Capital Region county fairs 2014
Sure, the county fair means rides, games, and food on a stick. But it's also an opportunity for some kids to compete for a ribbon (and have some fun while doing so).
County fair season in the Capital Region starts this week with the opening of the Saratoga County Fair in Ballston Spa. And there will be a county fair pretty much each week through Labor Day.
Here's a rundown of county fairs around the region.
Remember: drink plenty of water -- and eat many foods on a stick.
Saratoga County Fair
When: July 22-27
Where: Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa.
How much: $10. Season ticket is $40. Shorter than 52 inches is free. Active military free with ID card.
This is the 173rd year for the Saratoga County Fair. (Though there was an earlier version -- "basically a one day cattle show" -- that ran from 1819-1824.) And the fair has been moved back a week from the dates it's been occupying the last decade or so.
Schoharie County Sunshine Fair
When: July 26-August 2
Where: Cobleskill
How much: $12 for adults, free for children under 12 and under.
Eight-day passes are available online at $45 for adults until July 26. After the start of the fair, they're $40. Also this year: the fair will not be accepting the Statewide Fair Pass.
Altamont Fair
When: August 12-17
Where: Altamont Fairgrounds
How much: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - $15. Friday, Saturday, Sunday - $17. "Includes shows, parking, and unlimited rides." Kids under 36-inches tall are free -- but they're not allowed to ride the rides. If you buy tickets ahead of time online for $15 each, they're good for any of the fair days (which could save you $2 Friday-Sunday).
The Altamont Fair is the county fair for Albany, Schenectady, and Greene counties.
Washington County Fair
When: August 18-24
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich
How much: Adults $10 ($9 before August 1). Children 13 and under are free. All-week pass is $30 ($27 before August 1). Free admission for all active military service members with military ID.
Admission does not include carnival rides. During the fair, ride tickets are $1 each. But if you buy before August 19, you can get 20 ride tickets for $8. "Each carnival ride takes 2 to 5 tickets - 1 less per ride on Children's Day." Also: On Tuesday and Sunday are you can ride all rides from noon-close for $20.
"New York's #1 Agricultural County Fair."
Fonda Fair
When: August 26-September 1
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Fonda
How much: $10 Adults, kids 6-11 years old $2, kids under 6 - free. Free admission for active military service members with military ID. Parking $2. There's also a "Mega Pass," which includes admission and unlimited rides for one day during the fair, for $25 when bought before August 25.
This is the 173rd year for the Fonda Fair.
Columbia County Fair
When: August 27-September 1
Where: The fairgrounds are in Chatham
How much: Adults $10 (Sunday is $12). It's $8 every day if purchased by the end of the day August 26. Kids 12 and under free. Free admission for active military members with military ID or uniform. (Daily ride passes are $15-$20 depending on day.)
This is the 174th Columbia County Fair.
Schaghticoke Fair
When: August 27-September 1
Where: Schaghticoke Fairgrounds in Schaghticoke
How much: Adults $11. Opening Day is $5. Season pass is $35. Children 13 and under are free. Unlimited rides pass is $20 Wednesday-Friday, $21 Saturday-Monday.
This year is the 195th for Schaghticoke Fair, and it's said to be the 3rd oldest fair of its type in New York State.
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Bonus bit: The Jefferson County Fair (Watertown), first organized in 1817, is said to be the oldest county fair in the state.
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Earlier on AOA: At the fair, competing for a ribbon
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Comments
Yay! Best post of the year!
Although it's outside the Capital Region and so naturally isn't included in the AOA listing, as ever I remind everyone that the Dutchess County Fair is the biggest of all NYS county fairs and worth the trip to Rhinebeck. Fairgrounds are right on Route 9, just south of the K-R bridge.
*queues up for 4-H milkshake*
... said ajw93 on Jul 21, 2014 at 2:35 PM | link
The Dutchess County Fair is my personal favorite, too, but AJW93, you forgot the dates!
Dutchess is August 19-24.
$15 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, and kids under 12 are free.
I don't know if I'll be going this year, but those milkshakes beckon.
... said Ryan on Jul 21, 2014 at 6:25 PM | link
The Altamont Fair doesn't have a demo derby or fireworks for the first time (as far as I can remember)... yet they still have the $17 (weekend) ticket price. Lame!
... said Paul on Aug 11, 2014 at 10:37 AM | link