Spin Doctors performing their classic Little Miss Can't Be Wrong for the Franklin County Fairgoers — The Franklin County Fair turned back the clock on Thursday night as legendary ’90s rock bands Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors brought an energetic night of nostalgia to the grandstand stage at the 2026 Franklin County Fair. Hundreds of concertgoers gathered at the Malone fairgrounds to hear the songs that helped define a generation of alternative and pop-rock music. The evening featured a double bill of radio favorites, with Spin Doctors opening the show before Gin Blossoms took the stage as headliners. Fair organizers announced the pairing as one of the marquee entertainment events of the 2026 fair. Spin Doctors energized the crowd with many of the songs that made them household names during the early 1990s. Fans sang along to classics including “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” creating a festive atmosphere as audience members danced and cheered throughout the set. The group's blues-infused rock sound proved to be a perfect fit for a summer fair concert. As darkness settled over the fairgrounds, Gin Blossoms took the stage and immediately transported fans back to the height of alternative rock. The Arizona-based band delivered a set featuring some of their biggest hit songs, including“Hey Jealousy” and“Follow You Down.” Their signature jangly guitar sound and memorable melodies drew enthusiastic reactions from concertgoers of all ages. The concert highlighted the Franklin County Fair's continued commitment to bringing nationally known artists to Malone. Organizers promoted the event as a major attraction during the fair's run, which is part of the 176th Franklin County Fair and includes agricultural exhibits, midway rides, food vendors, and family entertainment. For many attendees, the Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors show was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of the music that dominated radio stations, road trips, and summer memories throughout the 1990s. As fans left the grandstand following the final encore, the night stood as one of the most memorable entertainment events of the 2026 Franklin County Fair.Gallery

Gin Blossom from Tempe, Arizona, performing their classic from the 90's Till I Hear It From You. Gallery

They take the motorbike through the wall of fire on another successful trip.After seven long years away, the Blackcat Helldrivers didn’t just return to the Franklin County Fair — they erupted back onto the scene, delivering a fire‑charged spectacle that shook the grandstands and thrilled a packed crowd from the opening stunt to the explosive finale. The night kicked off with their razor‑sharp two‑car precision routine, engines snarling in perfect harmony as the drivers carved tight, high‑speed patterns across the infield. Ramps rose next, and the Helldrivers launched into a series of ramp‑to‑ramp jumps that sent cars flying under the lights, each landing punctuated by cheers rolling across the fairgrounds. The first burst of flames came with the motorbike act, the rider tearing down the track and blasting straight through a wall of fire, erupting from the blaze to a thunderous ovation. The team followed with the human ski stunt — a performer balanced atop a moving car as it whipped around the arena, tilting, weaving, and flirting with disaster at every turn. Then came the junk cars. The human battering ram stunt smashed through another wall of fire with a stuntman clinging to the roof, sending sparks skyward and debris scattering across the track. But the crowd knew what was coming — the rollover contest. The first car hit the ramp and twisted into a one‑and‑a‑half‑roll crash landing that ended its run. The second car, battered but determined, delivered a full rollover not once but three times, each attempt drawing louder applause than the last. For the finale, the Helldrivers staged a 40‑foot jump aimed directly at the two wrecked rollover cars. The junker thundered down the runway, hit the ramp, and launched into the air in a perfect arc. It came down nose‑first into the front of the first rollover car, metal exploding on impact as the crowd erupted in a final, deafening roar. The Helldrivers left the arena the same way they arrived — at full throttle — and the Franklin County Fair crowd went home buzzing, already counting the days until the team’s next return. Gallery

A pair of stuntmen go bumper to bumper as they hit the ramps while staying on each other's bumpers. Gallery

