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The Tioga County Fair will take place from
July 7th -
11th, 2009. |
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| Description of Events |
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| Harness Racing |
| Harness Racing competition has always been the heart of the County Fair.
The current Tioga County Agricultural Society traces its creation to
1871 with the purchase of the Owego Driving Park, now known as Marvin
Park. The half-mile track was built specifically for trotting horse
competition and has been used ever since for harness racing during the
local fair and other times for training young pacers and trotters. July
2006 was the first time the fairgrounds were so extensively flooded that
the fair had to be cancelled. However, Jeff Gural of Tioga Downs in
Nichols was kind enough to let the Agricultural Society use his new
facility and so the NYS Sire Stakes Harness Racing, originally scheduled
for the fair, was held after all. |
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| Skyline Corral Barrel Racing |
| Skyline Corral Barrel Racing is not to be missed. you have seen this
fast-paced competition on the Rodeo Channel. Now watch it close up as
horse and rider turn on a dime in an effort to beat the clock. No loud
engines here, just pounding of hoof beats and the roar of the crowd.
Cash prizes as well as bragging rights drive these teams to faster and
faster times. Be there to see this uniquely American skill founded in
the Old West. |
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| Owego Driving Park |
| In the spring of 1871 the Owego Driving Park Association was formed
under the patronage of G. H. Pumpelly, local businessman and landowner.
This half-mile track was laid out and the first races were held here in
the month of June 1871. The current Tioga County Agricultural Society
was formed the next year in 1872. The Agricultural Society conferred
with the officers of the Owego Driving Park Association regarding rental
of the grounds to hold the fair. 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. |
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| Garden Tractor Pulls |
 Held on July 11th, 2009. If you would like more information contact: William Robertson @ 607-639-3467.
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| Tractor Pulls |
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Antique Tractors to pull @3000, 5000, 7000, and 9000 lb. classes. Open to bone stock tractors built from 1900 to 1959.
Farm Tractors (following Antique Tractor Pull) to pull at 5000, 7000, 9000, 11000, and 13000 lbs. classes. Open to Farm Tractors of any age. Open classes to pull at 6000, 7000, 10000, 13000 lbs. These Open Class tractors are not your Grandfather's variety. Specially modified and "souped up", these are exciting pulls. One class for large 4-wheel drive farm tractors.
Sign up for all pulls on Saturday AM - the day of the pull. Any questions, call Fred Goodrich at 607-642-3293. |
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| The 4-H Horse Show |
| The 4-H Horse Show showcases our hardworking young riders in a wide
variety of classes. The Tioga County Horse Program is very active and
you will not want to miss this opportunity to see the result of our
young people's effort and dedication. |
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| The 41st Annual 4-H Livestock Auction |
| Young farm entrepreneurs put their wholesale products up for sale.
If you have never purchased home-grown meat for your freezer from our
hard-working youth, you really should consider doing so. Contact Cornell
Cooperative Extension office at (607)687-4020 for information on how to
make a purchase. It's much easier than you think. These youth gain
valuable insight into all the phases of animal science through animal
rearing projects. We all hear so much about the plight of the family
farm and the need to foster sustainable agriculture. There is no better
way to ensure the future of agriculture in Tioga County than to purchase
delicious, processed and thoroughly wholesome home-grown meats from our
area youth. Prices are competitive, fresh flavor is assured and you'll
get the satisfaction of helping a young farmer. |
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| The 4-H Animal Projects |
| Tioga county 4-H is a very active program, with youth showing dairy
and beef cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, goats, horses, and pets throughout
the fair week. Many groups also schedule fun events for the public. Be
sure to visit the livestock barns at the fair this year! Baby animals
will be a special treat! Bring your questions! 4-H Youth will also be
displaying home craft projects in the 4-H Youth Building. Have an ice
cream while looking over the art, sewing, crafts, and other
presentations from many 4-H clubs. |
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| Little Miss and Little Mister Contest |
Each contestant must be a resident of Tioga County between the ages
of 5 and 7 years. Each contestant is informally interviewed on stage.
Judges base their decision on appearance, poise and personality.
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 Wednesday, July 8th, 2009. Questions can be directed to
Reathea Woodburn @ 607-687-4494.
Click here to view or right click and select
"Save Target As" to download form.
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| Jim Corder Memorial Baby Contest |
The Jim Corder Memorial Baby Contest will take place on Wednesday,
July 8th, 2009 at 5:00pm. Anyone living in Tioga County who has a child
between the ages of 6 months to 4 years can enter. 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 7th, 2009. Questions can be directed to Diane
Corder @ 607-972-9333 or Kim @ 607-761-1123.
Click here to view or right click and select
"Save Target As" to download form.
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| Chainsaw Sculptures by Brian
Ruth |
Watch amazing chainsaw sculptures daily from one of the Masters of
the Chainsaw...Brian Ruth. On Saturday at 5pm there will be a
chainsaw sculpture auction. Come and bid on your favorite piece.
People can place special orders.
Brian Ruth
www.MastersOfTheChainsaw.com
Booking info...1-888-Chainsaw
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| Please visit our sponsors: |
| For additional information on Tioga County events, attractions, accommodations, call 1-800-671-7772.
Visit www.visittioga.com |
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