OTISVILLE, NY — The first annual 4-H Farm and Family Fair took place this summer at the Education Center and 4-H Park. The fair was hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Orange County and Orange County 4-H, and it celebrated community, agriculture and family fun. 

Over the course of the three-day fair, thousands of fairgoers made their way to Otisville.

This year’s fair kicked off with a Touch-a-Truck and Movie Night, with a showing of a popular children’s film. The two events were sponsored by the Town of Mount Hope, Howells Fire District #1 and Suzie Q’s Cookies & Cream. Attendees brought their own blankets and chairs and could buy movie concessions, just like a drive-in.

This year, returning by popular demand, fairgoers had the opportunity to attend the fair for free and have free transportation to and from the fairgrounds, CCE said. Thanks to the 2026 New York State Agriculture & Markets Transportation for Youth Grant, CCE was able “to remove barriers and make it easier than ever for young people to explore farming, food production and rural traditions. Participants in this program had the opportunity to learn all about agriculture, gardening and nutrition, and participate in arts and crafts as well as a wellness activity. Those who participated in the program were provided with a free meal and had time to explore the fairgrounds before heading home.”

“We were so excited to be able to offer the ‘All Aboard to the Fair!’ experience and make it possible for even more families to enjoy everything the fair had to offer,” said Jill Van Aken, CCE Orange County’s development officer. “Seeing people come together, make memories and experience the fair was incredibly rewarding. We hope everyone who participated had a wonderful time and left with memories they’ll cherish for years to come.”

The 4-H Farm and Family Fair had a wide assortment of family-oriented activities and attractions. “There was delicious fair food, creative vendors of all sorts, and engaging entertainment such as the Watermelon Eating Contest, Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest, and great music from Midnight Slim & LaurieAnne, Tim VG & Crew, and Psalm 150s,” CCE said. 

On Saturday afternoon, a Celebration of Life event was held for Pam Castro. Castro, a former family and consumer sciences educator and a 4-H educator, passed away in October of last year. During the event, friends, family, and former coworkers could celebrate her life, share memories, and reflect on the lasting impact that she had on all who knew her, CCE said.

CCE Orange County also had different program tents around the fair, including the Affirmation Tent where families could rest, enjoy fun family activities and add a message to affirmation flags; Jack & Edie’s Family Fun Barn, where visitors can learn more about the food grown and produced in Orange County; the “Want to be a Farmer?” table, where folks could learn about how they could start an agricultural business; and SNAP-Ed NY’s “Market Sprouts” exhibit, which incorporated interactive nutrition education, cooking and a farmer’s-market shopping experience that allows kids to select ingredients to recreate recipes at home with their families.

The fair was a chance to explore the rich agricultural heritage of Orange County while enjoying a wide range of events and activities, CCE said. “A major highlight was the opportunity to support the talented youth of the Orange County 4-H program, who showcased the skills and knowledge they’ve developed throughout the year.”

Seventy youth participants, including Cloverbuds, had 482 impressive projects exhibited, with over 72 advancing to the New York State Fair. 

The fair also featured a variety of animal and livestock shows—including dairy cattle, dogs, sheep, horses and poultry—during which 4-H members demonstrated expert care and handling. Spectators not only learned about proper animal management but also honored the hard work of these young participants.

If you have any questions about the 4-H Farm and Family Fair, call CCE Orange County at 845/344-1234.