‘Lifelong memories are made every year’

CAIRO―Back in 1949, Durham farmer Alfred Partridge organized a 4-H Club Fair at the Sutton Hollow School in Ashland. Little did he know that from this small beginning the Greene County Youth Fair would grow into the showcase that it is today.

The 72nd Greene County Youth Fair wrapped up on Sunday after four days of animals, exhibits and entertainment at Angelo Canna Town Park. It is estimated that around 20,000 people come out to the fair, but organizers don’t have an exact count―because there are no tickets. It remains the last fair in New York State to offer free admission.

Alex Johnk, who has served as president of the Greene County Agricultural Society for the last nine years, said Monday that, in his opinion, it was by far the best fair they have put on.

“The weather was absolutely perfect and that brought out great crowds.  We had an amazing slate of entertainment and are already planning additional activities for next year,” said Johnk.

Originally from Iowa, Johnk grew up on his family’s farm. Today, he and his wife Becky own and operate Johnk Family Farm in Greenville with their daughter Rainy.

On Thursday, during the opening ceremony of the fair, Johnk was honored with the inaugural Adult-to-Youth Service Award, presented by Greene County to recognize those who have dedicated outstanding efforts as role models for kids and given of their time, energy and heart to better the lives of children.

“I have loved farming for as long as I can remember. I am proud to be able to work in such a capacity to be able to encourage our youth to have that same excitement for farming and to potentially come back and continue to strengthen agriculture in Greene County,” he said, thanking both the Greene County Agricultural Society board for their tireless efforts and county legislators for continuing to invest in the fair.

“I’ve been involved long enough now that I have watched many of these kids grow up and become active members of our communities,” Johnk added. "If all of us donate some time back we build and strengthen our local communities.  From town board members to little league coaches to girl scouts, we have many great groups and people in our communities.”

“I am just so happy that I have found my little corner of the world that I can continue to have a positive impact on,” he said.

For Johnk and the nearly three dozen board members of the Greene County Agricultural Society who dedicate hours upon hours of time year-round, the mission is to celebrate the achievements of local kids who will carry on the county’s proud agricultural legacy.

Over the years, longtime board members like Patty Ross of Earlton have watched many exhibitors, including her own children, grow into successful young adults.  

“In addition to having old-fashioned fun running around with fair friends, kids learn responsibility of caring for their animals,” said Ross. “They encourage each other to try their best.  Sportsmanship is huge―each exhibitor fully supports others no matter how they place.”  

“Lifelong memories are made every year,” she added.

The agricultural industry has visibly changed over the years, not only in Greene County, but across the nation. New York State has lost more than 65% of its total farms in the last century. Around 1880, Greene County was home to more than 3,200 farms, encompassing nearly a quarter of a million acres. When the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its last Census of Agriculture in 2022, it showed 201 farms across the county on about 30,000 total acres.  

But what has not declined is the passion exhibited by both local organizers and the kids who raise animals―some on farms, some in their backyards―and complete projects―everything from sewing and baking to growing vegetables―to show off for four days each July. And Johnk says the fair is growing.

“Our livestock and static exhibit numbers are up and there is a large group of younger kids coming up through the ranks,” he said. “I foresee our numbers continuing to grow.”  

“Agriculture may not be as prevalent in our rural communities as it once was, but this year’s fair shows that young people still have a strong interest in it.  That is very promising,” said Janet Partridge of Durham, a longtime board member and daughter-in-law of Alfred Partridge.

Alfred Partridge, who passed away in 1998, devoted much of his time to volunteering―whether as a 4-H leader or through Farm Bureau and his cattle associations, she noted.

“I know he would be proud of the volunteers who helped make this year’s fair such a success,” said Janet Partridge.

Over the years, thousands of kids have participated in the youth fair that has been held in Ashland, Jewett, Windham, Durham and, since 1995, in Cairo.

“Alfred would be thrilled to see all of the exhibits on display, especially the animals,” said Janet Partridge.

“Farming was his life, and seeing so many young people working alongside friends and family to care for their animals and enjoy the fair together would bring a big smile to his face,” she said.