Event FAQs
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.
Service animals are allowed.
Comfort dogs or emotional support dogs are NOT considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the State of New York Attorney General's guidance which The Fairgrounds adheres to, and will not be allowed on the Fairgrounds.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes, there is accessible parking available. Parking lots are paved and have designated accessible parking spots.
How do I enter the Fairgrounds to get to WNY Equifest?
WNY Equifest is on the east side of the Fairgrounds. Therefore, we suggest your enter in off of McKinley Parkway. If you enter, 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, NY into your GPS, it will help guide you to the correct entrance.
Equifest Participation
What is WNY Equifest?
The WNY Equifest is a weekend event where horse enthusiasts come together. Horse enthusiasts can shop at over 100 vendors and watch clinics/demos/presentations in 3 different demo areas. Our application process to be a clinician or vendor is open to anyone and everyone but please know that filling out the application does not guarantee you a spot as a vendor or in the clinician demo schedule.
What is the attendance of the WNY Equifest?
Since parking and admission to WNY Equifest is free, we do not have a way of tracking attendance. However, we have made an estimate of 4,000 to 6,000 attendees throughout the weekend of the event.
How do I become a vendor, clinician, or sponsor?
To be considered for vendor, clinician, and/or sponsor at the WNY Equifest you must
fill out the application on the website. Once your application has been submitted you will receive information regarding the certain portions of the WNY Equifest that you are interested in. To keep things fresh and provide a variety of information and products to our audience this is an application not a guaranteed spot once filled out.
What are the expectations of vendors?
As a vendor you are expected to have your booth set up by 9am Saturday March 15th. Move in times consist of Friday March 14th 9am-7pm and Saturday March 15th 8am-9am. Those that are not set up by 9am Saturday March 15th will forfeit their space. Once the show begins vendor booths must be set up and staffed at all times 9am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. Anyone that tears down early may forfeit their chances of participating the following year.
What should I know as a vendor?
Filling out the application does not guarantee you a vendor spot therefore the payment will not be due until you are sent a contract in early February. When submitting your application do know that assignments are based on availability so first come first served. Once your booth space has been assigned and stated on your contract there is no changing. However, the event staff reserves the right to make changes to the layout without notice. Electricity is available at most spaces, but you must bring a long extension cord. Lastly the Erie County Agricultural Society assumes no liability for any damage. Loss you may incur at the Fairgrounds facility.
What should I know as a clinician?
Once you have submitted your initial application stating your interest in being a clinician you will receive a clinician application where you will specify your demonstration topic, space, time, etc. Once applications have closed you will receive an email stating if you have been accepted or not and you will then be placed into our demonstration schedule accordingly.
How do I participate in the Breed Presentation?
Anyone can apply to be a part of the breed presentation. To participate you must fill out the application with your horse’s information so that the event staff can ensure your horse is a proper representation of the breed. If you and your horse are accepted, you will then be required to be present 12noon-1pm Saturday and Sunday for the breed presentation. Your horse will have a 5–10-minute window (dependent on number of breeds) to represent their breed and demonstrate what they are capable of and known for may consist of leading, riding driving, etc.
What are the benefits of being a sponsor?
Benefits of being a sponsor are dependent on your sponsorship level but may consist of acknowledgement in materials, opportunity for link to URL of choice with logo on website, social media mentions, banner position at rail for duration of event, recognition by announcer, full page and half page ads in event program, logo in event program, etc.