This year on Friday, August 15, 2008, the 160th Essex County Fair will feature an Idol contest. There is a lot of talent in Essex County that perform talent shows, community theatre and school musicals. We feel it important to give this talent an opportunity to be in the spot light on Stage at their local county fair.
There will be 30 singers featured as contestants for the judging. These contestants will come from the Ti Idol and Keene Valley Idol contests. There will be three categories, youth, teen and adult. Performing on Friday night of the Fair will be ten from each age group. The winners will be eligible for New York State Fair.
Interested people from the south should apply to Ti Idol and from the northern areas to Keene Valley Idol. Below is link for applications and rules for the Contests. Ticonderoga holds their prelim prior to July 4 and Keene Valley Idol will be held on July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Keene Valley School.
Competition is open to any individual, any age, who resides within 45 miles of Keene Valley, NY and does not plan on competing in the Ti Idol Contest.
cash prize and trophy
Top 5 winners, in each age group, from each contest (30 competitors) will be eligible to compete for the title of “Essex County Fair Idol”
on Aug. 15, 2008.
Family and friends please come support your favorite singer.
Idol Rules and Regulations as a PDF Document
Idol Rules and Regulations as a Word Document
Idol Application as a PDF Document
Idol Application as a Word Document
May 08, 2008
Battle of the Bands - Fourth of July 1967-Ticonderoga
In searching for Essex County Fair Battle of the Bands, I found this clip from a news article by Plattsburgh Press Republican in archives.
"At 7.30 p.m. July 4 nine bands
will compete in a Battle of the
Bands event at Firemen's Field
Seeking a first prize of $100,
second prize of $50 and a third
prize of $25 will be
The Norsemen and Blessed
Events of Plafsburgh: the Galaxies
of Vergennes. Vt the
Ball and Chains of Whitehall i
the Penetrators of Crown Point;
the Shadows of Port Henry;
the Missing Links of Crown
Point, and the Changing Times
and X-Rays of Ticonderoga
Each band will play for 15
minutes in the competition to
be judged by Elmer Clark. Don
Bush and Bob Bartlett."
will compete in a Battle of the
Bands event at Firemen's Field
Seeking a first prize of $100,
second prize of $50 and a third
prize of $25 will be
The Norsemen and Blessed
Events of Plafsburgh: the Galaxies
of Vergennes. Vt the
Ball and Chains of Whitehall i
the Penetrators of Crown Point;
the Shadows of Port Henry;
the Missing Links of Crown
Point, and the Changing Times
and X-Rays of Ticonderoga
Each band will play for 15
minutes in the competition to
be judged by Elmer Clark. Don
Bush and Bob Bartlett."
"Motor Sports" at Essex County Fair
Essex County Fair offers entertainment for motor enthusiasts on every night but Friday. ( To be updated with time and events) From the tiniest to the mightiest! There are pulls for lawn tractors, modified garden tractors, ATVs, street legal trucks, farm altered and pro stock tractors. An all time favorite, "The Egglefield Ford Sponsored Demolition Derby" closes the fair on Sunday. All events are held in the Grandstand area. Sponsors: G. Stone Auto ; Yandow's Sales and Service; and Airborne Speedway.
May 06, 2008
The Norsemen: Winners of The Essex County Fair Battle of the Bands 1967 or 1968
JOIN US ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH FROM 5p.m. to 7p.m. for the Return of THE NORSEMAN to Essex County Fair to help commemorate our 160th year!
If anyone out there can remember this event, PLEESE feel free to comment.
The Norsemen ‘classic rock and roll’: Decades ago in the 1960’s, a local group of young men got together and formed a musical group that played extensively in the Plattsburgh, Altona, Mooers, Ellenburg, Westport and Ticonderoga area. Well known for their diverse selection of songs and brilliant three part vocal harmonies.
Mark Facteau was the percussionist/vocalist, very well known for his accomplishments as a performer for many other well known groups from the Plattsburgh area.
Serge Bouchard was the bass player/vocalist and went on to develop his talents as a solo performer, recording bass, keyboard and guitar passages and playing solo as “Lonestar” throughout the Plattsburgh area.
