Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

It may be snowing outside but the planning has already begun for the 2012 Madison County Fair in Brookfield.  Mark you calendars now to check out one of the oldest and longest running county fairs in America.

_The Directors of the Madison County Fair are busy making plans for the 2012 Fair slated to take place July12th-15th. Over the recent long holiday weekend five members of the Madison County Fair Board traveled to Rochester to attend the 124th Annual New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention At the convention it was announced that once again the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) and New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA) are in process of accepting applications for their annual scholarship program, which will award up to ten $1,000 scholarships in 2012.
These scholarship are available to students who are New York State residents, who currently are (or have previously been) active in a fair that is a member of the NYSAAF or the NYSSA and who plan to attend (or already attend) college in pursuit of a degree. The fair where you have been active or the NYSSA must endorse your application and will submit it for you. Madison County Fair President, Jeff Mayne, will gladly accept applications at the Beaver Den Diner in Brookfield or mail to: Madison County Fair, PO Box 114, 1968 Fairgrounds Rd., Brookfield, NY 13314. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 13th.
For further information on the scholarship program and application forms, please visit

On Sunday, September 25th over 100 beautiful show vehicles cruised to the Madison County Fairgrounds in Brookfield to join in on “Just Cruise-In 2011”, an event that is held in conjunction with the Annual Wheel Days. The first 75 vehicles that arrived received dash plaques and goodie bags for their efforts. Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors, several cruisers won fantastic prizes during the hourly giveaways.
The vehicles fortunate enough to accumulate the most votes were rewarded with trophies. The Best of Show trophy winner was a 1957 Pontiac owned by Ray Smith of Oxford.
First place in the Driver’s Choice division was awarded to a 1935 Ford Sedan owned by Rich Penoyer of Cazenovia; the second place winner was a 1970 VW Beetle owned by Jan & Dutch Brown of Hamilton.
A 1972 Plymouth Duster owned by Terry & Denise Johnson of Earlville captured first place in the People’s Choice division and second place was awarded to a 1954 Lincoln owned by Bob Diable of Madison.
This year’s Sponsor Choice winner was a 1955 Ford Custom owned by Milt Shepler of Norwich.
The “Just Cruise-In” Pit Crew would like to thank all of our generous sponsors and participants for making this event possible, your time and efforts are truly appreciated.
For more photos and information about “Just Cruise-In” visit our facebook page: Just Cruise-In or email: tanet8@yahoo.com

By Karen Nowak

Greetings Madison County horse lovers!

Brookfield was the site of 2 trail rides from the Madison County Fairgrounds and the Beaver Creek Forest section of the state horse trail system the weekend of September 10th and 11th.

Saturday September 10th was the annual Jeffrey Dye Memorial Ride, which raises funds for the Leukemia Foundation. This event has been organized and managed for several years by Crystal Dye Cowen, in memory of her son. This very popular and well attended event is held every year on the 2nd Saturday of September. It includes a trail ride, scavenger hunt, poker run (jackpot), trail versatility class and lots of prizes. All proceeds go to the Leukemia Foundation.

The Brookfield Riding and Driving Association has become an affiliate member of ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association). On Sunday September 11th, we hosted our first ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge. For those not familiar with ACTHA, this nationwide organization was created to recognize trail riding as a sport. It has grown by leaps and bounds with rides in every state. ACTHA supports a number of charities with their percentage of the proceeds from each event – horse rescues, 4H and therapeutic riding centers.

A Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) is a trail ride competition that is a 6-10 mile trail ride with judged obstacles (mostly natural) along the way. Each obstacle has its own judge. Ribbons and prizes are given to 1st -6th place for each division. Jackpot cash is also awarded. Riders accumulate points from each ride and placing toward national medal awards – Bronze, Silver, Silver Elite, Gold, Platinum and Hall of Fame. These rides are a great way to meet new people, enjoy the beautiful scenery, test your skill and, most of all, have fun! For more information about the ACTHA program, go to their website: http://actha.us/faq

Our percentage of the proceeds from the ACTHA ride will be used for further improvement/maintenance of the Madison County Fairgrounds horse show arena and stables.

In 2012, we will be hosting the following events from the fairgrounds:

• 2 ACTHA rides
• A 3 show series, which includes the Madison County Fair horse show
• A driven dressage festival in June
• A dressage schooling show in May

The proceeds from all will benefit the horse show area at the Madison County Fairgrounds.

We have a fledgling website under construction: http://brda.us Watch for details on our upcoming events and shows!

