It’s all coming back this week.
The rides. The fried foods. The racing pigs. The musical acts. The 4-H milkshakes.
The 176th Dutchess County Fair returns Tuesday with new attractions sprinkled among longtime favorites.
The gates for the six-day fair — the second-oldest county fair in the state and routinely the second-biggest with roughly 300,000 attendees each year — open 10 a.m. Tuesday at the fairgrounds in Rhinebeck.
The first day’s entertainment will be highlighted by country artist Frank Ray, performing a free grandstand show at 7:30 p.m. Originally, “America’s Got Talent” winner, singer and ventriloquist Darci Lynne was scheduled to perform an additional ticketed show, but fair organizers Saturday announced it had been cancelled, citing a scheduling conflict.
Most shows through the week will be free, included in the regular ticket price, including concerts from Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and Nashville recording artist Niko Moon, who topped multiple charts with his Platinum-selling debut single “Good Time,” among other live performers.
The All American Rodeo Company’s rodeo, featuring bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing will be featured twice on Saturday and once on Sunday for $5 and kids under 6 free. Youngsters ages 4-7 can participate in the fair’s “Stick Pony Rodeo” on Aug. 28 beginning at 1 p.m. This is an event in which kids have the chance to compete like real cowboys.
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Explore Livestock Hill: Spread over 12 acres of the fairgrounds, the area includes 12 barns housing dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and more. There are three show arenas, with a full daily schedule of judging. Visitors can explore milking demonstrations, a wool workroom and sheep shearing here.
Check out a garden: The 147-acre fairgrounds include dozen of themed gardens. The Horticulture Center features waterfalls and ponds filled with koi and colorful water lilies.
Jump on a ride: Powers Great American Midways is back for the 15th year with thrill rides, kiddie rides, games and more.
Visit Century Museum Village: No visit to the fair is complete with a trip to the past. This fair feature includes “storytellers” in costume, a printer’s shop complete with a working 1900 printing press, a living room filled with Victorian furniture and a rural kitchen. At the Model-T-era auto shop, guests can watch repairs being made.
Stop for a bite: The other star attraction? Fair food! Expect everything from soft serve to caramel apples, pulled pork to deep fried Brussels sprouts, fried pickles, jerk chicken, Bubble tea, and of course, fresh roasted corn.
The fair will be open each day from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate; those who order tickets online ahead of Tuesday will receive a discount.
Adult admission at the gate is $18. Kids ages 11 and under are free. On Wednesday, seniors ages 65 and over and those with military identification can enter for $12.
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Wristbands for unlimited rides are $30. Individual tickets for rides can also be purchased in the midway.
Find a complete list of attractions, along with visitor FAQs at dutchessfair.com/the-fair/visitor-info. All events will be held rain or shine.