Photograph by John Sipos At the Sinclairville 24th annual History Fair, the Memorial service prior to the parade was conducted by David Christy, Pastor Brandon Mecham, Pastor Joe Pascoe, and former village mayor Dean Houser.

SINCLAIRVILLE — The 24th annual History Fair was held in Sinclairville, the “heart of the county.”

Sinclairville was founded in 1809. The event was sponsored by the village of Sinclairville, the town of Charlotte and the Valley Historical Society.

The historical society is the official historical organization of the Cassadaga Valley area, and was organized in 1977. The museum is located at the corner of Main and Lester Streets in the village.

The president of the Valley Historical Society is Larry Barmore. Barmore is the “spark plug” of this event, and works with the village planning the busy day. Barmore lines up the vendors, the musical groups, crafters and food stands. Barmore and his wife, Carol, were thanked for all of their efforts, and both have taken charge of all 24 history fairs.

During the day, which began at 7 a.m., the village was filled with hundreds of people who took part in one or more of the many activities. The day’s activities lasted until the fireworks display by Young’s Explosives at the village park at 9 p.m.

At 7 a.m. the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels staff held a pancake breakfast in the fire hall dining room. At 9:30 a.m., a Memorial Service was held with Master of Ceremonies David Christy giving a blessing for the community and nation. The Memorial Service began with the ringing of the Church bell next to the museum by Daryl France.

Former Pastor Jim Bailey said the Church began as a Congregational Church in 1845 and changed to the Park Church in 1945. The bell had not been rung in over 20 years. Christy then introduced Pastor Joe Pascoe and Pastor Brandon Mecham, who both gave some Sinclairville history, messages and prayer.

The grand parade began at 10 a.m. with the New York State Police and Chautauqua County Sheriff”s cars leading the parade. Sheriff James Quattrone and County Executive PJ Wendel led the many participants. The Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Sons of the American Legion Honor Guard followed carrying the flags. Jim White dressed in his Revolutionary outfit followed carrying his old rifle. The Chautauqua County Trolley was also a part of the parade.

A break in the parade was when Sinclairville Mayor James Kianos stopped all to present a Proclamation honoring Eric L. Spinler for all of his involvement with the community. Following was Carol Barmore in her sports car passing out candy to the spectators. Then there were fire trucks from surrounding areas, the Sinclairville Free Library Float, the Cassadaga Valley cheerleaders and Cassadaga Valley Midget Cougar football team, Doug Arters of the SAR, one of the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels delivery vans, many tractors and many classic automobiles. In the parade was the Cracker Jack Farms carriage and horses.

During the day, the museum was open for visitors, and inside were Susan Sipos spinning yarn on her spinning wheel, historical secretary Evelyn Thorndike crocheting “a rather difficult pattern,” and Sheryl Christy making butter with some old kitchen tools.

Those attending had the opportunity to walk through the park seeing the many vendors of crafters and food, the musical groups of the Harmony Express, The Rustic Ramblers, the Scroggins, and the group called Two for Flinching.

Visitors had the opportunity to ride on the Cracker Jack Farms carriage, the trolley, and take a cemetery tour. In the library were the ventriloquist and the face painter. The Bounce About was available for all. Helium balloons were passed out to many.

Tracy McDonald was in charge of the many vendors. Judy Porpiglia was in charge of the pie contest, and Lori Brockelbank was in charge of the dog show with prizes donated by Ralston Purina Co. The beautiful baby contest was held in the firehall and Michelle Hitchcock was in charge. The classic car and cycle cruise-in was conducted by Charles Bellardo, with trophies donated by the Village of Sinclairville. Helen Runge was in charge of the 50-50 drawing.

The noon chicken barbecue was held in the firehall dining room by the Sinclairville Library and the Sinclairville Fire Department. Food vendors included the 3C’s, Bubba, Meli, and the Barber Shoppers.

Thanks were offered to the Village of Sinclairville for the posters, the Village of Sinclairville maintenance staff, Tyler Worden, June Woollett, Gayle McKinney, Susan Sipos, Charles Sylvester, Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson, Dean Houser, Judge Jeff Crossley, Evelyn Thorndike, Sheryl Christy, John Sipos, Bonnie Larkin, Walter Waite, Carol Barmore, Rick and Debbie Runge Meder, Larry and Carol Barmore, Helen Runge, Lucille France, Paul and Sandy Derkovitz, and Bill Hulett for the many hours of work to make this event a success.

Additional praise was offered to the Village of Sinclairville, the town of Charlotte, the Sinclairville Fire Department, Fredrickson Builders Supply, Gay Mark Tire and Wheel, James and Darla Kianos and Strate Welding for their financial assistance.

The 25th History Fair will be held on the second Saturday in September 2024.