Terry Infante was the guitar player/vocalist and spent several years playing in various groups in the Lake George, Glens Falls and Saratoga area. He has also enjoyed performing as a guitar/vocal soloist in that same region.
After a thirty-six year break, The Norsemen have re-grouped and picked up where they left off. They’re back with the great harmonies, songs from the sixties, thru today and excited to play again for old friends and new.
Come join us !
In reminisce, I talked with Ernie Lapine and he told me that Serge Bouchard, as a one man band on keyboard, was one of the first entertainers to appear at Essex County Fair in the early 70's, when he was new as Essex County Fair Manager (to his credit of service, the early part of his 20 years in that position). Serge played under one of the buildings down the midway across from Egglefield Ford. Ernie said he can remember attending the Battle of the Bands contests and that it went on all night long.
Serge filled me in on the night they played and won the Battle of the Bands at Essex County Fair, though he was not sure of the year. Each band played for one hour and they were judged on their performance. The judge or one of the judges for their performance was drummer, Jerry Petterson from the band, Sam the Sham and The Pharoahs, who performed "Wooley Bulley. It just happened that "Wooley Bulley was one of the pieces the Norsemen played that evening. He could remember a couple of the bands they played against, a rock band from Ticonderoga and a band call the Penetrators. Serge thought The fairs Battle of The Bands contest lasted only four or five years at most from the mid to late 60's.
Serge, his brother, Pete (who played lead guitar and sang the fourth part of the harmony), Terry Mark played together until 1970 or 71. According to Serge's wife Pat, who is ecstatic they are playing Essex County Fair, "their harmonies are wonderful".
If anyone out there can remember this event, PLEESE feel free to comment.
The Norsemen ‘classic rock and roll’: Decades ago in the 1960’s, a local group of young men got together and formed a musical group that played extensively in the Plattsburgh, Altona, Mooers, Ellenburg, Westport and Ticonderoga area. Well known for their diverse selection of songs and brilliant three part vocal harmonies.
Mark Facteau was the percussionist/vocalist, very well known for his accomplishments as a performer for many other well known groups from the Plattsburgh area.
Serge Bouchard was the bass player/vocalist and went on to develop his talents as a solo performer, recording bass, keyboard and guitar passages and playing solo as “Lonestar” throughout the Plattsburgh area.
Terry Infante was the guitar player/vocalist and spent several years playing in various groups in the Lake George, Glens Falls and Saratoga area. He has also enjoyed performing as a guitar/vocal soloist in that same region.
After a thirty-six year break, The Norsemen have re-grouped and picked up where they left off. They’re back with the great harmonies, songs from the sixties, thru today and excited to play again for old friends and new.
Come join us !
In reminisce, I talked with Ernie Lapine and he told me that Serge Bouchard, as a one man band on keyboard, was one of the first entertainers to appear at Essex County Fair in the early 70's, when he was new as Essex County Fair Manager (to his credit of service, the early part of his 20 years in that position). Serge played under one of the buildings down the midway across from Egglefield Ford. Ernie said he can remember attending the Battle of the Bands contests and that it went on all night long.
Serge filled me in on the night they played and won the Battle of the Bands at Essex County Fair, though he was not sure of the year. Each band played for one hour and they were judged on their performance. The judge or one of the judges for their performance was drummer, Jerry Petterson from the band, Sam the Sham and The Pharoahs, who performed "Wooley Bulley. It just happened that "Wooley Bulley was one of the pieces the Norsemen played that evening. He could remember a couple of the bands they played against, a rock band from Ticonderoga and a band call the Penetrators. Serge thought The fairs Battle of The Bands contest lasted only four or five years at most from the mid to late 60's.
Serge, his brother, Pete (who played lead guitar and sang the fourth part of the harmony), Terry Mark played together until 1970 or 71. According to Serge's wife Pat, who is ecstatic they are playing Essex County Fair, "their harmonies are wonderful".
