Rhinebeck, NY – Who doesn’t like free?  The Dutchess County Fair offers so much free entertainment with your paid admission to the Fair.  Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the pre-sale discounts for rides and gate admission. 

With his highly professional and hilarious antics, Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy has been entertaining fairgoers for over 20 years at the Dutchess County Fair.  Located just inside the Main Welcome Center (Map #3) you can catch Hilby’s shows at 2pm 4pm & 6:30pm.  They are not to be missed!

The infield offers an array of free shows and attractions.  The traditional horse shows, pony pulls and the Mule & Donkey Show, the Dock Dogs and the ever-popular Salute to Agriculture and Dairy Birthing Center (Map #51).  Entering the tent, you will be greeted by various farm animals just waiting to say hey!  Fairgoers spend hours in the tent waiting to see a calf being born or watch the antics of the momma sow with her baby piglets.  Newly added to the tent this year is the “Hands on Horses” interactive exhibit.  Fairgoers can brush or try their hand at braiding a horse’s tail or mane or “scoop the poop” out of an actual stall.

Are you smarter than a farmer?  Wheels of Agriculture (Map #61) is an interactive, fun game show that will test your knowledge of agriculture.  Show times to be posted.

Longtime performers and rescue advocates known as Pawstars, Erich and Kara Steffensen return along with their furry companions to showcase their dogs love of frisbee catching skills and tricks!  Performing at 11am, 2pm and 5pm (Map #47), these canine stars will dazzle you with their talents and are sure to throw in some dopey-ness guaranteed to bring loads of laughs!

Two by Two Animal Haven (Map #47) features Animal Ambassadors and with their help Two by Two Animal Haven provides educational programs for kids and adults.  Their presentations blend interactive learning with hands-on experiences, as well as making emotional and physical connections. 

AgriGolf  (Map#49) Where fun and learning meet!  Agri-Golf is the perfect way to blend fun and education. This activity is a place of fun for all ages.  Each hole is specialized to New York State’s agricultural or farming facts. 

Looking for a place to spend some time while waiting for the next race at Rosaire’s Racing Pigs (Map #52)? Visit Commerford’s Petting Zoo (Map #53) where the animals are always looking for attention and handouts. 

Experience the joy of our agricultural showcase and get up close and personal with friendly animals on Livestock Hill.  Stroll through the Milking Parlor and watch a cow being milked. Interact with our exhibitors as they prepare their animals for their next show.  Take the time to watch one of the many livestock shows, where exhibitors of all ages will lead their animals into the ring to be judged.  Guaranteed you will feel their sense of pride as they lead their animal into the ring to be judged against their peers. For most exhibitors, getting their animals ready for the Fair is a yearlong project. It’s a time for both the handlers and the animals to shine!   Be sure to visit our Hudson Valley Farm Life Tent (Map #59) where you can hear our local farmers and businesses tell their story about how agriculture is a part of their daily life. 

Our Antique Museum and Village consists of hundreds of volunteers who dress up in historical costume.  Set up in a backdrop of days gone by, fairgoers can meander through the actual museum, hear and watch the antique machinery chugging away outside, visit the newly built Firefighters Museum, the Pleasant Valley Train Station and the Bentley One Room Schoolhouse.  Grab a hot apple cider donut and a glass of cider at the Cider Mill and Sugar House.   Hudson River Ice Boat & Yacht Club and the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome volunteers are eager to share their historical knowledge and be a part of your visit to the Fair. 

Get ready for a week of family fun, heart pounding rides, strolling acts,  yummy food and so much more at the Dutchess County Fair!  Join us at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck NY,  from August 20 – 25. 

But wait, there’s so much more! Visit dutchessfair.com for more information and to purchase tickets.