KeyBank Pavilion
On the evening of February 8, 2011, disaster struck the fairgrounds. The winter had extremely heavy snowfall and a considerable amount of rainfall. Between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. that night, a portion of the Cornplanter Pavilion roof collapsed, and a second portion collapsed on February 13th.
The months following the collapse were hectic for fair directors. The campers and boats in the building had to be removed, the building torn down, and plans for rebuilding completed before the upcoming fair season.
Replacement of the Cornplanter Pavilion began in May and was completed before the 2011 fair. However, frills such as dressing rooms and bleachers were not completed for this year’s fair. The new metal-free-span building was named the First Niagara Pavilion, thanks to a generous donation from First Niagara Bank. A temporary food booth, called the Cornplanter Café, was finished. All of this work was completed with the help of many volunteers. Fair visitors were impressed with the new beautiful building and its incredible seating capacity.
The KeyBank now sponsors the building and has held the name KEYBANK PAVILION for many years.
Want to learn more about the history of the Warren County Fair? Visit us at the Fair Museum to pick up a Scavenger Hunt sheet for a chance to win one of many raffle baskets!