LOWVILLE —For the first time, this year's cheese auction at the Lewis County Fair featured three "Big Cheeses."

In previous years, the title of "Big Cheese," reserved for the highest bidder on the largest amount of cheese at the auction, generally went to a Kraft Foods representative. This year, Kraft refrained from bidding and instead promised to match the bid by the "Big Cheese." The expectation was that the title would be shared by two parties, the bidder and the Kraft representative.

However, Ralph T. Hoch and Douglas P. Hanno teamed up as bidders, making room for three "Big Cheeses."

The Kraft Foods plant donated more than 100 pounds of cheddar to the auction in blocks weighing 5, 10, and 20 pounds. Additionally, Lowville Producers Dairy donated 10 pounds of 12-year-old aged cheddar.

Bidding partners Mr. Hoch, former owner of Schulz's Restaurant in Croghan, and Mr. Hanno, county clerk and fair treasurer, paid $800 for the "Big Cheese," a 25-pound portion of cheddar.

"We're only 'partners' in cheese," Mr. Hanno said. He and Mr. Hoch pooled their resources and split the cost of the cheese.

Mr. Hoch left his concession stand, Goober's, just in time for the "Big Cheese" auction. He teamed up with Mr. Hanno because they happened to stand next to each other as Richard P. Bush auctioned off the "Big Cheese" chunk. Both wanted to do the most they could to help a good cause.

"The more we paid, the more Kraft had to match," Mr. Hoch said.

The "Big Cheese" earned $1,600 for the Dairy Industry Building. The cheese auction raised a total of about $4,700 for the same cause, exceeding last year's total by $1,000.

Proceeds will support youths involved in agriculture and fund upkeep for the Dairy Industry Building, said Gary P. Rosiczkowski, fair director and superintendent of the Dairy Industry Building.

The first day of the Lewis County Fair also included the parade and fireworks display.

"It's the largest parade we've ever had," said Mr. Hanno, who organizes the parade. There were almost 150 entries.

"They're all very different — from fire departments and marching bands to cattle trucks, even the state highway department. Everyone wants to be in it," Mr. Hanno said.

The fair continues today with Children's Day and Dairy Day. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available for $18 and are valid until 6 p.m. The New York Sire Stakes harness races begin at 12:30 p.m. and the 4x4 Truck Pull starts at 7 p.m. Tickets for the truck pull are $12, $8 for children 6 to 12 and free for children under 6.

As always, admission to the Lewis County Fair is free. Parking is available on the fairgrounds for $3 per day.