Rebekah Legan with the perfect shot on the calf to win the breakaway roping with a 2.1. The Franklin County Fair Pro Rodeo thundered back into town for its first appearance since 2018, delivering a hard‑hitting afternoon of competition as the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo returned for its third edition. Sanctioned by the IPRA, every cowboy and cowgirl in the arena was chasing critical points toward a coveted trip to the World Finals in Oklahoma later this fall, raising the stakes for every ride, run, and throw. Bareback riding opened the show with three competitors battling the broncs. Two made the full eight seconds, but Tim Murphy’s powerful 77‑point ride stood above the rest to claim the event win. Team roping followed at the far end of the arena, with ten duos taking their shot at the clock. The drama came down to the final team out as Doug Casey and Michael Soule stopped the timers at 9.4 seconds to steal the victory. Saddle Bronc riding brought six competitors back to the chutes, each chasing points and payout. Jack Smithon delivered the winning ride with a score in the mid‑70s, edging out a tough field. Breakaway roping — one of rodeo’s fastest‑growing events — saw eleven ladies take aim at the win. Rebekah Legan set the tone early with a blistering 2.1‑second run, a number no one else could touch. Calf roping kept the momentum rolling with eleven cowboys in the draw. Once again, the final run of the afternoon proved decisive as Justin Thigpen laid down the best time to secure the event. Steer wrestling brought eight bulldoggers into the arena, but the steers had the upper hand. Only one cowboy managed to get his steer to the dirt — Corey Webb — earning the win through sheer determination. The ladies’ barrel racing was scheduled to close the afternoon, but unfavorable arena conditions forced its cancellation. That left bull riding as the final showdown. Four cowboys climbed down onto the bulls, each hoping to conquer eight seconds of chaos. Only Turner Morris made the horn sound, claiming the win as the crowd erupted. Fans left the grandstands buzzing, hopeful that the Franklin County Fair won’t wait another eight years before bringing the Pro Rodeo back for its fourth edition. Gallery

Corey Webb is wrestling with the steer to get it to the ground, as he would have a fight on his hands for the win. Gallery

Cody Woodward (Chody) with the hit to the Joe Martin truck that sends him over on the driver's side, but the driver would be ok and get out unharmed. MALONE, N.Y. — The annual Demolition Derby once again served as the opening act of the 176th Franklin County Fair, drawing a packed and enthusiastic crowd to the grandstand. Presented by DNA Motorsports, the event featured nearly 100 vehicles across multiple divisions and delivered an afternoon and evening of non-stop smashing, crashing, and hard-fought competition. The show was delayed slightly by the large number of entries and a small fire at one of the food stands that had to be addressed before the festivities could begin. Once the action started, however, fans were treated to one of the most exciting derby programs in recent memory. The evening opened with the Ladies Division, where the competitors showed they could compete with anyone on the track. When the dust settled, Kaylee Thompson emerged victorious after surviving a hard-hitting feature event. The spotlight then shifted to the Youth Division, featuring drivers under 16. With an invitation to the National Championships in Ohio on the line, the young competitors put on an impressive display of driving skill and determination. At the end of the contest, Wyatt Stowell earned the victory and the coveted trip to nationals. The Modified Stock Compact Division drew one of the largest fields of the day, with nearly 40 cars arriving for competition. Three heat races and a consolation event were required to narrow the field before the feature. Eighteen cars qualified, and twelve ultimately took the green flag for the main event. The battle for the win eventually came down to Devin Fournier, Kobe Blaise, and Logan Secore. After Blaise and Fournier teamed up to trap Secore in the corner, the fight for first came down to the final moments, with Devin Fournier claiming the victory over Kobe Blaise. Next up were the Stock Compacts, where approximately ten cars answered the call. The division produced plenty of action before Austin Martin drove his way to victory. Luke Prairie finished second, while Bucky Lapage completed the podium. The popular Van Division once again entertained fans with a field of nearly 20 entries. In the end, it became a family affair involving members of the Destruction Team. Tanner King captured the win ahead of Josh Adams and Chad King after a memorable final battle. One of the crowd's growing favorites, the Truck Division, featured nearly 20 powerful V-8 trucks pounding away at one another. The heavy iron provided some of the biggest hits of the day, and when the final horn sounded, Cofy Boyea stood atop the division with Brady Magoon and Adam King finishing behind him. The Stock Full-Size Division may have featured only a handful of entries, but the competitors delivered everything they had. The remaining drivers put on a spirited battle before Nathan Burgess secured the victory. The night concluded with the marquee event, the Modified V-8 Feature, which sent around 15 cars into the arena for one showdown. Cars slammed into one another while mud and dirt flew through the air, creating a thunderous atmosphere that kept fans on the edge of their seats. When the last of the action came to an end, Cory Warner stood victorious. Eric Stowell finished second, Alex Willett took third, and Michael Leaf rounded out the top four. From the first crash to the final hit, the Demolition Derby once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated traditions of the Franklin County Fair, providing fans with an unforgettable start to fair week in Malone. Gallery