Karen Nowak is the president of the Brookfield Riding and Driving Association. She may be reached at Knowak5170@aol.com

On a warm summer’s night 40 years ago a small group gathered at the Madison County Fairgrounds to ponder an idea. The group included the owners of a weight transfer machine (pulling sled) from the Norwich area along with Madison County Fair Board Members; Raymond Whitford, Raymond Morgan, Harry Larkin, Geoffrey Worden and Milton Jones. These men saw a need for an end of season event, a last hurrah of summer. The feature event would be Tractor Pulls; Stock, Modified, and Garden Tractors. The venue would also include a chicken BBQ, craft and flea markets, gas engine and antique car displays and live music. Raymond Morgan coined the name Wheel Day, thus the beginnings of an annual event that has survived the test of time.
The first year was a huge success with the chicken BBQ and one food stand unable to keep up with the demand of the hungry patrons. Many Community organizations set up fund raising booths such as the ring toss game and milk can ball throw. Currently and for the past several years the Brookfield Central School’s Senior Class has held an auction to help fund their class trip. The flea markets consisted of 90% antiques and the crafters wares ranged from chainsaw art to homemade fudge. Some of the vendors from the very first Wheel Day have consistently and to this day still participate.
For several years parking, gate and grandstand admission were all free of charge. Forty years later the parking and gate admission has remained free of charge, with the grandstand admission being only $5 to $6 dollars.
Various shows and events have come and gone throughout the years. There have been Pedal Tractor, Radio Controlled, and ATV pulls. Along with Antique Stock Car, Go Cart and Motorcycle Races. Thrill Shows and helicopter rides. In the mid 1980’s Wheel Day grew from a single day event into a weekend full of events to become Wheel Days.
Some of the names and faces have changed as the years have spun by, but Wheel Days remains much the same as its founding fathers envisioned it and is as popular today as it was in 1971. On Sept. 23rd- 25th Wheel Days will celebrate 40 years of wheel turning excitement.
Friday, Sept. 23rd at 6pm Fritz Polka Band will take the stage and at 7pm the Diesel Truck Pull will kick off a weekend full of events. Saturday, Sept. 24th at 9am the Gas Truck Pull ,10am Antique Tractor, Race Car, and Snowmobile Display and at 6pm the Demolition Derby and Rollover Contest followed by a Fireworks. Sunday, Sept.25th at 8am Tractor Pull , 10am Just Cruise-In Welcomes all Classic, Custom, Antique, Muscle Cars, Trucks, and Cycles, 12pm Chicken BBQ, and 1pm the Brookfield Central School’s Senior Class Auction. There will be live music, food and special events celebrating 40 years of Wheel Days the entire weekend.
For More Information on Events at the Madison County Fairgrounds visit us online at www.madisoncountyfairny.com or Friend us on Facebook “The Madison County Fair”

I'll be honest,we've slacked over the past week updating you with links about what is happening in the county.  A little vacation here, a little pile on the desk there and it is suddenly Friday.  So without further ado, here are some relevant links from around the interwebs this morning.Canal Fest Eventful Day in Chittenango (Oneida Daily Dispatch)  This event often gets lost as it is only two weeks after the annual Oz celebration, but this National Park recognized gem puts on a great event.

Cyclists Pedal Through Madison, Oneida Counties on Cycling the Erie Canal Tour (Oneida Daily Dispatch) Every year a group of bicyclists take a cross state tour along the Erie Canal. They passed through here yesterday. 

Madison County to Host CNY Firemen's Convention (Madison County Courier) This is a great opportunity for the Hamilton Area to show itself off.  There will be a lot of firemen in town this weekend and it should be a nice economic boost to the area.

Brookfield Speedway Drivers Take to the Track in Reunion (Madison County Courier) Another new event to the county fair was very well received.

Lorenzo Driving Competition in 35th Year (Madison County Courier) A fantastic event that allows us to stake our claim as Equine Alley.

Summer Cycling starts in Cazenovia (Cazenovia Republican) Share the roads with our bikers, the motorized ones and the leg powered ones too.

Last week saw the 172nd running of the Madison County Fair.  It was one of the biggest and best fairs in year.  You can check out a ton of pictures from the fair on their Facebook page. 

The Directors of the Madison County Fair would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors and patrons who assisted in making the 172nd edition of the Madison County Fair a tremendous success. Once again the Fair saw a gain in attendance with more than twenty thousand patrons passing through the gates.
The vital support of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, Madison County Courier, Madison County Tourism, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Youth Bureau and all of the County Offices that contributed to the success of the 2011 Fair is truly appreciated.
Yet again the Demo Derby proved to be a smashing success playing to a capacity crowd that sold out the grandstand in a little over an hour. The Truck Pull attracted a large number of participates that persevered into the early morning hours. After a hiatus of several years a number of cows, horses, goats, and sheep returned to the Fair to compete for prizes. The newly renovated horse arena was a big hit with the equine exhibitors and all of the livestock barns bustled with activity.
Plans have already begun for the 173rd edition that will take place on July 12-15, 2012. In the meantime preparations are underway for the 40th edition of Wheel Days that will take place Sept. 23-25 on Madison County Fairgrounds.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Madison County Fair or any of the events held on the Fairgrounds is encouraged to contact a Fair Board member.
For a more information visit us online at www.madisoncountyfairny.com
Friend us on facebook at “The Madison County Fair” or call (315) 899-5867

Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, cotton candy, the demolition derby. All things that make summertime county fairs great, right? Well, the folks at the Madison County Fair have been doing it right for over 170 years now and this year they have a lot of fun packed into 4 great days.

