Deep Roots in Greene County Agriculture

                                                          Children at the 2024 exhibiting their livestock

                                                                        Alfred Partridge Farmhouse 

WINDHAM — Jim Lawrence, co-owner with his wife, Diane, of Windham Hardware has connections with the Greene County Youth Fair going back more than seven decades. Jim’s father Bertram Lawrence owned a dairy farm for many years. In 1949, he helped Alfred Partridge, owner of Mountain Brook Farm and a leader of the Ashland Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, organize a small 4-H Club Fair at the Sutton Hollow School in Ashland. From this modest start the Greene County Youth Fair has grown into a vibrant celebration of youth and agriculture.

After 1950, the fair was held at several other locations and expanded to include other 4-H clubs in the area. Then In 1954, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets officially recognized the fair as an agricultural event and provided funds to be used as prize money to the exhibitors. The Greene County Board of Supervisors. also appropriated money and the event became the Greene County Youth Fair. 

Through the years, the fair expanded to feature livestock exhibits, such as  dairy, poultry, sheep, and goats. Inside the tents were such exhibits as arts and crafts, food, and clothing. 

In 1995, a permanent home for the fair was established when the Town of Cairo offered the use of Angelo Canna Town Park. Now, besides showcasing the talent and hard work of the 4-H members, the fair includes entertainment, and demonstrations. 

Among the events this year will be music, comedy acts, acrobatic extravaganzas, band saw sculpting, K-9 demonstrations, bouncy slides, Irish Step Dancing, and even a pig raffle. On Saturday evening, there will be fireworks. And that’s just a small sample of the fun to be had! Admission and parking is free.    

Thanks to the founders’ vision and the dedication of countless volunteers, the Greene County Youth Fair has become a symbol of community spirit and youth achievement. 

While visiting the fair, if you happen to pass through Windham, stop in and check out Windham Hardware. It’s a place where there’s friendly personal service to help you find almost anything you might need for your home.