Proudly sponsored by A. Colarusso & Son and Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation


Entertainment






Legal Road Rage
At the Fair’s two consecutive nights of Demolition Derby, fender benders are not only acceptable, they’re the rule. And you get to watch! See the best drivers in the area compete in heat after heat of smash ‘em up action. Smell the exhaust! Watch the smoke! Listen to the engines roar! Cheer on your favorite! And, finally, watch one driver carry away the trophy – even if his car is a little banged up
Painted Ladies (and gentlemen)
One of the favorite activities of young visitors to the Fair is face painting. From Fairy Princesses to Devils – the creativity abounds. And it’s not just for faces. Kids can try sand painting, tumbling and creating scrap books and collages. The 4-H Building offers daily activities that challenge a youngster’s mind while giving them an outlet for all that energy.
Cowboys (and girls) and Indians
On Monday, the Painted Pony Rodeo brings together the best local riders to compete for prize money and the chance to be in the national finals in Oklahoma City. See how long 8 seconds can be on the back of a bull. Hold your breath as a rider tries to get that illusive calf under control. And cringe as each barrel tumbles during the barrel riding. Rodeos were originally a test of the skills necessary to tame the West. Now these rodeo riders are a rare breed. And speaking of vanishing breeds, take your kids to the target shooting booth where they can try out their skill at shooting an arrow into a bull’s eye. Supervising adults will give pointers where necessary – along with plenty of encouragement.
Healthy Competition
The Fair has plenty of contests for children and adults. Columbia County’s Got Talent is all singing, all dancing, all playing – music that is. Competitors in both youth and adult divisions are judged on not only content, but presentation and even costume. Then, food fights of a different kind pit good eaters (or at least fast ones) against one another. Like Blueberry Pie? Then stop and see the Pie Eating contest. Later, watermelon is the food of choice. This is one contest where spitting is allowed. And the Cooking contest has top prizes of $1,000.00 for the best adult submission and $500.00 for a youngster’s entry. Best part? After the competition is over, the audience gets to taste the food. YUM.
Blue Ribbon Livestock
That’s the whole point of a County Fair, isn’t it? All those folks coming together to show off their best animals – be it cows, sheep, swine, horses, rabbits or poultry. Nationally trained judges point out each animal’s strengths and weaknesses. Educating all of us on what makes the best of any breed.
Heritage Skills
Not everyone remembers, but folks used to make most everything by hand. And our Heritage Village gives you a chance to see how that was done. Watch fly tiers, basket weavers, paper makers, book binders and tin smith’s as they demonstrate skills of bygone days. Take home a sample that you actually saw being made. A real souvenir.
Parades. Parades. Parades.
Like old time farm equipment? Then don’t miss the lineup at the Antique Tractor Pull. Missing your old school days? Then check out the 73rd Annual Schoolgirl Queen Contest. Maybe fire trucks are your thing. Then enjoy the Firefighter’s Parade where more than 40 towns display their vehicles and marching abilities. The Fair has plenty on display every day.
Music for Everyone
Let’s start with our two headliners. Craig Morgan was nominated as best Male Newcomer in Country Music twice. He’s a member of the Grand Ol’ Opry and his top seller, That’s What I Love About Sunday has gotten plenty of radio time. Then there is 1964 – The Tribute, the band Rollingstone Magazine called “the best Beatles Tribute on earth”. See for yourself how four guys changed an entire generation. But that’s not all. Every day, the Fairgrounds are filled with musical groups. Everything from a strolling barbershop quartet, to a DJ for kids. From the Delta Blues to 1960 folk, polka music to marching bands. And it’s all part of the free Fair entertainment.
Rare Breeds
Do you think every pig is fast? No! Just our racing pigs have the gene for competing in the show ring. Do you think all dogs know how to herd animals? Not true. Our sheep dogs are specially bred to keep animals on the straight and narrow. And they will show you just how good they are. How about rare and exotic breeds? Want to see a few? Go to the Two-by-Two Zoo and watch kangaroos hop, lemurs swing and panthers prowl. You might even get to pet a few.
Delicious Fair Food
Want an Italian sub or a bloomin’ onion? How about freshly squeezed lemonade or some fried dough? Maybe you’d prefer something more exotic like pork chop on a stick or fried mushrooms. The Fair has lots of choices for anyone who’s hungry. From traditional foods like a slice of pizza to something homemade like soul food from the deep South or gyros from Greece there is plenty to choose from. And, after all, this opportunity comes only once a year. So. GO AHEAD! IT’S THE FAIR!