Where in the ADK? Essex County Fairgrounds
The historic property in the northeastern Adirondack Park is the site of many festivals and events throughout the year.
Historic Floral Hall on the Essex County Fairgrounds
This week’s “Where in the ADK?” comes from outside historic Westport, NY, in the Lake Champlain region in the northeast Adirondacks. It’s the Essex County Fairgrounds,
Elkanah Watson organized the first Essex County-Clinton County Fair. It was held on Port Kent Road, on the plains east of the Town of Keeseville. The most important event was horse racing, which is still a component of the fair.
Grandstand at Essex County Fairgrounds
In 1850 Essex and Clinton Counties separated, and the Essex County Fair moved to Elizabethtown. It was held annually until 1865. In 1865, the fair committee moved the fair to Westport, closer to Lake Champlain. They hoped that the accessibility of lake transportation would boost attendance.
During 1885-1889, various parcels were purchased by the Essex County Agricultural Society for $1,500 to form the present grounds. An additional $1,700 was spent to erect a horse track and buildings. Many buildings have been added to the fairgrounds since then.
The Grand Stand and the Agricultural Center were built just after the turn of the century. In 1985 the historic structures on the fairground were inventoried for the New York State Parks and Recreation Division for Historic Preservation. In 2004, Floral Hall was completely renovated, keeping its historic look.
Play our weekly scavenger hunt.
"Where in the ADK?" is our virtual scavenger hunt. Every Wednesday, we post a picture of a place in the Adirondacks on Instagram and Facebook and invite our followers to guess where it is. It's a great way to discover new and noteworthy places in the Adirondacks. Follow us and play along.
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