Washington County Fair in full swing

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By Linda Ellingsworth

There’s still plenty of time to experience the excitement of the Washington County Fair.

A celebration of Washington County’s agricultural heritage, the fair – the county’s premier event – offers entertainment for people of all ages. The final day is Sunday, Aug. 30.

More than 120,000 people are expected to attend this year’s fair and its 30 free daily shows, 40 carnival rides and more than 50 vendors are ready and waiting.

Thursday, Aug. 27, is Children’s Day, which means that kids of high school age and younger are admitted free of charge. There are other perks for attending that day.

“You need one less ticket per ride,” said Ida Williams, the fair’s public relations representative.

Williams said that Children’s Day is highlighted by the Fitzgerald Brothers/Pepsi bike giveaway, which takes place at 3 and 8 p.m.
“It’s not just the giveaway; they do a lot of things with the kids,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Also on Thursday, the Motor Sports Arena will feature 4WD truck pulls at 6 p.m.

Friday is Farmers’ Day at the fair, and area farmers will get to show off their tractors at the Out of Field Tractor Pulls, taking place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“These tractors are the workhorses of the farm,” said Williams. “The farmers work hard to make sure the tractors are in top condition.”

Ice cream fans won’t want to miss the Stewart’s Ice Cream Cone Giveaway, taking place in the Ag Center at 5:30 p.m.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, the fair hosts a new event with the Kevin Richards Country Dance Party in Entertainment Tent 1. This is a great opportunity to try the latest line dance steps with an experienced teacher.

Saturday is Rural Broadband Day at the Washington County Fair. Thanks to PrimeLink and Hudson Valley Wireless, the fairgrounds will have Wi-Fi for the first time. Hudson Valley Wireless will have a booth in the Commercial Building, where local residents can learn about the possibility of getting broadband to their rural location.

“You can ask questions about what they can do to help you,” Williams said.

Saturday also features NYPTA sanctioned tractor pulls at noon and 7 p.m. At 6 and 8 p.m., don’t miss a concert by country music performer Jeff Williams in Entertainment Tent 1.

Sunday, Family Fun Day, features morning to night action. For $20, fairgoers get unlimited access to all rides.

“Sunday is a big day here,” said Williams.

Action starts at 10 a.m. in the Motor Sports Arena, when Stephens Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram sponsors monster truck rides until 2 p.m. For the first time, monster truck fans will be able to take a spin around the track in a specially equipped monster truck.

The Raminator and Rammunition monster trucks will put on a show at 2 p.m., followed by the fair’s own Demolition Derby.

“It’s a great way to wrap up the fair,” Williams said.

Don’t forget to download the Washington County Fair app to your smartphone to get up-to-the-minute information about fair happenings.

Admission to the fair is $10 for adults and free for children 13 years and younger. Active members of the military receive free admission. Parking is free and there is handicapped parking near the gates.

The fair opens at 9 a.m. each day. For a complete schedule, visit www.washingtoncountyfair.com.