Aj Willetts (66) skis the car between Cory Warner (16) and Kaden Barney (408) during the Modified Full Size main event. Gallery

Lumberjack with the sky wheelie on the stack of cars right in front of the grandstands for all to see. RANSOMVILLE, N.Y. — The Versus Monster Trucks Tour launched its 2026 campaign Saturday night at Ransomville Speedway, marking the tour’s fifth consecutive visit to the Western New York facility. A near-capacity crowd filled the grandstands as seven trucks from across the United States and Canada stormed into town: Bad News Travels Fast (Brandon Derrow), Crushstation (Zach Winchenbach), Hurricane Force (Steven Thompson Jr.), Joe Fly (Jordan Healey), Loud and Dirty (Perry Como), Lumberjack (Greg Winchenbach), and Rat Nasty (Ryan Como). The program opened with side-by-side racing, eventually narrowing to a final between Bad News Travels Fast and Crushstation. In a tight finish, the Monster Lobster claimed the victory “by a claw,” giving Winchenbach the first win of the season. The Best Trick contest followed, with each truck receiving two attempts and the crowd determining the winner. Brandon Derrow earned the loudest response after carrying a slap wheelie down the frontstretch, securing the victory for Bad News Travels Fast. Intermission featured kids’ Power Wheels races and a three-race quad showdown between Team New York and Team New Jersey. New York won the first two races, New Jersey claimed the third, and a captain’s challenge was ordered to settle the dispute. In the two-lap runoff, New York prevailed after the New Jersey quad broke down. Freestyle closed the night with three-minute runs for each truck. Jordan Healey opened the segment with a backflip attempt that came up short, leaving Joe Fly turtled and ending the run early. Hurricane Force followed with Steven Thompson Jr. delivering a strong wheelie attack across the frontstretch. Loud and Dirty battled motor issues throughout the evening, and Perry Como’s truck finally gave out after only a few hits. The finale belonged to Crushstation, as Zach Winchenbach delivered the strongest combination of high air, momentum, and speed. His run earned the loudest crowd reaction and secured the freestyle championship. The Versus Monster Trucks Tour returns September 19 for two shows at Stateline Speedway in Jamestown, N.Y., before concluding the season October 10 at Fonda Speedway with a two-show championship finale. Gallery

Brandon Darrow and Bad News Travels Fast hit the jammer stack and get the slap wheelie that he takes down the front stretch for all to see. Gallery

