To the Editor:

Celebrating its 123rd year, the 2016 Altamont Fair is continuing its long tradition of providing family-friendly entertainment and showcasing agriculture and history. The fair will be open on Tuesday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 21.

The fair is proud to announce the Budweiser Clydesdales are coming back on Saturday, Aug. 20. The “Gentle Giants” will be on display from 2 to 4 p.m. on the fairgrounds. At 4 p.m., the Clydesdales will lead the Budweiser Parade of Champions around the fairgrounds.

It’s time to get your entries in for all of the competitions. Do you have a great pie, pickle, or cookie recipe? Are you a quilter or fiber artist? We have contests in photography, flowers, vegetables, hay, and many more areas of interest. Enter your best at the fair! All of the entry information is available online at www.altamontfair.com. Most of the competitions have an entry deadline; paper entries are due Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. and online entries are open until Aug. 9, at 9 a.m.

We are excited to welcome back all of the poultry exhibits. “We really missed the roosters crowing,” says fair manager, Amy Anderson,  “and we have a full schedule of livestock shows — sheep, goats, rabbits, dairy and beef cattle. The Ag Trail, the scavenger hunt for kids is back with new questions and prizes to spur on the exploration of the Fairgrounds. We have free kids’ games and activities in many of the buildings to educate and entertain.”

The Altamont Fair is bringing back an expanded Craft Beverage Fest that will be held during the fair on Thursday and Friday; stop in to sample some locally produced craft beverages and pick your favorite. The wine tasting returns on Saturday and Sunday, with select vintners ready to offer samples of their finest New York wines. Check the website for details!

The Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, a high wire thrill act, will perform on the grandstand every day.  Michael DeSchalit, master hypnotist, is back this year performing on the Grove stage. Circus Hollywood is returns with seven acts of circus fun under the big top.

Don’t miss Kali Van Flames, the fire eater. Check out all the museum’s featured exhibits. The Auto Museum is featuring Ford Mustangs. The Sherman Lumberjack show will perform in the Village & Carriage Museum. Stop in to the Petting Zoo to visit the Giraffic Menagerie, featuring “Twiggs,” the giraffe, and other animals.  

The Altamont Fair has a tradition of great music performed on the Reid Northrup Stage. Check out your favorites and catch some new music. The Moonshine Junkies are returning to offer a high-energy modern country music and Across the Pond, a Beatles tribute band, will be back, too. New this year is The Kim Buckley Band, the Pipe Kings, and Lexie Paddon. Ready for some singing fun? Bobby Stillwell hosts the Karaoke microphone every night.

And fair food! What is your favorite? We have all kinds of fair food lined up for you; check our website for discount coupons on several concessions. Don’t forget to check out the Dreamland Amusements Midway with exciting thrill and kiddie rides — unlimited rides are included with paid admission.

One-price admission includes attractions, Circus Hollywood under the big top, music, shows, museums, parking, and unlimited rides. Admission is at the gate on Tuesday and Wednesday, and $17 at the gate Thursday through Sunday. Purchase your tickets online for only $15 and use them any day; a savings of $2. Wednesday is Senior and Armed Forces Day — seniors 65 years and up and members of the armed forces with ID receive free admission until 4 p.m. that includes rides thanks to Dreamland Amusements. Be sure to check the website — www.altamontfair.com for the latest details and most current schedule. The schedule is subject to change.

The Altamont Fair is a three-county fair representing Albany, Schenectady and Greene counties. It is a not-for-profit, public educational and historical society supported entirely by admissions, rentals, contributions, and the assistance of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. For more details and information, check out  www.altamontfair.com.

Pat Canaday, board member

The Altamont Fair