The county fair is one of the events every kid looks forward to during the summer. What better way to spend the days than outside, enjoying great food, midway attractions and souvenirs? And then there are all the free activities that are both entertaining and maybe – just a little – educational.
The Columbia County Fair, in its 171st year, always makes a point of having a wide variety of amusements for young people, starting with free admission on Thursday before 4 pm for anyone 18 or under. Once through the gates, savvy kids head to the Rides Ticket Kiosk for the bargain of the day, an all day/all rides pass for only $ 15. Favorite rides include the flip-flopping Zipper, chair-swinging, high flying Vertigo, and, back this year after a hiatus, The Gravitron – 5 Gs of gravity-defying fun.
Morris Vivona, Jr. of Amusements of America, the Manager of the rides, said his choices for kiddie rides include the Dragon Wagon and, new this year, the Dog Pound. For older kids on a date? “I’d choose the Ferris Wheel. It’s secluded, has a great view of the Fair and takes a while to load up,” he laughs. “Too bad we don’t have a Tunnel of Love!”
Those with a more competitive spirit might want to take part in the Watermelon or Ice Cream Eating contests. For each, there are three age ranges – 12 and under, 13 to 18 and adults 19 and over. Rules and schedules for all events are on line at www.columbiafair.com or can be obtained by calling the Fair office at 518-392-2121.
Animals are always a big part of entertainment for both adults and kids. The Two-by-Two Zoo will have an assortment of exotic creatures and crowd favorites including lemurs, panthers and kangaroos. These four-legged friends are the subject of hourly “edutainment” when the zookeepers talk about where each lived, how they came to be part of the zoo and what is required to keep them all safe and healthy. Best of all, petting is allowed.
More animals are on display during the livestock competitions, a demonstration of high flying Frisbee-catching dogs and fast footed Racing Pigs. At the Painted Pony Rodeo, horses will buck, bulls will kick and riders will fly – plenty to keep kids of all ages mesmerized.
But fairs are for adults, too. This year, Bucky Covington, American Idol finalist, will be on the Mainstage Friday evening, August 31, beginning at 8 pm. This country singer put out his debut album to critical acclaim. His latest effort, Good Guys, is heading in the same direction.
More great country music comes to Chatham on Sunday, September 2, when Diamond Rio, a six member recording group, appears at 3 pm and again at 8 pm. The singer/musicians have been together since 1991 accumulating three platinum albums and the Country Music Association’s Group of the Year award four times. Among the 33 singles that have reached the Billboard charts are “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “Norma Jean Riley” and “Love a Little Stronger.”
There will be more cheering by fairgoers when the Monster Tractors fire up their engines on Saturday evening. Rising sparks, black smoke and a wall of sound make the competition heat up, literally, when the tractors do their best to pull more than 30,000 pounds of dead weight across the finish line. These drivers can move buildings with their souped up tractors. But, we’re guessing not many of them have been anywhere near a hay bale.
From high-powered engines to the Junior Talent Contest, magic shows to a poultry barn exhibit of doves, the Columbia County Fair has something for everyone – especially kids.
Opening day is Wednesday, August 29, and the Fair continues through Monday, Labor Day, September 3. Hours are Wednesday 3 to 11 pm and Thursday through Monday 10 am to 11 pm. Ticket prices are $10 daily, and $12 Sunday. You may download an Advance Ticket Order Form, a complete schedule of events, the premium book, catalogue and contest entry forms at www.columbiafair.com. The fairgrounds are located on Route 66 in Chatham – GPS 142 Hudson Avenue. The phone at the Fair is 518-392-2121.