Step Back in Time at Marathon’s 1890 Union Fair
Each year, on the first Saturday after Labor Day, Main Street in Marathon, New York, bursts to life for the 1890 Union Fair, a family-friendly festival filled with all the things that make small-town traditions so special, and one that keeps this Marathon local coming back year after year.
This year, the fair falls on September 12, and in honor of America’s 250th birthday, Marathon is going all in on the red, white and blue. Expect a day celebrating the history, traditions, talents and people that make this little corner of America such a special place.
And few events are better suited to the occasion. The Union Fair has deep roots in Marathon, first organized in 1879 by the Union Agricultural Society. It ran into the early 1900s before taking a long pause, until the community revived the tradition in 1984. Since then, it has grown into one of Cortland County’s most unique annual events, blending heritage, agriculture, food and good old-fashioned fun into a one-day festival unlike anything else in Upstate New York.
The Parade at High Noon
The highlight of my day is always the parade. It's heralded as one of New York's only all horse (or sometimes peddle) powered parades. Held at noon, it’s arguably the star of the fair. Where else do you get to see horses and carriages decked out in historical garb trotting down Main Street like they have stepped straight out of the 1800s? Or an Oxen, who performs ticks! The littlest riders always steal the show, pedaling bikes festooned with streamers and flowers, grinning wide, and wobbling just enough to keep the crowd on edge. It’s equal parts adorable and impressive and certainly not to be missed.
Special for America 250: This year’s parade will make room for a little horsepower of a different kind, with motorized vehicles representing America’s automotive history thorough out the decades making a special appearance.
A Little Friendly Rivalry
The exhibits in the Civic Center are a real treat. Farmers, gardeners, bakers and makers bring their best, with ribbons and bragging rights on the line in competitions for baked goods, flowers, canned goods and garden stock. This year, the fair is getting an extra patriotic twist for America’s 250th birthday, with patriotic cookies, pies and cakes, an America 250 display open to all ages, and even a special ribbon for a patriotic apron. Keep an eye out for the biggest pumpkin, tallest cornstalk and wonderfully weird garden oddities, then wander through displays celebrating clever creations that have been repurposed, restored, recycled, reused or refinished.
Old Fashioned Fun & Games
By late morning, the games kick off. At 10:30 am, kids gather near the Maple Museum for old-fashioned favorites like the three-legged race, egg toss and sack race. It is always a hoot to watch. Even the littlest fairgoers get in on the competition with the Baby Crawl, Toddler Trot and Little Olympian events. I predict a whole lot of chaos, cheering and giggles.
Later, the old-fashioned hoe-down kicks off with square dancing, Virginia reels and line dancing in the Civic Building. Grab a partner and join in. No need to the know the steps, the caller will keep you in toe.
Step Inside Marathon’s Museums for a Day of Discovery
One of the things I love most about the 1890 Union Fair is that all of Marathon’s museums are free and open to the public during the festival.
- The Marathon Area Historical Society Museum always hosts a new special exhibit. This year’s special exhibit celebrates local authors, with Town of Marathon Historian Laurie Tebbe on hand to share a little local history.
- The One Room Schoolhouse lets you step back into the days of chalkboards and inkwells.
- The Maple Museum tells the story of local sugaring and offers maple syrup, maple candies, and other maple goodies, perfect for souvenirs.
Touring these spaces feels like hitting rewind on history and you don’t even need a time machine.
When Horsepower Really Means Horse Power
After the parade ends, I always find a spot for the Tom Smith Memorial Horse Pull. Watching enormous draft horses pull hundreds of pounds across the field will leave you flabbergasted. I usually pack a picnic, but if you come empty-handed you are in luck. Mrs. Tilley’s will be serving up fried dough, blooming onions, french fries, and snow cones, while the American Legion grills hamburgers, hot dogs, and Italian sausages to fill your bellies.
Bi-Annual Book Sale
The Peck Memorial Library book sale, held inside the historic opera house is a must. For just $5 you can fill a bag with books—perfect for stocking up for upcoming cold, winter nights. I, myself, usually end up with two brimming bags. Even if you are not a reader, the building itself is worth the visit. It is a unique opportunity to wander the old opera house, with its ornate ceilings and stained-glass windows. It's one of Cortland County’s best-kept secrets and definitely worth exploring.
Going Once, Going Twice!
As always, the day always ends with the Union Fair Auction. Around 3:30 pm the civic building fills up with both locals and visitors alike, all vying for best in show baked goods. This is your chance to bid on blue-ribbon pies, cookies, jars of jam, bouquets and fresh produce generously donated by the competitors. I always bring a little extra cash because the proceeds go toward supporting next year’s fair. It feels good to leave with a big jar of homemade pickles, knowing you are helping keep this tradition alive.
Why You Shouldn't Miss the 1890 Union Fair
With so many reasons to love the 1890 Union Fair in Marathon, NY, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. From horse pulls and hometown competition to fried dough, living history and one unforgettable parade, every part of this Cortland County tradition feels special.
With America’s 250th birthday taking center stage this year, there may be no better time to experience a celebration of small-town America that has been bringing neighbors together for generations.
The best part? It’s a FREE, family-friendly event, that happens rain or shine. You never know, it just might become your new favorite tradition.
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