A short drive through the countryside can transport you to a place where $2 can purchase an entire day of exciting family entertainment. At the Madison County Fairgrounds in Brookfield, NY from July 7th-10th you can enjoy all the offerings of a traditional agricultural fair: animals, agricultural exhibits, midway, contests, pageants and shows.

Visit kangaroos, lemurs, leopards, tortoises, parrots and capuchin monkeys at the educational interactive show presented by the Two by Two Zoo. Enjoy a parade and then root for the firemen competing in a Push Ball Contest. Meet champion auto racers and listen to their stories at Brookfield Speedway Drivers Reunion. Experience the magic of an award-winning magician when Matt Episcopo takes the stage. Cheer on the CNY Garden Tractor Pullers as they go the distance. Dance to the beat of some of the numerous bands appearing on stage – My New Obsession Band, Nelson Brothers Band, Jason Wicks Band, Pulsate Classic Rock Band, and Virgil Cain One Man Band Performance. All of this and more for a mere $2 general admission fee (under age 5 free everyday; over age 60 free on July 8th).

For a few additional dollars, you can take a wild ride, enjoy some delicious fair cuisine, or take in one of the grandstand shows: truck pull, tractor pull, or King’s Smash’em Crash’em Demolition Derby & Rollover Contest. For a complete schedule of events visit us online at www.madisoncountyfairny.com, or for more information call (315) 899-5867.

We really are blessed in Central New York to have great farmers and innovative entrepreneurs.  A lot of the time they are the same people. The incredible growth of what I like to call the "niche" farm here in Madison County over the past 5 years has been exciting.  Today I'll share some links from around the internet to stories about some of those farms and the unique things they do.  It's our way to salute the farmers, since we understand without farmers, there would be no food.

Our Farm to Offer Rhubarb Year Round (Cazenovia Republican) Jimmy and Janine Golub have long been some of our best innovators in agri-tourism.  Here they tell the story of their new Rhubarb product.

Drover Hill Farm Produces Natural Beef (Syracuse.com) It is an article from 2009, but William and Stephanie can be found all over CNY selling their beef to restaurants and at farmer's markets.

Brookfield Farmers Offer Some Off the Beaten Trail Comfort (Syracuse.com) Endless Trail Farms hosted last year's Fresh! Gala.  The Post Standard did a story about their farm and B&B.
Dairy Farmers Team up to Add Value with Butter (Lancaster Farming) Four Madison County Dairy Farms, including the host for the 2011 Fresh! Gala have teamed together to offer grass fed butter.

Cornell Hops Specialist on Tap to Promote New York Beer Production (Ithaca Journal) We've covered this before, but not from the Ithaca Journal.

A short drive through the countryside can transport you to a place where $2 dollars can purchase an entire day of exciting family entertainment. At the Madison County Fairgrounds in Brookfield, NY from July 7th-10th you can enjoy all the offerings of a traditional agricultural fair; Animals, Agricultural Exhibits, Midway, Contest, Pageants, & Shows.
Come and experience the 172nd edition of the Madison County Fair for yourself. Visit kangaroos, lemurs, leopards, tortoises, parrots and capuchin monkeys at the educational interactive show presented by the Two by Two Zoo. Enjoy a Parade and then root for the Firemen competing in a Push Ball Contest. Meet Champion Auto Racers and listen to their stories at Brookfield Speedway Drivers Reunion. Experience the Magic of an award winning magician when Matt Episcopo takes the stage. Cheer on the CNY Garden Tractor Pullers as they go the distance. Dance to the beat of some of the numerous bands appearing on stage; My New Obsession Band, Nelson Brothers Band, Jason Wicks Band, Pulsate Classic Rock Band, and Virgil Cain One Man Band Performance. All of this and more for a mere $2 general admission fee (under age 5 free everyday/over age 60 free on July 8th).
For a few additional dollars you can take a wild ride, enjoy some delicious Fair cuisine, or take in one of the grandstand shows; Truck Pull, Tractor Pull, or King’s Smash’em Crash’em Demolition Derby & Rollover Contest.
For a complete schedule of events visit us online at www.madisoncountyfairny.com or for more information call (315) 899-5867.

One of the beautiful things about the internet is I can see how people get to this blog.  One of the most popular keywords lately has centered on the Horned Dorset Restaurant in Leonardsville.  If you don't know, this restaurant is a landmark and one of the best dining experiences I've ever enjoyed.  Unfortunately for aficionados of fine dining in Central New York, the Horned Dorset did not open this spring.  We have received many calls about it and from what we have learned there is hope for a renassiance, but not until next spring.  The owners of the restaurant are busy creating what they are calling an "artist colony" in Leonadsville, anchored by the Horned Dorset.  They tell me that is the focus this summer, and by this time next year we will be back to enjoying the wonderful foods created by their talented chefs.  Until then, we just have to wait.