In the Dutchess County Spotlight
Dutchess County Fair Grandstand Entertainment
The 167th Dutchess County Fair; New York's second largest county fair, returns this August 21-26 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Route 9 in Rhinebeck. With entertainment that's second-to-none, the 2012 Fair is sure to please the whole family.
This year's grandstand shows include live performances by Justin Moore, Chubby Checker, Lonestar, Starship (featuring Mickey Thomas), the U.S. Freestyle Motocross Championship Series, and Championship Bull Riding. Other entertainment includes performances by Vocal Trash, the Dutchess County Fair Talent Search, Rosaire's Racing Pigs, and Dock Diving Dogs.
On Tuesday, August 21, star country musician, Justin Moore will take the Grandstand stage at 7:30pm. Moore was only 18 when he made his way to Nashville to begin his quick climb to the top of the country music charts. By 2009 he released his debut album, "Justin Moore". Moore is famous for his number one hits, "Small Town USA" and "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away", and his top-ten hit "Backwoods", among other charted releases from his self-titled album; "Justin Moore", and his 2011 album; "Outlaws Like Me". Grandstand admission is free; track seats $20 pre-sale / $25 day of.
Musician Chubby Checker takes the Grandstand Stage on Wednesday, August 22 at 7pm. Chubby Checker is most widely known for his 1960 hit cover of Hank Ballard's "The Twist". This song popularized the twist dance style, and topped Billboard's list of the most popular singles to have appeared in the Hot 100, since its 1958 debut. Chubby Checker is responsible for many other hit songs, such as "Pony Time", "Let's Twist Again", "The Fly", "Limbo Rock" and "Knock Down the Walls". Born the son of a South Carolina tobacco farmer, they moved to Philadelphia when he was young. On that city's famous South Street he became a legend by doing imitations of Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis. He was soon discovered by Dick Clark. Chubby Checker was scheduled to perform at last year's Dutchess County Fair but Hurricane Irene interrupted the fair and his show. He promised to return this year, and keeps that promise, with admission of only $5.
Country music group Lonestar performs on the Grandstand stage on Thursday, August 23 at 7:30pm. 2012 year marks the band's 20th anniversary, a new album and their reunion with original lead singer Richie McDonald Lonestar has produced 27 hit singles on the country charts, 9 of which have been country chart toppers. Among their eight studio albums, three have been rated platinum or higher, in addition to several gold ratings. Lonestar has sold more than 6.5 million records worldwide, and is well-known for their hits "Amazed", "Tequila Talkin'" and "Runnin' Away With My Heart". Grandstand admission is free; track seats $20 pre-sale / $25 day of.
Starship, formerly known as Jefferson Starship and Jefferson Airplane, will take the Grandstand stage on Friday, August 24 at 7pm. Mickey Thomas' soulful and compelling vocals have established him as one of rock music's most recognizable stars. Over the course of several line-ups, this legendary band has produced hits such as "Miracles", "With Your Love", "Count Me In", "No Way Out", "We Built This City", "Sara", and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now". Grandstand admission is free; track seats $20 pre-sale/ $25 day of.
On Saturday, August 25, the FMX U.S. Freestyle Motocross Championship Series will soar above the Grandstand at 2pm and 7:30pm, as riders like Hal Strauss and Ben Veyna will compete for the championship. All seats are free with general admission to the fair.
Championship Bull Riding will take the Grandstand on the final day of the Dutchess County Fair; Sunday, August 26 at 2pm and 6pm. Admission is $10; Children under 5 are $5. Tickets go on sale at the grandstand one hour prior to both performances.
Fair dates are August 21-26 and gates open each day at 10am. Concert and event tickets do NOT include admission to the fairgrounds. General admission to the fair MUST be purchased separately; it is $15 at the gate and $12 in advance.
For more information about performances, entertainment, and the rest of the Dutchess County Fair, visit www.dutchessfair.com .
