It was decided that rent for the grounds would be set at $250 annually., including the right to sublet restaurant space "so long as no intoxicating liquor was sold". The first Tioga County Fair to be held at this site was 1873.

In that same year the Agricultural Society voted to purchase the Driving Park from G. H. Pumpelly for $5962.50. $8000 would be raised by issuing 80 bonds at $100 each, the balance to be used for "fitting up" the grounds.

In order to raise additional finds during the summer months, the committee made arrangements to rent the privilege of driving on the grounds. It was suggested that, "All having horses they wish 'exercised' should purchase season tickets," although daily tickets were available.

In 1924, the Agricultural Society sold the former Driving Park to Dr. Charles Marvin for $5400, with the understanding that it would be donated to the Village of Owego. The site has been known as Marvin Park ever since. Typically, the Agricultural Society lost $562.50 on their 51-year investment. The Agricultural Society did retain, however, the right to use the grounds for the annual Tioga County Fair, 10 days out of each year. This right remains valid, so long as harness races are held in conjunction with the fair, a provision harking back to the Driving Park's original formation in 1871. So far as is known, harness horses have used this track continuously for the past 133 years.

Miss & Mr. Tioga County Pageant
...hosted by Angel Face Pageants.  Applications may be found by clicking on event/paperwork on the Angel Face Pageants home page.

Each contestant must be a resident of Tioga County between the ages of Newborn and 29 years. Each contestant is informally interviewed on stage. Judges base their decision on appearance, poise and personality.  No Entry Fee.  Applications are available at the Lake Street Dollar Store and the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce. All entries MUST complete an application form, and all applications MUST be returned NO LATER THAN Tuesday, July 19th, 2011. Questions can be directed to Deb Smith @ 607-727-3600.

Age Divisions:  0-12 Months: Teeny Baby Miss, 1 Year:  Baby Miss, 2-3 Years:  Toddler Miss, ,4-5 Years:  Mini Miss, 6-8 Years:  Little Miss, 9-12 Years:  Junior Miss, 13-15 Years: Young Miss, 16-19 Years: Teen Miss, & 20-29 Years:  Miss

0-12 Months:  Teeny Baby Mr., 1 Year:  Baby Mr., 2-3 Years: Toddler Mr.,
4-5 Years: Mini Mr., 6-10 Years: Junior Mr.

Winners will receive a crown, sash, and trophy
Side Awards - Prettiest Hair, Smile, Eyes, Best Dress, & Personality.

Fairgoers will be amazed as Art Comes to Life.  Statue Viva creates a surprise element on your fairgrounds, interracts with fairgoers, provides custom costume and pedestal.  15 years experience as the Living Statue.

Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show consists of three, 30 minute performances per day.  bwana Jim is a lively individual filled with enthusiasm and an hilarious wit.  he will bring the craziest wildlife show you've ever seen with the animals you don't get to see in your own backyard.
Wildlife Entertainment at it's Best!

Lance Gifford & Company continue to entertain audiences using numerous animals.  SOme "family members" in his troupe include doves, rabbits, a chow chow, toy and standard poodles, a macaw parrot and Burmese python snakes.

Not only Magical, this is a Truly Remarkable and  Memorable site to behold!

Don't miss this famous bear show.  These bears dazzle and delight with their impressive tricks and antics.  Each performance is unique - weather, dynamics in the den, audience reaction - any number of things can affect the bear's attention and distract them from the performance.