ALBANY, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced that the Governor has signed her bill (S5526), making more small county fairs across New York State eligible for State reimbursement for youth competitions.
County fairs often award funding to youth who participate in fair competitions; however, fairs must spend at least $5,000 in premiums (monetary prizes that a county fair awards to exhibitors) to be eligible for state reimbursement, which is a criterion that is nearly impossible for most small fairs to meet given their size and finite revenue sources, which can include fair admission fees, exhibitor fees, and local small business sponsorships. Hinchey’s bill (S5526), with Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, lowers the required amount to $2,500 so that smaller county fairs can qualify for reimbursement and continue supporting young residents through local competitions.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Small county fairs across New York State provide invaluable leadership opportunities that help young people build independence and life skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Through this legislation, we are providing our small county fairs with a critical economic tool to help them maintain youth fair involvement and support our next generation of leaders. I thank Governor Hochul for signing our bill into law, and I look forward to seeing many local fairs across the State benefit from this expanded eligibility.”
–New York State Senate