Just a few months after a massive cleanup effort, the Tioga County Fair is set to open to the public this week. But it won't be as large as in years past. Our Melissa Kakareka shows us what it took to get the fairgrounds back in shape for opening day.

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OWEGO, N.Y. -- This was the state of the Tioga County Fairgrounds back in April when officials searched for volunteers to help them clean up severe flood damage leftover from September.

"To come here and see buildings that were literally picked up and moved and walls missing, knowing there was no electric and water down here, it was just devastating," said Tioga County Fair Board President Clover Perrotta.

In fact the damage from the floodwaters was so bad many people worried the Tioga County Fair wouldn't go on this year.

"I was thinking there wasn't going to be a fair this year and I was really afraid of that, but when they said it was a go, I was really excited," said Flora and Fauna Friends 4-H Club member Megan Henry.

After months of cleaning and repairs, the fair is set to begin on Tuesday and runs until Saturday.

"It's amazing to know that we've come this far and see the animals come and everything start to come together," said Perrotta.

The fair is downsized a bit this year because part of the fairgrounds still isn't ready from September's flood. But organizers say there is still plenty of offerings for people to enjoy.

"We are offering a magic show daily, an exotic animal display, obviously the 4-H has their shows that they will put on, we have some open animal shows as well, we have some vendors as well, our entertainment lineup is pretty good we think as well," said Perrotta.

But organizers say there's an even deeper meaning behind this year's event.

"We hope people come out and just celebrate their lives and overcoming that adversity from the flood and recognize that life goes on so it, I think, it's a testimony to our community, that it's great," said Tioga County Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Andrew Fagan.

It's a symbol of how the community continues to move forward past the flood.

Admission to the fair is $2 this year. That's cheaper than the usual price of $9.