Steuben County Fair set for Aug. 14-19
The annual Steuben County fair may be traced to the first Bath Fair, organized by Col. Charles Williamson, who staged what he liked to call a "World's Fair" on his Pulteney land tract in 1795. More than 1,000 people attended that event, a substantial number considering the times, and the fair was held again the following year before subsequent interest diminished.

PHOTO PROVIDED TO THE COURIER Two young teens enjoy themselves at the Steuben Country Fair last year.

BATH - Country music and demolition derbies return to the Steuben County Fairgrounds when the 2007 Steuben County Fair opens Aug. 19.

Making its debut at the fairgrounds, the Burnin' Hills Band will bring its unique blend of classic and oldies rock, rhythm and blues and country to the grandstand area at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Burnin' Hills has played with star performers Johnny Paycheck, Diamond Reo and John Conlee, and the band has recorded more than 17 albums and CDs.

Two familiar faces also will perform at the fair: Barbara Fairchild and Leroy Van Dyke will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Van Dyke, famous for the hits "Auctioneer" and "Walk on by," continues performing after more than four decades in the entertainment business. Fairchild meanwhile has appeared on "The Tonight Show," "Hee Haw," and most recently the threepart TNN special "A Country Homecoming," hosted by Ralph Emery.

The county fair this year also will feature its second talent show, with area amateur artists performing at 2 p.m. at the grandstand.

Leroy Van Dyke

Horse shows and competitions, pie and watermelon eating contests, the annual 4-H auction and, of course, Rosaire's Royal Racing Pigs are returning to the fair, as is Roberts Demolitions Derby, with races scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16 and 4 p.m. on the Aug. 19 closing day.

For more information visit or call the fairgrounds office at 776-4801.

Burnin' Hill's Band Steven & Rudy Gatlin Barbara Fairchild