The 175th Anniversary of the Essex County Fair

Attend a classic Adirondack country fair August 14-18, 2024.

Essex County Fairgrounds in New York State's Adirondack Park.

Historic Essex County Fairgrounds. Photos courtesy Essex County.

Essex County's annual fair will celebrate its 175th anniversary from August 18 to 24, 2024, in Westport, New York, in the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks.

Although it is called a "small agricultural fair," it offers a wide variety of fun events and activities, live music and entertainment, food, exhibits, and agricultural demonstrations. The daily "one-price" admission includes carnival rides, animal shows, face painting, exhibits, and parking, all for just $15 per person (seniors are $10).

Fun activities for the whole family.

Farm animals at Essex County Fair

Photos courtesy Essex County.

  • Midway Rides by Northeast Midways LLC

  • Variety of Food Vendors

  • Beer & Wine Tent

  • Live Shows & Music

  • Farm Animals & Showmanship

  • Horse Show Programs

  • Victoria Circus

  • Demolition Derby

  • Cornhole Tourney

  • Cattle Show

  • 4-H & Co-operative Extension Events and Exhibits

  • Harness Racing

  • Lumberjack Competition

  • Central K9 Performance Dogs

  • Big Bee Transformer Car interactive exhibit

  • Tractor Pull

High-flying excitement with The Victoria Circus.

The Victoria Circus brings high-flying excitement with its aerial, trapeze and thrill show. The multi-generation troupe of performers has toured across the U.S. and internationally with spectacular acts, including the High Wire, Globe of Death, and aerial and ground acts.

Victoria Circus performs at Essex County Fair

Photo courtesy Victoria Circus.

Founded in 2003 by The Sensational Murcia family, consisting of Walter and Victoria Murcia, Victoria Circus is the result of a rich history and extensive experience in the circus industry. Before starting their show, the Sensational Murcias performed in various circuses and shows, earning acclaim in the United States and worldwide.

Today, the tradition continues with Alexander and Antony Murcia, who are following in their family's footsteps, providing top-notch family entertainment at fairs, festivals, and other events.

The Victoria Circus will perform multiple times daily during the fair, so check the schedule to find a good time to catch the high-flying action.

Spectacular feats of canine derring-do.

Central k9 performance dogs

Photo courtesy Central K9.

The Central K9 Performance Dogs will appear at this year’s Essex County Fair.

These pups are a talented team of canine performers who have entertained crowds all over the U.S. with their disc, agility, and trick skills.

They will perform every day. Check the schedule for times. 

Delicious food and drinks.

Of course, no trip to the fair is complete without indulging in all the delicious food and drinks available. Satisfy your cravings with traditional favorites like funnel cakes and corn dogs, or explore more innovative options like gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, vegan-friendly options and more.

Stop by the Thirsty Horse Beer Garden for refreshments daily.

Fun and games for Lil’ ADKers.

Bring the whole family along to explore the world of the fair. From carnival rides to petting zoo animals, plenty of activities will entertain even the littlest members.

An arts and crafts tent and a special kids' cooking contest will also be there.

Special competitions and contests.

The Essex County Fair is also home to some of the most fun competitions in the state. See the area’s best riders compete for prizes in various events, including keyhole, turn and burn, barrels, poles and streaking poles. Check out the demolition derby and tractor pull. Don’t miss the lumberjack competition. And harness racking

Harness racing at the Essex County Fair in Westport, NY

Experience the thrill of harness racing at the Essex County Fair.

Enter the cornhole tourney or play bossy bingo. Start grooming now for the Mullet Competitions for kids and adults. Or try your hand at the arm wrestling competition.

Experience everything the Essex County Fair offers this August – you won't want to miss it.

Getting there.

The Essex County Fair is located on Main Street in North Elba, NY and the best way to get there is to take the Northway (I-87) to Exit 30. From there, follow signs for Route 73 West, and you'll find yourself right in the heart of all the action.

If you're looking for accommodations in town, try checking out one of the charming bed & breakfasts or campgrounds nearby.

Visit the Essex County Fair website for complete information.

Places to stay, eat, shop and things do near the Essex County Fairgrounds.

Discover what you’re looking for in the Adirondacks.


Upcoming events in the Lake Champlain region and the Adirondack Coast.

Find the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, NY.

 
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