By Kristen Peek The Erie County Fair will be back this summer before you know it, returning to the Erie County Fairgrounds August 7-18, 2019. We have ways for you to take full advantage of everything the fair has to offer without making your wallet cry. Buy your tickets early and take advantage of a...

By Kristen Peek

The Erie County Fair will be back this summer before you know it, returning to the Erie County Fairgrounds August 7-18, 2019. We have ways for you to take full advantage of everything the fair has to offer without making your wallet cry.

Buy your tickets early and take advantage of admission promotions. July 1 – August 6, 2019, you can buy admission tickets to the Fair at a discounted price from your local Tops Friendly Markets. Presale admission is $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors (60 and older). Admission at the gate is $12 for adults, and $9 for seniors. Kids 12 years old or younger can get in free everyday. The Erie County Fair also offers different promotions depending on the day. Plan ahead and go on one of the following dates to save on your admission:

August 7 (Opening Day): Free admission when you bring a donation of 2 canned food items for the Food Bank of Western New York.

August 9 (Firefighters Day): Free admission for Firefighters or Auxiliary members with your proper ID,

August 11 (Veterans Days): Free admission for Veterans, Active Military, or Auxiliary members with your proper ID.
August 13 (Channel 7 Day): $5 admission
August 15 (Channel 4 Day): $5 admission, students can get into the fair (with their valid student ID) for $7 after 5 p.m. daily. And for the early birds, the Erie County Fair offers early bird admission, $7, before 11 am on weekdays only.

Carpooling to the fairgrounds is another way to keep your fair experience cost-effective. Parking for the day cost $5 per vehicle, $15 for passenger vans, and $20 for buses.

Now that you are in the fair, there is so much to see and do! There is free entertainment around every corner so make sure you check out the schedule. The GUSTO Grandstand provides free shows on select days that can be entertaining for the entire family. Some shows require a ticket, however, if you choose to go to one of those shows, your ticket provides free same day admission to the fairgrounds.

Finally, what everyone loves about the fair: the food! The Erie County Fair is bringing back the “Taste of the Fair” on Monday, August 12, 2019. Select vendors will have food items for $2, so that you can try everything! Food coupons will also be available. Check the Erie County Fair website for more information on coupons and vendors.