This Weekend, Head to the Oswego County Fair in Sandy Creek

If you’re as excited as I am about the New York State Fair returning next week, you can get a sneak peek this weekend. That’s right, the Oswego County Fair is taking place all weekend long up in Sandy Creek. While it’s not as big or as long as the upcoming state fair, there is plenty to do to keep the family entertained. Food, rides, local businesses and artists, animals, shows, games, and races. And the best part? Admission and parking are FREE.

Getting to the Oswego County Fair

Located at 291 Ellisburg Street in Sandy Creek, NY, the Oswego County Fair brings a lot of people to the village of less than 1,000 residents. The main parking lot is located right at the entrance, so park wherever you see a spot. And since admission to the Oswego County Fair is free, there is no main gate to enter. Walk in wherever you’d like.

The fair runs from Wednesday, August 17 through Sunday, August 21. While the buildings open every day at 10am, the festival hours vary slightly each day. The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, August 17: 10am – 9pm
Thursday, August 18: 10am – 9pm
Friday, August 19: 9am – 9pm
Saturday, August 20: 10am – 9pm
Sunday, August 21: 8am – 6pm

Oswego County Fair Food

Throughout the fairgrounds you’ll find a variety of food vendors. My recommendation? Check out Fio Jo’s food truck. They are serving up delicious drinks – iced coffees, sweet teas, and fruit refreshers – topped with mini donuts. Yes, you read that correctly. And you know I had to get one! They also have bags of mini donuts, buffalo chicken and tater tots, and a few other snack options.

Every New Yorker knows that a fair is incomplete without fresh milk from local dairy farms. Don’t worry – the Oswego dairy farmers have you covered! Visit the dairy building for fresh Byrne Dairy milk. You can get 3 pints for just $1. They also have ice cream sundaes for $3.

Of course the midway features all the fried favorites you can find at every fair. Funnel cakes, hot dogs, deep-fried oreos, popcorn…

Daily Shows

Every day brings something a little different to the fair, but there are two shows that run several times each day.

The Kids Celebration Show is perfect for the little ones. Located right outside the youth building, it’s full of fun and laughter to keep the kids entertained. Before or after the show, take the kids inside for crafts, coloring, and other activities they are sure to enjoy.

Making their rounds at the county fairs across New York State, the Hog Diggity Dog Show takes place three times a day. Featuring 6 camels, 10 dogs, and a 700-pound pig named Shelton, this animal crew performs some incredible acts. Shelton the pig starts the show by rolling out his own red carpet before singing. The canine brigade has a wide variety of acts, including tightrope walking, long jumping, high jumping, jumping rope, and jumping through hoops. Yes, a lot of jumping – but they are impressive! Then watch the camels prance around the ring and show off their listening skills. After the show, kids can ride on the camels for $10.

Additionally, there are several livestock shows throughout the fair. Local adult and youth farmers show off their most prized animals. Spelling bees, pie eating contests, live music, talent shows, and more fill out the rest of the fair schedule.

Grandstand Events

Every day of the Oswego County Fair features one signature event. The first night it was a fireworks show to end the night. Thursday and Saturday each feature a demolition derby, with cars smashing and crashing. Friday night’s highlight is a horse barrel race. And Sunday’s main event is the tractor pull.

Note that while admission to the fair is free, the demo derbies cost $10 to enter, and the tractor pull is $15. Cash or card can be used at the grandstand entrance.

Love dirt car races and demolition derbies? Check out the local speedways in Fulton and Brewerton with weekly races.

Fair Activities

In addition to the shows and performances throughout the fair, many activities are available at all (or nearly all) times. All of the buildings open each day at 10am. Take a chance to visit each one, showcasing the pride of Oswego in a variety of specialties. Learn about the local farms and agriculture. Shop from local vendors. Get inspired for your next adventures with the tourism board. Dive into history with Fort Ontario. Explore youth activities.

Then there are the animals! Every fair showcase the best farm animals in the area, and the Oswego County Fair is no different. There are buildings filled with horses, cows, goats, chickens, rabbits, and more. As an animal lover, this is one of my favorite parts of going to the fair. Just don’t forget the hand sanitizer.

Don’t miss the butterfly tent. Open daily from noon til 8, you can step inside and let the monarchs flutter around you. Plus, it’s the best photo opp you’ll find at the fair.

Other Things to Do in Sandy Creek

If you have some time to spare before or after attending the fair, explore Sandy Creek and the surrounding area. Just down the road along Route 11 you’ll find the Angus Hill Antique & Flea Market. You could easily spend hours perusing the treasures inside. Not too far from the village is Salmon River Falls, a great spot for a short hike with beautiful waterfall views. And if you didn’t stuff your face at the fair, check out Pond Pit BBQ for some good eats.