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Fair Weather Friends

(photo: Rose Mattrey)

If you’re searching for a fun, affordable, family activity, the small-time, parking-lot carnival is undeniably a summer-time favorite for young and old alike. As much a staple to the warm weather as lemonade, sprinklers and the coconut scent of suntan lotion, the carnival is a great way to bring everyone together.

Between the rides, the clowns, the games and the food, what’s not to love about a day at the fair? For Western New Yorkers seeking excitement this summer, there are a number of these festivals happening throughout the area. Larger fairs such as the Erie County Fair are crowd-pleasers, too, but if you’re looking to get your cotton candy fix without leaving the neighborhood, many businesses and organizations hold carnivals, fairs and fetes during the summer months. Check out your local church, school and volunteer fire department for upcoming events, or head to one of these locations for a day of family fun:

St. Joseph Church, June 9-11

303 E. Main St., Batavia

St. Alberts Church, June 16-18

520 Kingston Ave, North Tonawanda

St. Marys by the Lake, June 16-18

4737 Lake Shore Rd., Hamburg

West Seneca Community Days, June 23 & 24

Union Rd., West Seneca

Brighton Fire Co., June 22-24

50 Jamaica Rd., Tonawanda

Cheektowaga Town Park, July 3 & 4

Harlem Rd., Cheektowaga

Kenmore Days, July 6-8

Mang Park, Kenmore

Williamsville Old Home Days, July 11-14

Island Park, Williamsville

St. John the Baptist Church, July 28 & 29

1085 Englewood Ave., Kenmore

St. Martins Church, July 28-30

1140 Abbott Rd, South Buffalo

Toyfest, August 25-27

East Aurora