Robert Henning (28) and Jacob Flynn (17) drag to the checkered flag that Henning would get there first on. RANSOMVILLE, N.Y. — A strong crowd filled the grandstands Friday night as Ransomville Speedway hosted its 14th round of the 2026 season and honored local racing legend Pete Bicknell with his induction into the Wall of Honor. All five weekly divisions were in action on a night presented by IMA and Hardison Funeral Homes, producing a full slate of racing and one of the most dramatic heat race incidents of the year. The moment that stunned the crowd came during the Krown Undercoating Modified heats when Kyle Richner was involved in contact off Turn 2 and launched into a violent series of flips down the backstretch. Richner’s car tumbled end over end at least five times before coming to rest. Despite the severity of the crash, he climbed out under his own power, drawing a loud ovation. In the Ki Po Chevrolet Street Stocks, ten cars took the green for 20 laps. James Henry dominated early before a caution erased his advantage and brought Chase Kish into contention. Kish made the winning move in the closing laps, and post-race tech added another twist when Henry was disqualified, elevating Brandon Sherwood to second and Mike Welch to third. Kish’s third win of the season tightens the championship battle, leaving him eight points behind Sherwood. The Sunflowers of Sanborn Mini Stocks saw eleven cars battle for 15 laps, highlighted by a four-car fight among Cody Griffin, Cole Susice, Jeffrey Wynes, and Ben Hornquist. Hornquist’s strong run ended when his front wheel separated from the car, triggering a caution. On the restart, Griffin pulled away to earn his second win of the season. Wynes’ third-place finish, combined with Hornquist’s DNF, extends his points lead to 54. Seventeen cars answered the call for the Stirling Lubricants Sportsman Modifieds 25-lap feature. Kyle Teeter led early before Tyler Foster took command and held off challenges from Cameron Tuttle and Jacob Bansmer. Foster secured his first career Sportsman Modified victory and moved to seventh in points. Tuttle finished second, while Cody McPherson slipped to a 54-point deficit after a quiet night. The Krown Undercoating 358 Modifieds headlined the evening with fifteen cars set for 30 laps. Steven Lewis and Dave Flannigan battled early until Flannigan clipped a tractor tire, handing Lewis the lead. From there, Mat Williamson and Gary Lindberg charged from deep in the field, overtaking Lewis and Susice as they marched forward. With ten laps remaining, the race became a family showdown between Williamson and Lindberg, with Williamson prevailing for his seventh win of the season as he continues to pad his points lead. The night concluded with the J&D Tires Novice Sportsman Modifieds, where eight cars took the green for 12 laps. Jacob Flynn led every lap until the final drag race off Turn 4, where Robert Henning edged him at the line to steal the victory by mere feet. Ransomville Speedway returns to action Friday, August 7, as Firth’s Jewelers and Crosby’s present the Mackenzie Kulesza Mini Stock Memorial. Gallery

Chase Kish (99) and James Henry (27) battle for the lead in the late stages of the Street Stock feature that would see Kish capture the flag. Gallery

Speedy Bressette (03) and JP Corrow (61) drag race to the checkered flag as they go after the win, and Bressette gets his third win of the season. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. Airborne Park Speedway returned to action Thursday, July 30, for its ninth race of the season on Rain Pro of Vermont Night. All weekly divisions were on the card, including the Hartson Total Opening 358 Modifieds, JS Steel Sportsman Modifieds, Rain Pro of Vermont Limited Sportsman Modifieds, Renegades, Mini Stocks, and Crown Vics. A solid crowd filled the grandstands for a full program highlighted by a $ 500-to-win Limited Sportsman main event. Before feature racing began, the track hosted Kids Ride Night, giving young fans the chance to ride in race cars during intermission. The Crown Vics opened the feature program with ten cars taking the green for 20 laps. Benjamin Deyo led early, but multi-time winner Richie Turner charged from mid-pack, took control, and drove away for another victory. Josh Muir and Eric Friend completed the top three. In the points chase, Scott Richner and Nate Steady remained separated by eight markers. The Rain Pro of Vermont Limited Sportsman Modifieds rolled out next with eleven cars battling for the $500 prize.
Josh Patterson led early with pressure from Cody Gregoropolus, but David Johnson surged past both in the closing laps to claim his fourth win of the season — fittingly on his sponsor’s night. Johnson moved to fourth in points, 20 out of the lead. Bro Roberts finished sixth to cut the standings gap in half, while Gary English’s ninth-place run trimmed the margin to eight points. Sixteen Hartson Total Opening 358 Modifieds took the track for their 30-lap feature. Polesitter Chris Raabe jumped out front and faced heavy pressure from the top two in points, who worked from deep in the field to challenge. Raabe held strong to snap Mike Mahaney’s fourth win streak and move to fourth in the standings. Mahaney and Felix Roy finished second and third, maintaining their 17-point separation atop the title hunt. The Renegades followed with eleven cars for 20 laps. Shawn Duquette led early, but Bill Thwaits charged from fifth and reignited the season-long duel between the two. Thwaits took over near halfway and held on for his fourth win of the year, trimming the points gap to four as Duquette finished second. Nineteen JS Steel Sportsman Modifieds took the green for 25 laps. Vince Quenville led early before Caleb Durgan took command. In the late stages, Durgan and Lonnie Rivers staged a tight battle for the top spot, with Rivers making the winning move in the closing laps to secure his first victory of the season.
Cory Castell and Travis Bruno completed the podium, while Durgan slipped to fourth. Bruno’s third-place finish, combined with Nick Heywood’s ninth, extended Bruno’s points lead to 21. The Mini Stocks closed the night with a 25-car, 15-lap feature. JP Corrow led early, but Speedy Bressette and Tyler Bell charged forward to challenge. At the line, Bressette edged Corrow by half a car length for his third win of the season. Corrow’s runner-up finish extended his points lead to 18 over Jeremiah King, who finished eighth. Airborne Park Speedway returns Saturday, August 8, for its lone Saturday event of the season — Make A Wish Night, featuring the annual appearance of the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Series. Gallery

