Grahamsville Little World’s Fair Celebrates Farming Heritage and 4-H Youth in the Catskills

One of the region’s most anticipated events — the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair — returns August 15–17, bringing with it a showcase of 4-H exhibits, livestock competitions, artisan markets, and the highly anticipated agricultural product auction.

The Grahamsville Little World’s Fair, one of the oldest country fairs in New York, has been a cherished tradition for generations. For members of the Small Town Country 4-H Club in Hortonville, the fair is the culmination of a year’s worth of work raising animals, creating handmade goods, and preparing projects for public display.

“It’s like the grand finale of the 4-H year,” said club leader Jenny Phelps. “The kids are bringing all their hard work to the public, and it’s an incredible opportunity for the community to support the next generation of farmers.”

Livestock and Auction Highlights
Among the standout events is the 4-H Livestock and Agricultural Product Auction, taking place Sunday, August 17 at 1 p.m. in the Upper Ring. This auction features everything from market lambs and turkeys to honey, eggs, and fresh farm products.

Club member Maylie Phelps is entering a market lamb along with honey and eggs from her family’s farm, established in 1932.

“The judges look at the structure of the animal, the weight, and how well it’s trained for showing,” she explained. “For eggs, size and shape matter, and the color depends on the breed of chicken.”

Fellow member Alice Furber is entering a trio of turkeys — one male and two females — along with a pig.

“For turkeys and pigs, the judges look at size, weight, and body structure,” Furber said, noting she has earned several first-place ribbons in past competitions.

Artisan Market and Youth Projects
Beyond livestock, the fair’s Artisan Market will feature still exhibits showcasing months of creative work by local youth. Visitors can expect to see jewelry, paintings, pottery, woodworking, and other handmade crafts.

“Some of our members are selling their creations,” said Furber. “They’ve worked so hard, and it’s exciting to see people buy and appreciate them.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers
Phelps emphasized the importance of community support during the auction.

“Every bid you place goes directly back to the youth,” she said. “Eighty-five percent of the funds go to the kids to fund future projects and help reach college goals. The remaining 15 percent supports a scholarship fund for all 4-H members.”

The Grahamsville Little World’s Fair runs Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17 at the fairgrounds in Grahamsville, Sullivan County.

For more information, visit the Small Town Country 4-H Club’s Facebook page or the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair website.

Image: (left to right) Small Town Country 4-H Club Leader Jenny Phelps, and club members Alice Ferber and Maylie Phelps. (Credit: Mimi Bradley)