New Fair exhibit will take you back in time

The Erie County Fair marketing manager Mary Biniasz says, "You can't tell the story of the Fair without telling the story of it's past."

That's why he put together a loving look back at the Fair's 177 plus years. It is housed in the Octagon Building, the oldest structure on the Fairgrounds. The building was original the "Women's Department" and what would eventually become the Creative Arts.

The new Erie County Fair History and Heritage Center is a treasure trove of photos, artifacts, memories and fun facts. There's a tribute to the Menches Brother, who invented the hamburger at the Fair in the 1800s, and a special salute to the James E. Strates Shows, which have been associated with the Fair for 93 years.

There is a tribute to Ramblin' Lou Shriver, who passed away earlier this year, that details his 51 years of performing at the Fair and includes his guitar and one of his rhinestone suits.

The History and Heritage Center will be open daily through the run of the Fair.