BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. — The 2019 Saratoga County Fair, which officially kicks off the region’s summer Fair season, will run from Tuesday, July 23 through Sunday, July 28 and is expected to attract some 100,000 visitors.
With more than 850 exhibitors entering over 6,500 exhibits in competitive categories from antiques to vegetables as well as ongoing live musical entertainment, eight special show attractions and spectacular Midway rides, the Fair offers something for all ages and interests.
The Saratoga County Fair is proudly presented by The Saratoga County Agricultural Society, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. The Fair offers an outstanding opportunity to learn about the great variety of agricultural activity going on within Saratoga County in a fun, family friendly environment.
The 2019 Exhibitor Handbook is online for anyone wishing to enter an exhibit at the Fair. The deadline for entry submissions is July 13, 2019. The Exhibitor Handbook lists entry requirements for each of the 20 general departments that comprise the judged competitions and educational displays. See the Exhibitor Handbook at SaratogaCountyFair.org or contact the Fair Office at 518.885.9701 for more information.
The Saratoga County Fair offers many opportunities to learn about agricultural practices, home-based crafts, gardening, natural resources, animal care and more throughout its six day schedule. The 4-H program showcases a wide range of projects from local youth who are learning about food and nutrition, conservation, robotics, horticulture, animal science and many other fields. For equine enthusiasts there are horse shows, demonstrations, and competitions ongoing throughout Fair week, including the impressive Draft Horse Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series.
Major sponsors of the Fair represent familiar Saratoga County businesses as well as national brands. This year supporters include Stewarts Shops, The Adirondack Trust Company, Curtis Lumber, MVP Healthcare, TRUSTCO Bank, Fred’s Tents, Ginsberg’s Foods, DAB Towing & Recovery, CSEA, Tractor Supply, Coors Light, First New York Federal Credit Union, Farm Credit East, Emerich, IBA Dairy, J.C. Tractor, Capital Tractor, Brookside Nursery, Sunnyside Nursery, Dehn’s Flowers, Kilmer Timber Harvesting, Chandler Forestry Services, Terry Morris Ford and Zach’s Sports as well as Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County. Building sponsors include the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust and the Bright Family. Media sponsors are also an integral part of the Fair and support from all local radio, TV, and print outlets are critical to the Fair’s success.
Contests
Legos plus Pie-Eating, Donuts and Pizza
Several contests are open to local residents in various age categories from building the most elaborate Lego creation to earning accolades in pie, donut, or pizza-eating. This year’s Lego competition theme is “A Day at the Fair” and will be held on Wednesday, July 24. See the Exhibitor Handbook at SaratogaCountyFair.org or contact the Fair Office at 518.885.9701 for more information.
Cornhole Competition
The Saratoga County Fair will hold its first Cornhole Competition on Saturday, July 27 with Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Doubles team divisions. Must be 21 to enter, registrations are due by Thursday, July 25. Contact the Fair Office at 518.885.9701 for additional information.
Food & Beverage Highlights
What’s a trip to the Fair without fantastic Fair food and lots of it?
From Gourmet Candy Apples at the New York Apple Factory to Maple Cotton Candy at the Sugar House, the Fair’s food vendors offer the best of carnival cuisine across the Fairgrounds. Fried Dough, Funnel Cakes, Calzones, Kettle Corn, Ice Cream, Giant Mozzarella on a Stick, Blooming Onions, Taco and Greek Salads, Bratwurst, BBQ, Steak and Sausage Sandwiches are just some of the delicious reasons to experience the Saratoga County Fair.
Local Brew – Turning Point American Pale Ale, produced by the Racing City Brewing Company of Saratoga Springs, will be served in the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion as the official 2019 Saratoga County Fair local beer.
Special Events & Activities
Talent Show
Saratoga’s Got Talent Show is free to enter and accepts entries until July 13 in the performance areas of music, gymnastics, storytelling, dance, comedy, magic and more. Winners selected on July 28 qualify to advance to the New York State Fair competition later this summer. More information can be found in the Exhibitor Handbook at www.SaratogaCountyFair.org or contact the Fair Office at 518.885.9701 for additional information.