History of the Essex County Fair
The first Essex County-Clinton County Fair was organized by Elkanah Watson in 1848. It was held on the Port Kent Road, on the plains east of the Town of Keeseville. The most important event was horse racing, which is still a component of the fair. In 1850, Essex and Clinton Counties separated and the Essex County Fair moved to Elizabethtown where it was held annually until 1865. In 1865, the fair committee decided to move the fair to Westport where it would be closer to the lake. They hoped that the accessibility of lake transportation would boost attendance. For fifteen years land was rented south of town for $150. However, during the period 1885-1889, various parcels were purchased by the Essex County Agricultural Society for $1,500 to form the present grounds. An additional $1,700 was spent to erect the track and buildings. Many buildings have been added to the fairgrounds since then. The Grand Stand and the Agricultural Center were built just after the turn of the century. The many 4-H barns were constructed by volunteers over the years since 4-H began in 1941. In 1985 the historic structures on the fairground were inventoried for the New York State Parks and Recreation Division for Historic Preservation. In 2004 Floral Hall was completely renovated keeping its historic look.
Entertainment on the South Lawn
Essex County Fair has undergone a number of improvements over the past few years. Along with complete renovations to Historic Floral Hall, a new family stage was constructed on the south end near the CCE building that hosts our Music Series and Featured Shows. This area of the grounds has become a family friendly place to relax and listen to music while the youngsters play in the sandbox. There is a "Mom’s Relaxation Center" available near by. A great line up of Entertainment welcomes you as you walk by or just want to sit and relax. Hope you check out our line up as follows. Times will be added as schedule is finalized in the near future so keep checking in.
Buffalo Barfield and Unherd of Entertainment will be on stage several times each day. This is an entertaining variety show with music and lots of laughs. http://www.buffalobarfield.com/
The firefighter will also be holding a number of shows through out the day. http://www.thefirefighter.com/
Jason will be back with his new show, Sweet lips the cow which features, music, comedy and educational dialogue. Jason is well know from his past shows Froggy, and Frogs, Bugs and Animals. He made his debut on stage singing last year at the 159th fair.
Gary Phinney will entertain on Wednesday and Thursday during the horse races, but will come on the South Stage Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
Join the Too Tall String Band on Thursday at 5p.m. and 7 p.m. They will be accompanied by the North Country Cloggers so be there for a stomp'in good time.
Gosphel Singer Howie Campbell will perform with his band on Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. http://www.howiecampbell.com/index.htm
The Norsemen will take stage Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Serge Bouchard, Terry Infante, and Mark Facteau are The Norsemen. It seems that the band performed it's winning performance at the Battle of the Bands in the late 1960's at Essex County Fair. The band separated for 40 years and is now back together and the three men are excited about performing at the 160th Essex County Fair. We are looking for people who remember this contest. Write to tell us what you remember!
Sunday will be open mike day. This is your opportunity to show what you can do. Bring your friends and come join the fun!
Buffalo Barfield and Unherd of Entertainment will be on stage several times each day. This is an entertaining variety show with music and lots of laughs. http://www.buffalobarfield.com/
The firefighter will also be holding a number of shows through out the day. http://www.thefirefighter.com/
Jason will be back with his new show, Sweet lips the cow which features, music, comedy and educational dialogue. Jason is well know from his past shows Froggy, and Frogs, Bugs and Animals. He made his debut on stage singing last year at the 159th fair.
Gary Phinney will entertain on Wednesday and Thursday during the horse races, but will come on the South Stage Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
Join the Too Tall String Band on Thursday at 5p.m. and 7 p.m. They will be accompanied by the North Country Cloggers so be there for a stomp'in good time.
Gosphel Singer Howie Campbell will perform with his band on Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. http://www.howiecampbell.com/index.htm
The Norsemen will take stage Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Serge Bouchard, Terry Infante, and Mark Facteau are The Norsemen. It seems that the band performed it's winning performance at the Battle of the Bands in the late 1960's at Essex County Fair. The band separated for 40 years and is now back together and the three men are excited about performing at the 160th Essex County Fair. We are looking for people who remember this contest. Write to tell us what you remember!
Sunday will be open mike day. This is your opportunity to show what you can do. Bring your friends and come join the fun!
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