The Mohawk Valley takes its fairs seriously, and the calendar around Utica stays busy from late July right through Labor Day. Expect grandstand concerts, tractor pulls, Clydesdales, and small-town charm, all a short drive away. Here are the fairs still ahead of us this summer.
Boonville-Oneida County Fair (Boonville): July 28 to August 2
Just 30 minutes north of Utica, the Boonville-Oneida County Fair is one of the state's most enduring summer traditions, running since 1888. Its 138th edition this year carries the theme "Showcasing Agriculture for 138 of Our Nation's 250 Years," tied to America's big birthday. East Coast Pro Wrestling headlines the grandstand on July 29, followed by Grammy-nominated country artist John Morgan on August 1. Add Clydesdale wagon rides, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, and an opening-day parade with fireworks, and you've got a full week.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Otsego County Fair (Morris): August 4 to 9
Down in Morris, the Otsego County Fair has earned its friendly-fair reputation. It's a classic country fair with harness racing, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, livestock shows, and a relaxed pace that families love. A nice one to pair with a Cooperstown-area weekend.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Herkimer County Fair (Frankfort): August 18 to 23
The Herkimer County Fair in Frankfort is a long-running Mohawk Valley staple, with a midway, farm animals, demolition derbies, and free daily entertainment. It's an affordable, easygoing few days and a great way to keep fair season going into late August.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Fonda Fair (Fonda): September 2 to 7
The Fonda Fair sends summer off over Labor Day weekend in Montgomery County. It's a big Mohawk Valley tradition packed with animal shows, tractor pulls, amusement rides, and live music, and with children under 6 getting in free (plus children under 14 on Wednesday and Friday!), it's an easy family call for the long weekend.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
A full Mohawk Valley summer
From John Morgan in Boonville to the Labor Day send-off in Fonda, the fairs around Utica keep coming all season. Every one is waiting for you at FindYourFair.com. Pick one, or make a summer of it.