The Niagara County Fair has always had a progressive approach to entertaining fairgoers.

But this annual event, which opens Wednesday, Aug. 3, for a five-day run on the fairgrounds in Lockport, also differs from others, says Linda Conlin of the Niagara County Fair Committee.

It is not a "commercial fair," she says, but instead extends the mission of its promoting organization -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County -- to better the community by furthering environmental, local and health research and education. According to Conlin, these help influence the fair's own mission of providing a "family affair where everything is family appropriate and enjoyable for all."

The fair's entertainment offerings include traditional favorites, such as rides, food, fireworks and games, but also "eclectic" ones that appeal to Niagara County residents, Conlin says.

A Statement Rel;eased by Erie County Sheriffs Department

Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard is announcing the arrest of two Rochester men for possession of nearly four ounces of suspected heroin last night at around 7:30 in the parking lot of a hotel near Main Street and Transit Road in Clarence.

22 year old Juan Perez of Hartsdale Road, Rochester and 39 year old Jose Vazquez of Plymouth Street, Rochester were charged with criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell (B- Felony); criminal possession of a controlled substance/narcotic (B-Felony) and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Detectives from the Erie County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Squad have had the above named subjects under surveillance for the past month.  The defendants were stopped in their vehicle at said location when the arrests were made.

The annual Annunciation Church Picnic, a fun-filled family event featuring great food, rides, raffles, music, specialty booths and much more, will take place Aug. 19-21 on the parish grounds at 7580 Clinton St. in Elma. 

The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, with a delicious fish fry, a classic car show from 6 to 9 p.m. and music by Hit ‘n Run from 7 to 11 p.m. under the beer tent.

Activities on Saturday, Aug. 20, will kick off at 1 p.m. and will include a pork chop dinner at 4 p.m., ride specials, and Irish/Celtic music by The Leftovers from 1 to 4 p.m. and country hits by the Whiskey River Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Both bands will perform under the beer tent. Volunteers will also be serving Annunciation’s famous clam chowder throughout the day!