Chris Raabe (01) takes it to the high side of Thomas Cook (24) as he cruises to win the 358 Modified feature.Gallery

Caleb Drugan (17) gets on the roof and celebrates his 1st JS Steel Sportsman Modified win of the season and a $1,250 payday. PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The Super DIRTcar Series made its long‑awaited return to Airborne Park Speedway on Thursday night, headlining the Thunder in the Adirondacks program after a seven‑year break. Fans packed the facility despite a three‑hour rain delay, and once the track came to life, it was fast, tacky, and unforgiving — perfect for a night of high‑intensity dirt racing. The first feature of the evening was the RainPro of Vermont Limited Sportsman Modifieds, where Stephen Bushey grabbed the lead at the drop of the green and never looked back. Bushey steadily pulled away from Antony Boissonneault to score his first career Airborne Park Speedway victory, while points leader Gary English charged from mid‑pack to finish third, extending his advantage to 15 points. The spotlight then shifted to the Super DIRTcar Series Thunder in the Adirondacks 60, paying $7,200 to win. A strong field of 27 Big‑Block Modifieds took the green. Jimmy Phelps and Peter Britten staged the early battle, but Phelps eventually gained control. Late pressure came from the last two Series champions — Mat Williamson and Matt Sheppard — yet Phelps held firm, securing his second win in the last three tour events. Williamson’s runner‑up finish trimmed the championship gap to 37 points behind Alex Yankowski. In the JS Steel Sportsman Modified 25‑lap, $1,250‑to‑win feature, Caleb Drugan dominated from the start, quickly opening a gap on the field. Travis Bruno and Michael Wright tried to reel him in, but Drugan was untouchable, collecting the payday and his first win of the season. Bruno’s runner‑up finish was enough to move him into the Sportsman points lead. The Renegades followed with a 20‑lap event. Shawn Duquette paced the early laps before overheating issues forced him to the pits with five laps remaining. Nathaniel Guay inherited the lead and held off Josh Terry for the victory. Billy Thwaits finished third, tightening the division’s championship battle — he now trails Shawn Duquette by six points entering the second half of the season. The night concluded with the Mini Stocks, where 23 cars took the green. Tyler Bell controlled the race from the start, fending off all challengers to earn his first Airborne win of the season. Jamie Whitney and Randy Martin completed the podium. With Jeremiah King finishing eighth and Jake Fountain suffering a DNF, King moved into the points lead by 10. Airborne Park Speedway returns to its regular Thursday Night Thunder schedule on July 30, featuring the Limited Sportsman Modified $500‑to‑win special along with all weekly divisions. Gallery

