Summer in the Southern Tier means fair season, and the fairgrounds around Binghamton deliver the real deal: tractor pulls, livestock barns, midway rides, and small-town parades. You won't have to drive far to find one. Here are the fairs still ahead of us this summer.
Broome County Fair (Whitney Point): July 28 to August 2
The hometown favorite dates to 1871 and has deep roots in Whitney Point, where it returned permanently in 1891. It still knows how to throw a party. The kick-off parade rolls down Main Street on opening night, and from there it's six days of tractor pulls, demolition derbies, a rodeo, and a livestock sale and pie auction. The Gillette Family Shows midway has run the rides here for nearly 50 years and earned the nickname the nicest show in the Northeast, with pay-one-price wristbands to keep the day affordable.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Tioga County Fair (Owego): August 11 to 15
Just west in the riverside village of Owego, the Tioga County Fair is a classic small-town country fair with harness racing on the track, a demolition derby, 4-H competitions, and plenty of fair food. It's the kind of low-key, friendly fair where you'll run into half the county, and it's an easy trip from Binghamton.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Chenango County Fair (Norwich): August 12 to 16
Head up to Norwich for one of the region's older fairs, complete with harness racing, agricultural exhibits, grandstand events, and a full midway. It's a proud county tradition that leans into its farming roots while still giving the kids plenty of rides and games.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Delaware County Fair (Walton): August 17 to 22
Out in the Catskills town of Walton, the Delaware County Fair pairs agricultural exhibits and livestock competitions with demolition derbies, tractor and truck pulls, live entertainment, and a free Chubby Checker performance. Add in a busy midway, live music, and mountain scenery, and you've got one of the prettiest fair settings in the state.
Plan your visit at FindYourFair.com.
Pick a weekend and go
From the parade in Whitney Point to the racetrack in Walton, the Southern Tier's fairs are all within an easy drive. Every one of them is waiting for you at FindYourFair.com. Pick one, or catch them all.