Pageant
The Saratoga County Fair Pageant offers contestants a chance to gain poise, confidence and build self-esteem as well as an unparalleled chance to serve their community. This year’s competition will be held on opening day of the Fair on Tuesday, July 23 at 4:00 p.m. There are eight different age categories starting with age 12 months, with the Saratoga County Fair Queen being selected from participants aged 18 to 25. Entry details for the Pageant are online at www.SaratogaCountyFair.org in the Exhibitor Handbook. For Pageant information contact Madison Manuel at pageant@saratogacountyfair.org.
ThinkDIFFERENTLY Day – A Day for Individuals and Families of All Abilities to Enjoy
The Saratoga County Fair is proud to be a part of the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative. On Thursday, July 25, the Fair will provide a supportive opportunity for individuals with special needs to experience the Fair in a sensory sensitive environment. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., our special needs visitors will be able to enjoy the Antiques Building, Conservation Village, Lewis Building, Townley Agricultural Center, Wilsey 4-H Center, 4-H Small Animal Pavilion and all Animal Exhibit Areas one hour before these buildings normally open to the public. Amusements of America will also provide a Midway experience that is ahead of the crowds and without the distractions of lights, music and other sounds or noises between 11:00 a.m. and Noon. Food vendors, such as The Brickyard and 4-H Snack Bar, open early for those wishing to enjoy breakfast on the grounds before starting their day at the Fair.
Daily Shows for 2019
The Marvelous Mutts
New to the Saratoga County Fair – The Marvelous Mutts – A Canine Spectacular, is a thrilling dog sport entertainment show that showcases some of the word’s finest canine atheletes featuring Dock Diving, Frisbee and Agility. These dogs will astound as they flip and fly to snatch Frisbees out of the air, race through obstacle courses with breathtaking speed and leap into a pool of water just for the chance to grab at a toy. The Marvelous Mutts team members have appeared on ESPN, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Fox & Friends, and The Late Show. Each with their own incredible story to tell, this seasoned crew of preforming canines are all adopted from shelters and rescue groups.
The Ninja Experience
It’s highflying, jaw dropping, in your face action with The Ninja Experience. These top parkour athletes take it to the extreme with massive stunts, audience interaction and astounding obstacles that will captivate through an extraordinary display of breaking and theatrics. Hydraulic staging and awesome special effects add to a show like never before. Witness stunts only seen on TV – until now – including the dreaded 15 foot warped wall. After the show, Fairgoers are invited to meet the Ninjas for photos and autographs and even test their own Ninja skills by breaking boards with the Team.
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
The world renowned Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show has been performing at Fairs, sports shows, festivals, theme parks and events for over 33 years and we are proud to welcome them back to the Saratoga County Fair for 2019. Action packed events that will presented during their shows include log rolling, chopping, crosscut sawing, axe throwing and dragster chainsaw competition – just to name a few. This great show will provide lots of laughter, thrills and chills for all ages with logging skills used throughout history to today.
The Butterfly Encounter
Butterflies return to the Saratoga County Fair for 2019. The Butterfly Encounter is a family orientated walk-through exhibit where visitors get to see and learn first-hand about the world of Butterflies. This is an exceptional opportunity to get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies, explore their life cycle and experience feeding them with nectar. The Butterfly Encounter is owned and operated by Deborah and Jason Lurie from Spring Hill, Florida.
The Granpa Cratchet Show
Everybody’s favorite Granpa will be bringing his Safety First Tour to the Saratoga County Fair. Seen live at Fairs and festivals all across the United States, Granpa Cratchet is an action-packed family friendly show for all ages with loads of whimsical puppet entertainment and good old audience interactive fun. Granpa’s fast paced silliness, high energy off the wall antics and even his really silly jokes, are sure to keep the kids entertained. Granpa Cratchet is the invention of Sam Bowman, who grew up on a farm near his hometown of Sharpsville, Indiana. Sam got the idea for a Puppetmobile from an old fashioned delivery truck and the rest went on to make history.
Wild Wheels Wall of Death Thrill Show
Combining good-old American entertainment with death-defying stunts, the Wild Wheels Wall of Death Thrill Show features antique Indian motorcycles, vintage Harley Davidsons and racing go-karts with a connection to over a century of entertainment history.
Eudora Farms Traveling Exotic Zoo
The mission at Eudora Farms is to present an educational and interactive animal adventure like no other. Everything from Antelope to Zebra roam our countryside setting and they want to share their experience and the beauty of these animals with as many visitors as possible. Education is the key to preserving these animals for future generations to enjoy.
