ALTAMONT, N.Y. — Things are hopping here at the Altamont Fairgrounds! Opening day is Tuesday, August 16, 12pm.
Dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, horses – you can see all of these at the Altamont Fair! The pens are set up and bedding is getting spread. Did you know that there are several types of bedding? We use both straw and wood shavings. The pony and horse exhibitors are here decorating their stalls. The horse rings are being groomed to be ready for show day!
The 4-H clubs were on the fairgrounds Saturday from 9:00 am until 2:00pm getting their club booths set up and their individual projects judged. It is such a joy to see all the kids come in with their year’s work – wood working projects, sewing, backing, scrapbooks, vegetables, flowers, entomology, photography, etc. Then they brought their animals in on Monday – horses, sheep, cows, goats, bunnies, chickens. So many areas the kids can study and bring to the fair!
Dreamland Amusements set up rides to prepare for their opening on Tuesday, 2pm. It can take days to get everything in place. The Himalaya is here and the huge roller coaster too!
Volunteers are finalizing the many exhibits each of the museums. We have so many museums for patrons to enjoy that give a glimpse of how we lived so long ago! The Antique Farm Machinery building has hit and miss engines, (also known as putt-putts) many running so you can see how farm work was accomplished without today’s modern equipment. The Blacksmith will be here crafting items from metal right all week long. The Farmhouse Museum shares how a home would look – this year’s theme is wool. The Schoolhouse shares the early days of education. A one room schoolhouse doesn’t seem possible, does it? The Auto Museum volunteers are arranging the vehicles and getting them to a high polish! The Chapel will be ready to provide a quiet spot for all during the Fair. The Circus Museum volunteers have been working for months to get the Circus Train rolling! The Military Museum is sharing uniforms throughout the military eras. You can’t miss the military vehicles on the infield! This gives everyone a chance to see the size and scale of the early equipment used by the military. The Village & Carriage Museum shares the Altamont Fair large collection of carriages and a fire pumper. An early printing press is also housed there with demonstrations of printing in person! The Fair History Museum shares the history of the Altamont Fair – a history rich in sharing agriculture and history with the region.
Arts & Crafts entries will be judged on Saturday. The Culinary Dept accepts entries on Sunday from 4pm – 6pm with judging on Monday. Fine Arts Department exhibitors bring their entries in on Saturday between 1pm and 4pm. The entries are so varied – photography, water color, drawings and a special contest – Salute to Agriculture.
We have so much to offer kids of all ages at the Altamont Fair – be sure to check out all the fun things to do! Our goal is to have each patron learn about food, farms, and have fun! All these activities are all included in the admission. Admission also includes Unlimited Rides!
Special events
Sea Lion Splash – Tuesday through Saturday
Power Wheels Demo Derby- Saturday at 6pm in Horse Ring
Demolition Derby – Sunday 5pm
Daily Attractions:
The Royal Hanneford Circus
Aim High Canines
Michael DeSchalit- Master Hypnotist
Sherman’s Lumberjack Show
Admission Details –
Gate admission is $22
Save money – discount online advance purchase tickets are $18
Click here to purchase: www.altamontfair.com/buy-tickets
Children under 36″ are free. Children under 36″ are not permitted on midway rides alone, there is a Kiddie Playground available for them. Some Midway rides have certain height requirements.
The Altamont Fair has been on its current site since 1893. One of the largest fairgrounds in New York State, The Altamont Fairgrounds is a year round facility hosting events and weddings as well as the annual fair. The fair weaves together the time honored traditions of the past with the some of the best current entertainment and educational experiences available. Fair organizers join past and present in this annual celebration of agriculture, history, and current culture. For more information and advance sale discount tickets, please visit the Altamont Fair website at www.altamontfair.com.
–The Altamont Fair