BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Steuben County Fair has been a Southern Tier summer sight to see since the late 1800s. The Fair kicked into their longest running streak starting in 1819. Since then, the fair continually adapts and locals pour in to visit every Summer.

"Well, we're the original fair in New York State dating back to 1795 and 1796, and then we've been continuously running ever since 1819, which makes us the oldest continuously running fair in the United States," explains The Steuben County Fair Manager, Nick Pelham. 

Bath's Fair has racked up 204 years of tradition, fun, and memories. When the fair began in 1819, there were nine categories for cattle, sheep, and produce to be judged for a prize. In 2023, the County Fair is a tad bit different with more desserts like the fried dough, or rides that require a seat belt. 

"We come to this almost every year now. I'm doing it with my granddaughter and grandson," Tammy Perkins, Grandmother, shares. 

Tammy brought her Grand kids for the last day of the 2023 fair. She came with the two kids to keep up a tradition, she began as a kid.

"What are you most looking forward to doing here?" asked WENY's Max Coven, Perkins's grandson excitedly pointed and said, "Spaceship." 

The annual fair is a tradition for a lot of people like Tammy Perkins and people across New York State. As the pumpkin breeze comes with the autumn leaves, coming to the Steuben County Fair was a perfect way to end Summer 2023 on a high note. 4-H plays a big role across Twin Tier County Fairs, and the organization looks to promote positive youth development, mentorship, and education for kids in the area to grow in their community.

"These are Jacob's sheep, they're a species where they have like big horns or little horns. they're a wool breed," Olivia Hakes, 4-H participant explains. 

Oscar is not the Fair's security guard, Oscar is not a type of fried dough or a ride at the Steuben County Fair. The robot is a friendly participant, and it offers heartfelt, fun, and inclusive conversations with everyone. Speaking of Fried Dough, Oscar told WENY News they highly recommend we try it out.

"Now listen,  you're gonna get to get some food, right?" WENY said we would try and Oscar requested, "Well, I'd like the, I like the grease when you're done, but I, I love it. It's delicious," Oscar explained. 

While the fair is slowly closing down for the year, it will be back in Summer 2024.

"Actually, yeah, we're already starting to plan the next year's fair. We're looking to,  increase our ground acts a little bit more. We're looking at the Grandstand shows and see what we can improve there," added Pelham. 

The fair ran from Tuesday, August 14th through Sunday, August 20th. Pelham and his team cannot wait to bring the fair home for the 205th year.