Photograph by Susan Sipos
At the Sinclairville 25th annual History Fair, the Memorial service prior to the parade was conducted by Pastor Brandon Mecham, former village mayor and now village trustee Dean Houser, treasurer John Sipos, David Christy, and Sinclairville Mayor James Kianos.
SINCLAIRVILLE — The 25th annual History Fair was held recently in the “heart of the county.”
Sinclairville was founded in 1809. The event is sponsored by the village, 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 late John and Ruth Smith wanted the history of the Cassadaga Valley preserved and formed the historical society. Two of the original members Walter Waite and William Hulett continue to participate in the activities of the society. The museum is located at the corner of Main and Lester Streets in the Sinclairville village.
The president of the Valley Historical Society is Larry Barmore. Barmore has been the “spark plug” of these annual events, and works with the village planning the busy day. This year, former village mayor and now a village trustee, Dean Houser worked with Barmore to line up the vendors, the musical groups, crafters and food stands.
Barmore and his wife Carol were thanked for all of their years of work, and both have participated in all 25 history fairs. It was in 1999 that Barmore approached the village officials and wanted to try a history fair, which has continued to this day.
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 special fireworks display by Young’s Explosives at the village ballpark at 9 p.m.
At 7 a.m., the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels personnel 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 history for the community and nation. The Memorial Service then continued with Pastor Brandon Mecham presenting more history and then a prayer.
John Sipos, who has served as the society’s treasurer for 25 years led all in the pledge to the American Flag. George Miller sang the National Anthem with his booming voice. Houser then gave the history of the historical events reading a copy of the first history fair poster. Keith Barmore set up his sound system for announcements. Doug Goodwill was in charge of registration.
The grand parade began at 10 a.m. with the New York State Police and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s cars leading the parade. The Village officials wanted to express their thanks to Barmore for his many years of work with the historical group, and so declared this day as Larry Barmore day in the Village.
Mayor of Sinclairville James Kianos presented to Barmore a proclamation at the beginning of the parade and read it loudly for all to hear. Barmore responded by saying “I love you all and thank you for supporting our history fairs.” The Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 Sons of the American Legion Honor Guard followed carrying the flags.
The honor guard included Diman Smith, Josh Spinler and Ben Tadt. The members in the military and first responders were honored, a tradition since the 9/11 attack. Then there were members of the SAR, including president Jeff Crossley, Doug Arters, and Jim White. White was dressed in a Revolutionary outfit.
Then there were fire trucks from surrounding areas, the Sinclairville Free Library Float, the Cassadaga Valley cheerleaders and Cassadaga Valley Midget Cougar football team, 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,” Sheryl Christy making butter with some old kitchen tools, and member Ann Hellman demonstrating crocheting. A new addition to the museum was a display of Bill Frost memorabilia donated by Lucille Frost, which included some of his ropes, shirts, hat and many photographs. Those attending had the opportunity to walk through the park seeing the many vendors of crafters and food, the musical groups of Paul Zittle Pure Country Band, The Rustic Ramblers, the Scroggins, and the DJ Felony with Keith Barmore. Visitors had the opportunity to ride on the Cracker Jack Farms carriage, and take a cemetery tour riding on another of the Cracker Jack Farm wagons. In the library were the ventriloquist Chris Blakeslee 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 “Grandma’s Fruit Pie” contest, with the pie winners being Helen Runge, Amanda Myles, Wendy M., and Bobbi Jo Swan. 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 were donated by the Village of Sinclairville. Helen Runge was in charge of the 50/50 drawing. Strate Welding provided helium for the many balloons given to the children.
The noon chicken barbecue by the Sinclairville Fire Department, was held in the firehall dining room with profits going to the Sinclairville Library. Food vendors included the 3C’s, Charlie Meli, Warren Reed Ice Cream, Don Benice Italian Sausage, and Leonard Popcorn.
Many thanks to the Village of Sinclairville for the printed posters, the Village of Sinclairville maintenance staff, the Sinclairville Fire Department, Tyler Worden, June Woollett, Susan Sipos, Betty Jean Ridout, Lois Anderson, Dean Houser, Judge Jeff Crossley, Evelyn Thorndike, Sheryl Christy, Ann Hellman, Laura Bardo, Larry and Carol Barmore, 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, and Fredrickson Builders Supply for their financial assistance.