in Hudson, New York, became the birthplace of what is now the
Chatham Fair; and
WHEREAS, At the Fair Society's organization meeting, Edward P.
Livingston of Clermont was elected as its inaugural President, and the
Columbia County Agricultural Society was established to improve the
condition of agriculture, horticulture, manufactures and domestic econo-
my; and
WHEREAS, The first Columbia County Fair was held in the city of Hudson
on Tuesday, October 12, 1841; and
WHEREAS, In 1856, 15 acres of land was purchased by the Fair Society
in the Chatham Four Corners for use as its new fairgrounds; just one
year later, harness racing was introduced; and
WHEREAS, In 1881, the erection of a grandstand was authorized, as well
as the construction of a poultry house and suitable quarters for the
stabling of horses during the fair; in addition, a new building for
horticultural and domestic purposes was completed in 1884, and remains
in use today as the Fairhouse; and
WHEREAS, At its annual election in 1889, John P. Mickle, who had been
prominent in the Chatham Fair picture for many years, passed the baton
to his son, John D. Mickle, who was elected to the Board of Managers in
1900; and
WHEREAS, During this time, John D. Mickle served the Columbia County
Fair with distinction for half a century, until his son, Philip D. Mick-
le came on board in 1951; he served as Fair Director, President and
Treasurer for more than a quarter-century, bringing the combined Mickle
service to nearly 100 years; and
WHEREAS, A new administration building was put into use shortly before
the 1966 fair; the same year, 23 acres of vacant land was purchased at
the south end of the fairgrounds, bringing the total acreage to its
present 55, and opening the way for a second admission gate; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, a structure was built primarily for food conces-
sions, including the Columbia County Fair's main restaurant, The Tower
Club, which is currently run by the Spencertown Church; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of its President, Nelson
R. Alford, Jr., the Columbia County Fair serves as an important desti-
nation and continues to leave its indelible imprint on the history of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the Columbia County Fair's rich legacy and
enduring contribution to the entertainment and heritage of the State of
New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in the cele-
bration to ensure that present and future generations may come to appre-
ciate the unique significance which its history plays in the progression
of our State and Nation's evolution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Columbia County Fair in Chat-
ham, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Columbia County Fair, Chatham, New York.