One year ago, on July 20th, an EF-2 tornado touched down in Hamburg, New York taking a path that directly crossed the Erie County Fairgrounds. This was one of four confirmed tornadoes that occurred during the storm. Estimated wind speeds reaching 115 mph caused millions of dollars in damage just weeks before opening day of the 2017 Erie County Fair. Hundreds of people consisting of Fairgrounds staff, private contractors and dedicated volunteers worked non-stop during a 20-day period to ensure the Fair would open as scheduled.
To commemorate the community-wide effort to rebuild after the storm, Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream will offer small “twist” soft-serve ice cream cones for 50¢ cents on Friday, July 20th. The cones will be on sale exclusively at the Village of Hamburg location of Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream located at the Clark Street & South Park Avenue traffic circle from 2-5pm.
Charlap’s has been a partner of the Erie County Fair for over 40 years. In 1961, dairy farmer Henry Charlap along with his father Nicholas, his uncle Leo Mrugala, and his brother-in-law Louis Fronczak purchased an existing dairy in North Boston and began make fresh dairy products using locally sourced milk. Originally just a rural farm and dairy, Charlap’s soon became famous for its creamy rich ice cream. Henry’s son Nicholas took over the business in the 2000s.
Watch some never seen before video from last year.