children were able to travel with the show and became friends with the kids within the communities that they were set up in. Jimmy Strates has told me on several occasions that coming to Hamburg, New York, for him is like coming home, proba- bly because he grew up coming to the Erie County Fair every year. Almost everyone in Western New York has a story about the Strates Shows. Some tell of how the local machine shop was able to fix something for the Strates Shows in quick order and in return the Strates Family treated their family to a day at the carnival. Many tell stories of riding dirt bikes and ATVs with the Strates kids when they were in town, and others share stories of how they be- came friends of the Strates family in one way or another. I know that the Western New York community has a certain affinity
People wait in their backyards along the tracks, folks drive to the road crossings and others find parking spots in local businesses that border the tracks, just to get a peek at the Strates Train rolling into town and give a wave to those on board. Seeing the number of people waiting at the unloading area is a pretty amaz- ing sight, all to welcome Strates Shows to town. Another reason that the 100-year partnership is special is due to the relationships that it has sparked. Those relation- ships are varied and mean different things to each individual, but each have a common thread involving Strates Shows. Mrs. Strates recently shared with us that the Erie County Fair holds a special place in her heart because it was the first Strates Carnival she experienced after she and Mr. Strates were married. Their
for Strates Shows, likened to a love affair. I don’t know exactly what it is, and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I know it is something special. It would be wonderful if we can find a way to continue the “love affair” between the community, the Erie County Fair and Strates Shows for future generations. I share all of this with you to remind you that membership in organizations such as the OABA are important; they develop relationships, keep you abreast of the industry standards and challenges, rally on your behalf, and offer tools needed for success. Would the Erie County Fair and Strates Shows be cel- ebrating a 100-year anniversary in 2024 if it weren’t for both of their memberships in OABA? I can’t say for sure, but I know both organizations are better for it.
NOVEMBER 2022 | OABA ShowTime Magazine 11
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