LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Sara-
toga County Fair, in Ballston Spa, 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 Saratoga County Fair to be held July
19-24, 2016, at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, in
Ballston Spa, New York; and
WHEREAS, The first Saratoga Fair was in 1819 but after a major econom-
ic downturn all funds for the fair were cut off and from 1825 to 1840
there was no fair until in 1841 the newly reorganized fair first opened;
and
WHEREAS, Over time the fair had seven homes until the Saratoga County
Agricultural Society took over the Union Fairgrounds in 1882; and
WHEREAS, The Saratoga County Fairgrounds and Expo Center was opened
for the first time in 1871 as the Union Fairgrounds, and were taken over
by the Saratoga County Agricultural Society in 1882 when they moved from
Saratoga Springs to Ballston Spa; and
WHEREAS, Starting with less than 20 acres including parking, over the
years the Fairgrounds have grown to 30 acres of exposition area and
facilities, and another 24 acres of parking; and
WHEREAS, The existing Grandstand was the second one on the property,
built in 1896, following the collapse of the original in 1895 during the
Fair; the Grandstand, the Judging Stand (facing the Grandstand), and the
large white barn on the south fence line near Gate 6 are the oldest
structures on the Fairgrounds; and
WHEREAS, The newest buildings were built in 2015; the new TRUSTCO
Talent Building, the new 8,000 square foot Adirondack Trust Building on
the east border of the Horse Arena, and the new 6,000 square foot open
animal pavilion on Shrivel's Way; and
WHEREAS, Also beginning in 2015 was the renovation of the Clements
Family pavilion into the new commercial kitchen and dining building that
4-H Teen Council uses during fair week, and is available the rest of the
year for the other events which occur at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds
and Expo Center; and
WHEREAS, Altogether, the Saratoga County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
offers 22 buildings of different style and character, large open spaces,
paved roads, a 250' X 150' show quality horse ring with covered bleach-
ers and announcing stand, permanent rest rooms for up to 4,000 people,
plus shower facilities, and 77 RV campsites with water and electric hook
ups; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Saratoga County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
hosts car shows, truck and tractor shows, motorcycle shows, dog shows,
and festivals of all sorts such as balloon, craft, beer, food, and
music, swap meets and garage sales; 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 Saratoga 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 Saratoga County Fair; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Saratoga County Fair Committee.