Visit one of the oldest county fairs in the country. The Columbia County Fair takes place over Labor Day weekend, starting September 2 and running through September 7. Located on Route 66 in Chatham, NY, the Fair is a combination of rides, great food and agricultural displays along with the latest in amusements rides. Throw in nightly free grandstand entertainment, including national country music headliners and adult tickets for $10 to $12 per day (free for kids age 12 and under and only $8 for advanced purchases) and you’ve got a great, reasonably priced vacation.
The Fair’s livestock Superintendents go out of their way to include rare and exotic species among those that are shown. Last year the Jacob’s sheep was on display. Considered to be the oldest breed of sheep in the world, it is also on the endangered species list. Other rare breeds appeared in the rabbit and poultry
competitions. Also showcased are the exotic animals in the Two-by-Two Zoo. Rescued from less than hospitable circumstances (think alligators in bathtubs), these lucky creatures are now happy and healthy. The zookeepers do several shows a day in which they describe the natural habitat of each of their charges. Described as “edutainment” this zoo often has baby animals that kids can see up close and touch. It’s a perfect opportunity to pet a ring-tailed lemur or cuddle a baby kangaroo.
Adults can listen or dance to one of the several musical acts that plays daily throughout the fairgrounds. Don’t miss Ernie Williams and his band. Legend has it that he has actually lived the blues – picking cotton during the day and his six-string at night. Check out The Whitewater Band, a local group that had the distinction of playing at Carlos Santana’s after-show party when he appeared in Albany. As night falls, the entertainment heats up. From the smash-em-up action of the Demolition Derby to the Monster Tractor Pull, there is plenty to look forward to.
Fair headliners this year include Chuck Wicks, a country singer who is rapidly becoming as well known for his footwork as his fretwork. Wicks and his girlfriend took more than a few turns on “Dancing with the Stars” this season. He performs Friday night, September 4. Jo Dee Messina has been dancing to her own hits. titles like “Bring on the Rain” (a duet with Tim McGraw), “I’m Alright” and “My Give-a-Damn’s Busted” put her on top of the charts. She performs two shows on Sunday, September 6. Performances are all included in the gate admission.
There’s great food, too. There is traditional livestock judging, cloggers, Sparky the Fire Dog, racing pigs, face painting for the kids, vintage cars on display, traditional crafts demonstrations and handmade quilts. The Painted Pony Rodeo is the real thing – full of breathtaking bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing and more.
For information and driving directions go to www.columbiafair.com.