Erie County Fair

Job Opening For: FAIR BEAR MASCOT AT THE ERIE COUNTY FAIR

Employer: Erie County Agricultural Society, producers of the Erie County Fair

Position Type: Seasonal, Part-Time, Hourly

Dates Needed: August 6–17, 2025 (all 12 days of the Fair); Occasional appearances in June & July at local community events.

Shift: Shift is expected to be 2:30 to 8 p.m. each day of the Erie County Fair, August 6-17; Extended hours on opening day, August 6 to accommodate the Fair’s opening ceremonies at 11 a.m.

About the Role: Do you love making people smile? Are you a ball of energy who thrives in front of a crowd? We’re looking for a spirited and dependable individual to bring our beloved Fair Bear mascot to life during the 2025 Erie County Fair and select community appearances.

This is more than a costume gig—it’s a chance to be the heart of That Fair Feeling! Fair Bear spreads joy to kids of all ages, poses for countless photos, and represents the Erie County Fair at its most playful.

What You'll Do:

Portray Fair Bear at the Erie County Fair (August 6–17), including dance parties, photo ops, tram rides and special appearances.
Participate in a handful of community events throughout June & July (dates TBD)
Interact with guests (especially children) in a friendly, non-verbal manner—Fair Bear gives out plenty of high fives, hugs, and waves!
Work closely with a handler who assists during appearances
Maintain the integrity of the character through movement, posture, and presence
Care for the costume and alert staff of any issues

Who You Are:

Outgoing, enthusiastic, and GREAT with kids
Comfortable in enclosed, warm environments including barns (yes, it's hot in there!)
Able to meet height requirements (must be 5'4" and no taller than 5'9" to fit in costume)
Physically able to perform in costume (standing, walking, dancing, waving, etc.) for up to 30-45 minutes at a time
Reliable, punctual, and willing to commit to all 12 days of the Fair
Must be age 14 or older

Bonus Points If You:

Have performance, theater, or dance experience
Have worked with kids or in guest-facing roles
Are available for community events in the weeks leading up to the Fair

To Apply: To apply, please complete the form below no later than May 16, 2025. Auditions will take place in late May in the afternoon and evening. Individuals will be contacted if they have made it to the audition round.

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No

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No

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No

Anything else you would like to share?

After reading the Note below, I certify the following:

I have been convicted of a crime
I have not been convicted of a crime

I have been convicted of a crime

I have not been convicted of a crime

After reading the Note below, I certify the following:

I have pending arrest charges.
I do not have pending arrest charges.

I have pending arrest charges.

I do not have pending arrest charges.

If yes, please provide details

Note: Do not select that you have been convicted of a crime if:
a. Your conviction (felony or misdemeanor) was sealed by a court, or
b. You received an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) and the Adjournment period has elapsed, or
c. The proceeding on the criminal offense resulted in juvenile delinquency adjudication or youthful offender adjudication, or
d. After completing a treatment program, your proceeding resulted in the dismissal of all charges by the court.

A decision regarding extending an offer of employment to an individual will not solely be based on answers to the questions concerning one’s arrest and conviction history.

2025 Fair Bear Employment Application