By Barbara Arnstein
At the 183rd Cattaraugus County Fair in Little Valley, NY, there’s a lot of free entertainment included with admission, and most of it is new. The schedule includes a new act from Areli Equine Entertainment, Swifty Swine and the Racing Pigs, Flying Cortes Acrobatic Act, Lindy Wormwood variety performer, Magic by Lance Gifford, the new Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, comedy, games, juggling and more.
Lindy Wormwood is a tightrope walker, and aerialist whose skills include performing bullwhip stunts and playing the musical saw. “My goal is to bring people together”, she said about her performing. “It’s about that beautiful moment when people start laughing together and connecting. Walking on a tightrope is a reminder to stay playful, find balance and enjoy the adventure.” The Flying Cortes family of acrobats won the prestigious Golden Elephant at the International Festival Du Massy, in France. The racing pigs are hams, and with cheering crowds always egging them on, they race for rewards of Oreos. 
On Thursday, August 6th, CS Pulling Promotions is presenting the Truck & Tractor Pull at 7pm, Tickets are $11.60, and the doors will open at 6pm. On Friday, August 7th, the Monster Truck Rally will happen at 7pm. The tickets for it are also $11.60, and the doors also open at 6pm. On Saturday, August 8th, the afternoon Monster Truck Rally will begin at 1:30pm. The tickets will be $11.60 and the doors will open at 12:30. The CS Pulling Promotions Truck& Tractor Pull will take place at 6pm.
There will be various exhibits and animal events, including, on Friday, August 7th, the Barnyard Olympics, in the Dairy Arena; plus the Animal Sounds and Rooster Crowing Contest, and the Costume Class (All Species). The All-Breed Horse Show takes place between August 7th and August 9th, judged by Maureen Quackenbush. Among the many trophies and ribbons that will be awarded will be the Charles M. Simkins Trophy, for the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, and the John B. Sanborn Trophy, for the Western Seat Equitation Championship. The Agriculture Discovery tent is open from noon-7pm.
The foods at the fair will include pizza, fried dough, pies, ice cream, taffy, and candy apples. The Little Valley Fire Department will be serving Italian sausage sandwiches and curly fries. The fairgrounds are located at 501 Erie Street in Little Valley, NY. The gates open at 8am and the Midway rides open at 1pm. For more information, go to CattaraugusCoFair.com, email info@cattarauguscofair.com, or call (716) 938-9146.