Our Wednesday "Carload" Special

This year a brand new evening special at Essex County Fair should be on your Plate. After 4 p.m., a one fee pricing of $25.00 per car load will get you onto the grounds and this includes rides, shows, and parking. Where can you find a deal like that anywhere else in the Adirondacks or beyond for that matter??

For the seniors citizens, regular price tickets get you a $2.00 food coupon to spend anywhere on the grounds.

What a line up we have for Wednesday! All the family entertainment shows on the South end of the grounds, animal shows, opening ceremonies, Garden Tractor and ATV pulls, and a new carnival with assorted rides and games for all ages.

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.