The Seneca County Fair is just weeks away, and 4-H Educator Rachel Williams says there are plenty of ways for community members of all ages to get involved — from tasting food entries to scooping Cornell Dairy ice cream.
Williams joined the FLX Morning Podcast to preview what 4-H has planned for the fair, which runs July 17-20 at the Seneca County Fairgrounds. The fun kicks off even earlier, though: Cooperative Extension hosts its Opening Night Reception on the evening of July 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Floral Hall, the long building at the west end of the fairgrounds. Attendees can sample locally produced foods and beverages while 4-H youth present recipes made with New York State products as part of the annual Produced in New York State Contest.
Volunteers are needed at several stages. Setup days are scheduled for Wednesday, July 10 and Thursday, July 11. Evaluators are also being sought for the youth building exhibit — covering categories like foods, photography, painting, and fiber arts. Williams noted that if you enjoy tasting food, volunteering as an evaluator is a particularly fun opportunity. Teens looking to log community service hours are also encouraged to reach out.
One of the fair’s most popular 4-H attractions is the dairy bar, which serves ice cream sourced directly from the Cornell Dairy. The bar opens daily at 2 p.m. — earlier than the fair’s general opening — and runs until 10 p.m. It is staffed almost entirely by youth and adult volunteers and serves as a key fundraiser supporting 4-H programming throughout the year.
Williams also touched on what judges look for in 4-H animal showmanship, emphasizing that knowledge, care history, and individual growth matter more than the animal’s raw market value. The fair’s youth building will also feature STEM-related exhibits including robotics, circuitry, and engineering projects. Beyond the fair, 4-H has summer library programs underway focused on the theme of adventures and food, along with prep work for the New York State Fair.
The full fair schedule is available at SenecaCountyFairNY.com, including a downloadable PDF brochure. Volunteer sign-ups can be found at SenecaCountyCCE.org. Those interested in volunteering can also contact Rachel Williams directly at [email protected].