The 184th Columbia County Fair kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27. With a mix of old favorites and exciting new features, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Agriculture is always the heart of this Fair and from competitions to exhibits, opportunities to experience the best of Columbia County’s farms and people are everywhere. Roam the barns, catch the judging taking place daily at the Show Ring, view the displays in Columbia and Four Corners Halls. 4-H kids are eager for you to see their animals and handiwork. You might even get to see a calf born!
The entertainment is all free with your admission. Country music legend Neal McCoy headlines at the Grandstand on Sunday at 4:00pm. Every day there’s performances by the acrobats of Circus Incredible as well as magicians, mentalists, and music – choose country, jazz, classic rock, and DJ’s spinning your favorite hits. The Master of the Chainsaw is back, and of course – Racing Pigs!
Who doesn’t come to the Fair to eat?! A wide range of traditional offerings and ethnic specialities abound alongside your must-have once-a-year Fair food treats. Livingston Hall features a variety of craft beverage makers.
Don’t miss the Fair house vendors and the exhibits and displays across the grounds. Vintage farm equipment chugs away next to the Heritage Barn. Visit Four Corners Hall and solve the Mystery Puzzle to win tickets for next year’s Fair.
There’s plenty to see at the Grandstand. The ever-popular Demolition Derby returns Thursday and Friday, with the Antique Tractors on Wednesday and Monster Trucks Saturday. The Rodeo rounds out the week on Monday.
There’s so much more. (Kangaroos! Watermelon eating and Ice Cream Eating contest anyone?) A world-class Midway!
Check the Fair website for the full schedule. Buy your advance entrance and ride tickets online before midnight tonight and don’t let summer end without a visit to the Fair!
Fairgoers should take note of new policies and procedures which take effect this year. Tickets will be sold for beverages at the Pavilion and Upper Entertainment Garden at a desk separate from the bar area. Service dogs are the ONLY animals which patrons may bring on the grounds and proof of rabies vaccination MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE GATE. No animals may be left in vehicles; parking lots are patrolled and law enforcement action will be taken.
The 184th Columbia County Fair is located off Route 66 in Chatham, New York. Opening day is Wednesday, August 27, at noon. The Fair – “always runs over Labor Day”, and concludes on Monday, September 1. General Admission is $15 and includes parking and all entertainment. Daily hours are Wednesday: noon to 11PM, Thursday – Monday: 10AM – 11PM. Seniors Day and Youth Day is Wednesday with special pricing at $5.00 for ALL patrons. Youth under 18 and active military with ID or in uniform are admitted free that day. Children 12 and under are always free.
Advance tickets are $13 per single day admission and are available online and at the Fair Administration Office until August 26. Advance tickets will also be available for purchase July 1- August 26 at all Bank of Greene County branch offices. There are no advance tickets for Wednesday, August 27.
NEW THIS YEAR! Special Pre-Sale All-Day Ride Passes are available at $25 per day, a savings of $5 when purchased online. Regular daily Ride Passes are available on the grounds during the Fair at the ride ticket booths near the Ferris Wheel. Cost is $30 per day.
Follow us on Facebook. The full Fair schedule and additional information is available at www.columbiafair.com.
