171st Dutchess County Fair Opens in Rhinebeck

RHINEBECK, NY — The Dutchess County Fair opened its gates Tuesday for a six-day run through Sunday, August 28.

This is the 171st year for the second largest fair in New York.

County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said the fair was an annual tradition highlighting the people of the county, along with its culture and history.

“Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the county, the state and the region will come to Rhinebeck this week to experience the heritage we in Dutchess County cherish and of which we’re so proud,” he said.

Molinaro said the fair this year is embracing county’s “This DIFFERENTLY” initiative, by offering early admission and sensory-friendly attractions for residents with special needs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 25.

Among the new attractions at the Dutchess County Fair for 2016 are:

• Agri-Puppets—a family show that teaches the importance of farming, animals and agriculture.
• Saints of Swing—eclectic and electric selections of foot-tapping swing classics.
• Brigade Extreme Sports—action for ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

New rides by Powers Great American Midways will include the Sea Ray, a prirate ship that swings on a pendulum; Jungle Jeeps, which is for younger riders, and Mega Motorcycles, letting younger riders feel like they are on the open road.

The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults; children until 12 are free.

Parking is free, and accessible parking is available.

Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds at any time.

For more information, visit the Dutchess County Fair website.

Photo caption: Agri-Puppets. Photo credit: Dutchess County Fair.