In the Dutchess County Spotlight
Dutchess County Fair Non-Stop Free Entertainment
Your ticket to the 167th Dutchess County Fair guarantees non-stop entertainment at no extra charge, every day from 10am to closing time. Parents can easily spend the day entertaining the kids with exciting and educational shows from Tuesday, August 21 - Sunday, August 26.
Every corner of the fairgrounds has entertainment, so pick up a full-color map when you enter the gates and take your pick of where to start the fun.
Bixby's Rainforest Rescue (map #56) offers the unique allure of conservation, preservation and going green in one entertaining presentation. Using magic, puppetry, musical numbers, comedy and audience participation Bixby teaches youngsters and their families how to help save the rainforest and protect the environment in which we all live.
The Circle City Sidewalk Stompers Clown Band is on parade three times daily on Tuesday, and four times from Wednesday until Sunday. Cheer on Rosaries' Racing Pigs each day to see which pig wins the coveted Oreo reward (Map#49). The Dock Diving Dogs and Commerford's Petting Zoo are inside the Oval, and both provide hours of amusement for all ages. Keep a watch out for Commerford's pony hitch, parading around the fairgrounds with their lively music and beautiful animals.
Walking around, you'll be sure to run into our favorite entertainer, Hilby, the self-proclaimed, Skinny German Juggle Boy. He has a brand new contest, "The Frozen Tee-Shirt" contest, a hilarious challenge. Each contestant is presented with a soaked, knotted tee shirt that's frozen solid. They must then soften and somehow untie it, and the winner is the first one who gets his tee-shirt over his head, arms in place and on completely. It is like watching someone try and wear a snow ball!
Over in the Entertainment Tent, the Search for Talent continues Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 2pm. Contestants compete all week for a chance to perform in the finals on Saturday, set for 9am to 2:30pm. The top 25 finalists in junior and senior categories are eligible to compete in the New York State Talent Search, held in Syracuse. Contestants have included musicians, dancers, vocalists, comedians, jugglers and those presenting dramatic readings. The Search for Talent has been part of the Fair for 48 years, and was a forerunner to the talent contests on television today.
The extremely popular and wildly energetic Vocal Trash returns for multiple shows daily in the Entertainment Tent. On Sunday morning at 10:30am, the Dutchess County 4-H Club presents their own fashion show.
Building E posts a variety of children's activities each day. Hands-on activities, Mad Science shows, Oscar the Robot and Jason's Frogs, and Bugs and Animals are just some of the scheduled good time fare.
Head to the Oval to find more delightful shows, including the popular Canine Tent, where Frisbee Dogs, Agility Dogs and Fun with Dogs represent three distinct performances daily. Watch what these marvelous trainers and enthusiastic dogs have learned to accomplish! The Salute to Agriculture and Dairy Birthing Tent is just a quick walk across the way; seeing the young farm animals at play is a must for the children; those under 12 are admitted free each day. Call 845-876-4000 or visit www.dutchessfair.com.
