Sinclairville Holds 23rd History Fair | News, Sports, Jobs – Jamestown Post Journal
At left are pastor Brandon Mecham, Larry Barmore, president of the Valley Historical Society, and David Christy at the opening ceremony of the 23rd Sinclairville History Fair. Distributing balloons are Carol Barmore, Candy Anderson and Bryan Hann. Photo by John Sipos
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SINCLAIRVILLE — On Saturday, the 23rd annual history fair in Sinclairville was held. The event is sponsored by the village of Sinclairville, the town of Charlotte, and the Valley Historical Society, which is the official historical society of the Cassadaga Valley area.
The president of the historical society is Larry Barmore who is the “spark plug” of the annual event. Barmore works with the village with planning and lining up vendors, music, crafters, and food stands. Barmore and his wife, Carol, are thanked for all of their efforts and have taken charge of all 23 history fairs.
During the day, the village was crowded with hundreds of people who took part in one or more of the many activities.
The event began early in the morning with a breakfast by the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels staff in the village firehall dining room. At 9:30 a.m., a memorial service with Master of Ceremonies David Christy giving a blessing for the community and the nation. Christy then introduced Pastor Brandon Mecham, who gave some Sinclairville history from 1809, messages and prayer.
The grand parade was held with the New York State Police and the Chautauqua County sheriff’s cars leading the event. Sheriff James Quattrone and County Executive PJ Wendel led the participants of the parade. The Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Honor Guard then followed with the flags being held by Joshua Snyder and Diman Smith. Following was Steve Lehnen driving an old military jeep.
Carol Barmore was next in her sports car passing out candy. Jim White, dressed in a Revolutionary outfit, was next sporting his old rifle. Doug and Alba Arters were next for the SAR with the the wives of the SAR Bible study. Next were the the Cassadaga Valley football cheerleaders and the Midget Cougars Football team. The float from the Park United Methodist Church was next followed by one of the delivery vans from the Sinclairville 76ers meals on wheels program.
A float of the Sinclairville Free Library was next. Vehicles from the Sinclairville Fire Department and the Cassadaga Fire Department were next. The Olive Lodge Masons of Sherman held a go-cart demonstration. A group of custom choppers were next followed by classic automobiles.
One of the Cassella trucks took part and concluded with the Cracker Jack Farms carriage.
Johnny Swanson was recognized for his patriotic silo.
During the day, visitors had the opportunity to tour the Valley Historical Society museum, seeing hand spinner Susan Sipos spinning yarn on her spinning wheel, walk through the village park with vendors of crafters and food, see the magician Mark Parsons at the library, and hear music at the bandstand by various musical groups.
Tracy McDonald was in charge of the vendors. The musical groups included Doug and Rick, Jamestown Harmony Express, a karaoke contest led by Judy Porpiglia Rice and the Rustic Ramblers.
There was a historic tour of Evergreen Cemetery with a wagon provided by Rodgers and Sons, with the tractor being driven by Bob Sharp. The pie contest had many entries, and the dog show led by Lori Brockelbank had prizes donated by the Ralston Purina Co. The beautiful babies contest was held in the firehall, conducted by Candy Anderson. The classic car truck and cycle cruise in was conducted by Charles Bellardo. Helen Runge was in charge of the 50-50 tickets and drawing with the help of Art Anderson.
The noon chicken barbecue was held in the fire hall dining room by the Sinclairville Library and the Sinclairville Fire Department. Food vendors included the 3C’s, Bubba, Meli, the Barber Shoppers. The day concluded with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Many thanks to the Sinclairville Village maintenance staff, Tyler Worden, June Woollett, Gayle McKinney, Charles Sylvester, Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson, Phil and Sherry Shay, Dean Houser, Linda Lanphere, Peter Skillman, Victor Richardson, Susan Sipos, Evelyn Thorndike, John Sipos, and Bill Hulett for the many hours of work to make this event a success.
A special thanks to the village of Sinclairville, the town of Charlotte, the Sinclairville Fire Department, Jordan Forest Products, Fredrickson Builders Supply, Gay Mark Tire and Wheel, Ainsley Smith, Sinclairville Superette, James and Darla Kianos, and Strate Welding, for their financial assistance.
The 2024 History Fair will be held on the second Saturday in September.