Competitions
One of the oldest county fairs in the country, this venerable original remains true to its farming roots and wholesome community spirit. An integral part of the region, the fair celebrates the joys, skill, and hard work of farming, quilting, weaving, riding, cooking, and other arts and crafts.
ALL LIVESTOCK
DO NOT UNLOAD LIVE STOCK UNTIL VET CHECK
All animal exhibitors must follow NYS Animal Health Requirements

2023 Fair Health Requirements
Taking an animal to a New York fair? You will not be able to enter the fairgrounds until these requirements have been met.

Are you bringing an animal from another state to a New York fair? Find out what you need to do in order to bring your animal to the fair.

Avoid problems at fair time. Review the Exhibitor Prefair Guidelines now.
4H Programs
Led by skilled adult volunteers of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia County, diverse youth from Columbia County exhibit their club creations and project work or show their livestock in friendly competition throughout the 6-day fair. For information, visit http://ccecolumbiagreene.org/4-h-and-youth-development
Department # 11A
Amateur Craft Beer, Wine, and Cider
Sponsored by S. T. Hudson’s Son Plumbing & HVAC
Lager, stout, red or white…who will win best of show for overall outstanding amateur beer, wine, or cider? Our contest is open to any amateur wine, beer or cider maker, 21 years or older, who lives within 50 miles of Chatham, NY.
Department # 22A
Demolition Derby Competition – Thursday
Sponsored by HudsonValley360.com and W & B Golf Carts, Inc.
Got road rage?You might want to get in on a night of crashin’, smashin’ action at the Demolition Derby! Enter your old 4 cylinders, mini vans, mini pick-ups and mini SUVs to win the cash purse of $1,400. Best Appearance Theme: Peppa Pig
Department # 07A
Domestic Arts and Crafts
Showcasing everything from floral arrangements to baked goods to crafts and pottery. The fair’s domestic arts and crafts exhibits are greatly expanded this year, nestled in Four Corners Hall. Categories include: Canning; Baking; Fine Arts; Weaving/Basketry/Woodwork; Flowers; Hobbies/Crafts; Needlework; and Youth Division.
Department # 15A
Giant Pumpkins
Sponsored by Keyser Well Drilling & Pump Co.
Move over Cinderella, you have competition! Our giant pumpkin contest hands out prizes to the largest pumpkins grown in Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Dutchess and Berkshire Counties. Minimum pumpkin weight is 75lbs to compete.
Department # 10C
Grange Exhibits
Collective exhibits by Granges, Youth and Pomona Granges of farm and garden produce, fruit, baked goods, vegetables, canned goods, grains and grasses, poultry, dairy products, honey, sewing and needlework. Scoring of exhibits is based on magnetism, freshness and perfection produce and display appearance.
Department # 09A
Photo Contest
Sponsored by Photo Art by Ken Bovat
Calling all amateur shutter bugs! Whether you enjoy photographing landscapes or livestock, people or parades, display your best shot taken in Columbia County. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded by a panel of professional photographers based on creativity, composition, impact, story-telling, technical quality, and presentation. Professionals may submit photographs for display but are not eligible to compete.
Department # 17A
Quilt Show
Sponsored by Bank of Greene County Foundation
With 18 entry categories, submissions range from the simple to the complex, and include original designs as well as such traditional patterns as the Log Cabin, Morning Star, Ohio Star, Trip Around the World, Double Irish Chain, and Triple Irish Chain.
Department # 14A
School Queen Contest
Tradition marches on as young students compete in the 83rd annual Columbia County School Queen Contest. With judging based on personality, poise, and appearance, contestants from all-six public schools in the county vie for cash prizes in this competition filled with school spirit.
Department # 11B
Scouting Exhibits
Sponsored by MetzWood Insurance
Premiums awarded by to any Columbia County unit of the Boy Scouts of America for the best Troop Exhibit and Outdoor Exhibit, in three classes for boys, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and six classes for girls, Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassadors.
Department # 11C
The Cookie Contest
Get your sweet tooth on and enter the new Cookie Contest! Kids and adults of any age, inexperienced and experienced bakers are all eligible to enter (well maybe not Martha Stewart, haha). All baked goods must be made in a home kitchen and all entries must have one key ingredient in the recipe…chocolate chips! Can you say YUMMMMMMMM?
Department # 19A