SMETHPORT — Many visitors to the McKean County Fair are likely unaware that one of the first concession stands they encounter near the main entrance has been family-operated for close to 40 years.
The big red stand, which sells everything from salted potatoes and beef on weck to spaghetti, is operated by Johnson’s Concessions of Salamanca, N.Y., and owned by Jim Johnson of Salamanca, who partners with Kathy Holland, said their granddaughter, Ashley Fisher.
She said the business employs approximately 15 family and friends at several stands on the fairgrounds, in addition to their main stand.
Fisher said her grandfather and Holland “take off to Florida and leave us behind” during the off- season, which takes place anytime after the March to October fair and festival season.
Fisher said the concession stand has provided good hands-on training given the fact that she is studying business/marketing at Jamestown Business College in Jamestown, N.Y.
Fisher said she takes off time from the stand when she has to attend school, but always comes back.
The family members are so dedicated to the business, that Fisher’s pregnant sister, Kendelle, was working this week at the stand when she had to leave with labor pains.
“She went home last night (Thursday) because she was in pain,” Fisher recounted. “Today she is on her way to the hospital.”
All of the employees said they enjoy the work as they get to travel around to a variety of fairs and events throughout the region. Some said they work at other jobs during the winter months.
“It wouldn’t want a year without this,” said one of the group.
Customers at the stand on Friday included Grace Davis and her brother, Nathan, both of Cranberry. They were visiting the area and attended the fair with their aunt, Amanda Davis of Eldred. It’s an activity they’ve done for years.
“Since they were little, they’ve volunteered at the barns at the fair,” Davis said of her niece and nephew. “They’ve been coming up and visiting every year since they were little.”
She said her niece and nephew have also developed an affinity for Johnson’s Concessions.
“We’re always here Sundays (at the fair) and there is no one else open, so they’ve been coming here,” she said of her niece and nephew. “And for whatever reason (Grace) likes their spaghetti better than mine.”
