LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Sara-
toga County Agricultural Society in Ballston Spa, New York

WHEREAS, The state's agricultural societies work to preserve and enhance
agriculture, farming and related businesses in New York through educa-
tional, informational, and promotional programs, as well as by holding
fairs and festivals that empower communities to attract new visitors and
capitalize on local commercial and cultural value; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support organizations of significance which contribute to the education,
entertainment and vitality of the communities they serve and which exem-
plify the history and development of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 175th Anniversary of the Saratoga County Agricultural Society
in Ballston Spa, New York; this auspicious milestone will be recognized
on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, and will celebrate the history, traditions
and legacy of this renowned organization; and
WHEREAS, Formed in Ballston Spa in 1841, the Saratoga County Agricul-
tural Society presents the Saratoga County Fair each year which pre-
dates most of the agricultural fairs in New York State and even the
nation; and
WHEREAS, Guided by a 21-member Board of Directors, the Saratoga County
Agricultural Society is an organization made up entirely of volunteers,
a few dozen volunteer ad hoc teams, and a small group of employees who
work varying schedules throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, The founding fathers of the Saratoga County Agricultural
Society represented each Town in Saratoga County, with the first Presi-
dent of the Society being Howell Gardiner of Greenfield; Gardiner was
also a Justice of the Peace for two decades, was elected to the New York
State Assembly three times between 1815 and 1831, and was also a member
of the Electoral College, casting his vote for James Monroe to be the
5th U.S. President; his involvement in the Saratoga County Agricultural
Society over 17 decades ago set the stage for active participation by
government representatives, business leaders, educators, and agricultur-
alists today; and
WHEREAS, During its first 50 years, the Fair was hosted by Ballston
Spa, Mechanicville, and Saratoga Springs; one of the two Saratoga City
locations, Glen Mitchell, featured its own rail spur and hotel in the
area just off North Broadway which is roughly where the Maple Avenue
Middle School is located today; finally, in the late 1880s, the Fair's
location was permanently established high above the Village of Ballston
Spa where the Saratoga County Agricultural Society owns and maintains
almost 80 acres of exposition and parking facilities in Saratoga County;
and
WHEREAS, Many individuals and families associated with the Fair
throughout its history were also influential in the development of Sara-
toga County in general including the Curtis, Merchant, Wiswall, West,
McGregor, Collamer, Batchellor, Kilmer, Ellsworth, Vischer, King,
Middlebrook, MacElroy, Droms, and Clements families; the Fair's histor-
ical records reveal many prominent individuals whose names today identi-
fy current roads, landmarks, buildings and destinations throughout Sara-
toga County; and
WHEREAS, Involvement in the Saratoga County Fair is a true family
tradition; names that have been associated with the Fair for many gener-
ations include Merchant, Middlebrook, Curtis, and Armer, to name a few;

currently, there has been an Armer family member on the board of Direc-
tors since the mid-1940s; and
WHEREAS, The Saratoga County Agricultural Society is dedicated to not
only showcasing the accomplishments of each year's participants in a
wide range of competitions, but also in serving as an educational
resource about the history of Saratoga County and offering a glimpse
into its future; and
WHEREAS, Not only does the Saratoga County Fair offer rides, games,
demo derbies, tractor pulls, exhibitions, chainsaw carvers, musical
entertainment, culinary demonstrations, local crafters, athletic and
animal competitions, myriad choices of food and more, but participants
become part of a tradition that spans over eight generations of Saratoga
County families; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of President Chuck
Curtiss, the Saratoga County Agricultural Society serves as a vital
institution and continues to leave its indelible imprint on the history
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
significant impact that the Saratoga County Agricultural Society has had
on individuals and families, and the invaluable experiences, services,
entertainment, educational and cultural enrichment it has provided to
residents of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the Saratoga County Agricultural Society's
rich legacy and enduring contribution to the heritage of the State of
New York, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to join in the cele-
bration to ensure that present and future generations may come to appre-
ciate the unique significance which its history plays in the progression
of our State and Nation's evolution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Saratoga County Agricultural
Society in Ballston Spa, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Saratoga County Agricultural Society President Chuck
Curtiss, Vice President Tammy Ballestero, Secretary Jennifer Flinton,
Treasurer Bill Schwerd, and Executive Director Jeff Townsend.