Shawn Duquette (18) and Nathaniel Guay (55) would go after the Renegades' win, and it would see Nathaniel Guay get his first win of the season. Gallery

David Babbie and his Blue Power headed down the track in the stock tractor class. MORRISONVILLE, N.Y. — The annual Truck and Tractor Pull at the Clinton County Fair took on special meaning this year as it was renamed the Owen Poirier Shootout, honoring the memory of former Chazy Central School student Owen Poirier, whose life was lost far too soon. The event brought together pullers from across the region for a night of horsepower and fierce competition in front of a strong fair crowd. A full slate of 10 classes competed throughout the evening, featuring everything from Stock Trucks and Tractors to Hot Farm Tractors, Altered Stock Tractors, Super Stock Trucks, and Diesel Truck divisions. The featured attraction of the night was the highly anticipated 3.0 Diesel Truck Shootout, where competitors battled for the top prize of $1,500 and the honor of becoming the first-ever Owen Poirier Shootout champion. Throughout the night, fans were treated to tremendous performances as competitors pushed their machines to the limit on the Clinton County Fair track. Pull after pull kept the crowd engaged as distances climbed and the battle for victory intensified. When the dust finally settled, it was Baierlien Bones that stood above the rest. Delivering a tremendous pull of 308 feet, Baierlien Bones claimed the victory in the premier 3.0 Diesel Shootout division and took home the $1,500 winner's purse, becoming the inaugural champion of the Owen Poirier Shootout. The successful debut of the event provided a fitting tribute to Owen Poirier while showcasing some of the best truck and tractor pulling action the region has to offer. Organizers and competitors alike praised the evening's turnout and competition, and plans are already underway to make the second edition of the Owen Poirier Shootout even bigger and better in the years to come. For one night at the Clinton County Fair, the memories made on the track matched the spirit of the young man whose name now headlines one of the area's premier pulling events. Gallery

Done Talking is pouring coal in the Work Diesel Truck class. Gallery

Blue Thunder III and Stever Fraser thunder down the track at 262 feet for the Modified Tractor win. The New York Tractor Pullers returned to the Clinton County Fair in Plattsburgh for the second consecutive year, packing the grandstands with fans eager for horsepower and noise. Four divisions—Limited Pro Tractors, Super Stock Diesel, Modified Tractors, and Modified Trucks—took center stage on a warm summer night. The Super Stock Diesels opened the program, where Code Red, driven by Ken Jamieson, set the tone with a 280‑foot pass. Mechanical trouble sidelined Old Black Witch and Mike Bain, giving Jamieson the victory and leaving the two tied atop the early‑season standings. Four machines rolled out for the Modified Tractors. Heaven Can Wait with Ken Angell posted the first mark at 246.26 feet, but Blue Thunder III and Steven Fraser quickly reset the bar with a strong 262.70‑foot run. Underestimated (Jeremy Smith) and the final entry both gave chase but came up roughly nine feet short. The Limited Pro Tractors produced one of the night’s biggest moments as Joey St. Mary and Cowboy Cattltleaic blasted out the back door with a massive 340‑foot pull. The remaining five competitors tried to reel him in, but Secret Weapon and Andre Bourdeau were the closest—still 28 feet off the winning distance. The Modified Trucks closed the show with six entries battling for bragging rights. Ma and Pa Headache set the early pace at 309 feet before Mad Dog and Todd Jarvis stormed past with a 321‑foot run. The final trio attempted to answer, but Yellow Fever settled for second, ten feet behind the leader. The NYTP tour now shifts to Lowville and the Lewis County Fair for the next stop on the summer schedule. Gallery

Todd Jarvis and Mad Dog would take the hometown pull by ten feet to send the home crowd home happy. Gallery