The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs held its annual convention in Rochester, NY in January and John W. Burr of Eugene St. , Lowville was elected President of the Association. John is only the 3rd person from the Lewis County Agricultural Society (Lewis County Fair) to be elected to this position in its 123 year history. The first president was Harold F. Woolschlager, followed by Dr. Harry P. OʼConnor. Mr. Burrʼs responsibility extends to all 48 county fairs, youth fairs in New York State, plus the New York State Fair. Totally these fairs generate over 4 million fair goers annually. John has served on the Lewis County Agricultural Society Board of Directors and Board of Managers since 1974 and has served as Chairman of the Entertainment committee since that time. He handles most of the Master of Ceremonies and public address announcing during the course of the fair and keeps busy the rest of the year with various other public address announcing venues, including demolition derbies, stock car races, snowmobile races, tractor pulls all over NY State plus the Lewis County Cream Cheese Festival. John and his wife Carole, who is also involved with the Lewis County Fair have a daughter Rebecca and her husband along with 3 granddaughters who reside in Kingston Ontario Canada and a son Timothy and his wife and 2 granddaughters who live in Watertown, New York. Mr. Burr comments that he is humbled by being elected to this position and that his love for the County Fair and what it means to our community is what propels him to work the hardest and do the best job he can for the betterment of the Lewis County Fair and all the member fairs in New York State. John is very involved in the community and is a member of the Elks Lodge 1605, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (serving in Korea 1963-1964). He is past Patrol Leader of the National Ski Patrol, Snow Ridge in Turin, NY and was one of the two original EMTʼs of Lewis County. He is also only one of 4 people to earn the prestigious Jack Burgess Award for announcing achievements at the DIRT Race Car Hall of Fame. |
