Posted on July 27, 2018
WHAT: James E. Strates Shows Fair Train Arrives in Western New York. This is the last remaining railroad carnival in North America
WHEN: Wednesday, August 1st
TIME: 11a
WHERE: Former Erie Railroad Depot, Union & Scott Street, Village of Hamburg
For generations, the annual arrival of the James E. Strates Shows train has been a highly anticipated occasion for fairgoers and enthusiasts of Americana. The movement of the colorful freight train filled with wagons and amusement rides into the Village of Hamburg is a signal that opening day of the Erie County Fair is just a week away.
On Wednesday, August 1st the Fair Train will arrive at the historic Erie Railroad Depot in Hamburg as the Strates Shows begins its 94th season with the Erie County Fair. The depot is located at the corner of Union and Scott Streets (4 Scott Street). The train will arrive at 11am.
The train will begin the final leg of its journey to Hamburg using Buffalo Southern Railroad trackage. As the train arrives at the depot it will be greeted by the Erie County Fair Marching Band, Fair Bear and Erie County Fair officials. This year the Fair is celebrating its 150th year being held in Hamburg.
The exclusive relationship between the Erie County Fair and the Strates Shows is considered a historical milestone in the modern amusement industry as it is considered the longest continuous run of any carnival midway in the United States.
