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.