Visitors to this year’s Columbia County Fair can choose from traditional as well as more modern entertainment again this year when some of the most popular favorites return and exciting new acts debut.
As it does each year, the Antique Tractor Pull will open the Fair’s run on Wednesday, August 31 at 4PM at the Grandstand. In this vintage Fair feature, farm tractors in thirteen classes will compete to pull 2,500 to 11,500 pounds. And on Saturday, September 3, the Monster Tractor Pull, sponsored by A.Colorusso and Son returns to the Grandstand with a roar at 4PM. Said to be the heaviest motor sport in the world, these modified, Super Stock and Super Farm Class tractors and 4 wheel drive trucks will go head to head to earn points toward the circuit championship.
The Demolition Derby will bring excitement to the Grandstand for two nights. On Thursday, September 1, four cylinders, mini vans, mini pickups, and mini SUV’s compete with the Best Appearance theme of Pokemon starting at 6:30PM. The evening is sponsored by HudsonValley360.com and W&B Golf Carts, Inc. The next evening, Friday, September the 2nd, brings six and eight cylinder vehicles as well as full-size pickups and vans to the field for more crash action with the Best Appearance theme of Scooby-Do. The night’s sponsors are Madsen Overhead Doors and Sorros Excavating Company. This popular competition, a crowd favorite, never disappoints.
The Association, one of the most successful bands to come out of the 1960’s, will take the Main Stage on Sunday.
Music headliners this year are sponsored by Hudson River Bank and Trust Company Foundation and include Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri, who will perform some of Journey’s greatest hits as well as new material with the Steve Augeri Band. They will take the Main Stage on Sunday, September 4 at 7:00PM. That same afternoon at 3:30PM, The Association, one of the most successful bands to come out of the 1960’s, will appear at the Grandstand. Their long list of hits is sure to have the crowd singing along.
Once again, the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo will close out the Fair on Monday, September 5 at 5PM with plenty of action. Sponsored by Peckham Industries, Inc. and THE CAT 98.5FM/ OLDIES 93.5FM/ WRWD 106.9FM and 1230AM, this show is not to be missed. Professional Cowboys and Cowgirls perform amazing feats of skill as they compete backed by a rousing music soundtrack. It’s all here – bare back and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, as well as team roping, calf roping, and steer wrestling. The ladies competition includes barrel racing and breakaway racing. Don’t miss the Slack warm-up rodeo, which begins the day of competition at 3PM.
In between these shows there are plenty of other entertainment for all ages to choose from.
The sound of music will ring out from every corner of the Fairgrounds. At the Upper Beer and Wine Garden, local favorites take the stage twice each day. From 1PM to 5PM enjoy the sounds of jazz from Allen and Azzaam on Saturday, while the bright notes of string band Beer Stained Fiddle may be heard on Sunday. October Rose brings country music Monday. In the 6PM to 10PM slot Friday it’s Acoustic Rye, Saturday brings out classic rock by Jarrod, and the Joe Adee Band plays your favorites on Sunday.
Along with musical offerings, several other very unique shows will delight Fairgoers. The North Gate stage is sponsored by Columbia Memorial Hospital. There you’ll see Hypnotist Terranceb , who will use his powers of suggestion to guide a group of audience volunteers through a series of hilarious scenarios. Michael Goudeau, Comedy Juggler, will have you laughing while you marvel at his amazing juggling skills. Pogo Fred, who holds multiple Guinness World Record titles, is considered one of the best jumpers on the planet. One of the founders of the sport of extreme pogo, he is a driving force and inspiration to young athletes. Check the daily schedule for show times.
For kids of all ages, Crossroads Ford and Valley Energy are sponsoring the perennial favorite Racing Pigs in the Cattle Area. Other new friends are waiting to be made near the South Gate, where visitors can get up close with the animals at the Petting Zoo, courtesy of Herrington Fuels.
The 181st Columbia County Fair is located off Route 66 in Chatham, New York. Opening day is Wednesday, August 31, at noon. The Fair – “always runs over Labor Day”, and concludes on Monday, September 5. General Admission is $12 and includes parking and all entertainment. Daily hours are Wednesday: noon to 11PM, Thursday – Monday: 10AM – 11PM. Seniors Day and Veterans Day is Wednesday with special pricing for $5.00 for ALL patrons. Youth under 18 admitted free that day until 4PM. Children 12 and under are always free.
Advance admission tickets may be purchased for $10 at Price Chopper or any branch of the Bank of Greene County August 1-31, and are also available by mail. Check the Fair’s website for details and a downloadable order form. Special ride passes at $20 Wednesday and Monday and $25 all other days are available at the ride ticket booth near the Cattle Area only from noon through closing.