The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private not-for-profit membership corporation, which annually produces the Erie County Fair. The Society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York, established in 1819. The Society does not recieve funding from New York State or from the County of Erie. The basic purpose of the Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsor of The Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State. The Fair strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York, and where appropriate, those of the United States.