Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Arts & Culture

Location

425 Erie St, Little Valley, NY 14755, USA

Lat/Long

42.252831, -78.805586

Grant Recipient

Village of Little Valley

Arguably, one of the important community events across the United States is the County Fair. This especially true for Cattaraugus County. Beginning around 1843 in Fredonia, New York, the Cattaraugus County Fair was a tradition with a 175 year+ legacy. Created by the Cattaraugus County Agricultural Society, Cattaraugus County Fair showcased community accomplishments in agriculture and household manufacturing. The County Fair was held in a variety of communities throughout Cattaraugus County. 1854 marked the first year it was held in Little Valley. While it moved on the following year, the Village of Little Valley eventually became the permanent location of the Cattaraugus County Fair. On August 31, 1899 New York Governor Theodore Roosevelt stopped at Little Valley and spoke at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds. A September 1, 1899 article in The Buffalo Times details the visit:

Yesterday was a record breaker in the way of crowds in this village. As early as 7 o’clock the streets were lined with vehicles driving in from the country, and later both regular and excursion trains unloaded thousands of people who were coming to the fair and to hear Gov. Roosevelt.

The article continues:

The Governor arrived in a special car attached to train No. 3 on the Erie Road at 12:00 o’clock. He was greeted by an immense crowd and was escorted by the 43d band, a company of calvary and a long line of carriages to the Rock Clay Hotel, where dinner was waiting. Shortly after 2 o’clock, the Governor rode the fair grounds where over 15,000 people were waiting to greet him. He was introduced by Senator Higgins and at once began his address.

As of 2020, the Cattaraugus County Fair is still held every year and the County Fairgrounds, located in the Village of Little Valley, serve as the symbol of a time-honored community tradition.