Rhinebeck, NY – The 178^th Dutchess County Fair is scheduled to open its gates on Tuesday, August 20^th and will bring fun and entertainment to fairgoers. Metal detectors will be at every entrance to ensure the safety of all fairgoers. All attendees will need to walk through the detectors before entering the fairgrounds as part of the Security Checkpoints. 

These specially designed metal detectors are more convenient than those typically found at airports. Visitors will not be asked to remove belts or take cell phones out of their pockets, as the detectors are tailored to identify weapons or other dangerous objects.

“We want to make sure that we continue to offer fairgoers a safe, family friendly environment and feel comfortable here,” stated Andy Imperati, President & CEO of the Dutchess County Fair.  “In light of these times that we are living in, I think people will be grateful for these added safety measures and our commitment to safety.”

In addition to the metal detectors at all the gates, the Fair has also instituted a Youth Attendance & Admission Policy.

The Dutchess County Fair requires that all children 17-and-under entering after 6pm must be accompanied by an adult parent, legal guardian or chaperone who is age 25-or-older. Proof of age will be required.  ID’s may be verified at the gate.

A Chaperone is defined as a parent, guardian or designated chaperone. They must have a valid ID in their possession while on the fairgrounds. Valid ID’s must include a photograph and date of birth.  Valid types of identification include driver’s license, non-driver ID card, passport, visa or military ID. 

Each adult can only chaperone 4 minors at a time.  Groups larger than 4 individuals under the age of 17 will require an additional chaperone for every 4 minors.  Chaperones are required to remain at the Fair if they are bringing minors. Any adult who drops off minors is in direct violation of this policy.

ID checks may be conducted and may be required at the entrance gates before entering the Fairgrounds.  Anyone who violates or attempts to bypass entrances where security checkpoints are in place has committed a trespass offense which is subject to prosecution.

All misbehaving minors will be reunited with their parent(s), legal guardian or chaperone.  Failure to comply will result in immediate removal from the property. 

Organized and ticketed group outings, such as school, church, corporate, and other pre-scheduled group visits are exempt from the policy as these groups have established chaperone policies and practices already in place.

The Dutchess County Fair begins August 20^th.  More information can be found at www.dutchessfair.com.