Brian Ruth – Masters of the Chainsaw
Brian Ruth travels from his home in the Poconos of Pennsylvania to Fairs and festivals up and down the East coast and even started a chapter of his ‘Masters of the Chainsaw’ group in Japan. Chainsaw carving is the perfect combination of Ruth’s varied interests and he continues to impress crowds by carving tree trunks into bears, eagles, raccoons and other amazing creations during his four daily shows. On Saturday night, July 27th at 7:00 p.m. the chainsaw carvings Brian has worked so hard on all week will be up for auction to the highest bidder. All proceeds from this auction directly benefit the Saratoga County Agricultural Society/Saratoga County Fair.
Carnival Midway Entertainment – Amusements of America
Amusements of America is recognized throughout the industry as one of the nation’s premier carnival operators. Visitors to the 2019 Saratoga County Fair will get to experience the thrill of spectacular rides like the Rock n Roll, The Pharaoh’s Fury and The Giant Gondola Wheel. Back by popular demand, The Drop Tower and The Back Spin spinning coaster return for a second year. Appearing for the first time at the Saratoga County Fair will be the Crazy Dance. Amusements of America is a family-owned company with 80 years of experience in offering what the Guinness Book of World Records called the “World’s Largest Traveling Amusement Park.” The Midway is open daily from Noon to Midnight. In Kiddieland, families will find modern attractions plus everyone’s favorites – all designed for young children’s enjoyment and safety. All rides are sure to thrill even the most adventurous Fairgoer. Ride-All-Day Hand Stamps are available for just $20 on the Midway.
Grandstand
During weekday evenings and all day on Saturday and Sunday, the Fair’s Grandstand comes alive with the sights and sounds of Double M Professional Rodeo, JM Productions Demolition Derbies, NYTPA Tractor and Truck pulls, Garden Tractor Pulls and the 4×4 Truck Pulls with Superstock Trucks and more.
Live Music
In the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion, favorite regional bands play every afternoon and evening. Tuesday through Friday afternoons enjoy Rick Bolton & Friends. On Wednesday the Fair presents the music of The Barfield’s at special show times and the Spurs USA will appear on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Thursday, July 25, will feature a special performance by American Idol Finalist, Madison VanDenburg, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., presented by 99.5 The River.
The evening entertainment schedule in the Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion is as follows:
Tuesday: 107.7 WGNA presents Grit n Whiskey (7 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Wednesday: Froggy 100.3 presents Grit n Grace (7 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Thursday: First New York Federal Credit Union and 99.5 The River present Shades of Grey (7 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Friday: 107.7 WGNA presents Skeeter Creek (7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
Saturday: 100.9 The Cat presents Big Sky Country (7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
Sunday: PYX 106 presents Cryin’ Out Loud! (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Admission & Hours
The 2019 Saratoga County Fair runs from Tuesday, July 23 through Sunday, July 28. Fair hours are 9:00 a.m. to Midnight daily. The Amusements of America Midway and Jeff Townsend Live Music Pavilion are open from Noon to Midnight. Concession and building hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Once inside the Fairgrounds, attractions are free except for food, drinks, merchandise, rides and games. General Admission for Adults is $12, with free gate items included Tuesday-Thursday. New for 2019, discount pre-sale tickets will be available at Stewarts Shops while they last. Kids 12 and under are Free! Active U.S. Military with identification are Free and Retired Military receive 25% off the regular ticket price. Senior citizens, age 65 and over, will be admitted for $5 on Wednesday for Senior Day sponsored by MVP. On Thursday, July 25, special pricing will be available at the gate between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. for the Fair’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY Day event. A Weekly Fair Ticket is $40 and admits one person all week with free general parking in Fair owned lots. Pre-sale group discount rates are also available for a limited time.
Free parking is available in Saratoga County Fair owned Lots A & D on a first-come, first-serve basis until lots are full. Complimentary shuttle buses run from Lot D to the Fairgrounds. Paid parking is also available from many nearby property owners.
For more information, contact the Saratoga County Fair Office at 518.885.9701 or visit www.SaratogaCountyFair.org.
–Saratoga County Agricultural Society
Saratoga County Fair
For more articles out of New York, click here.