There is a wonderful event in Rhinebeck every year - this will be the 162nd year the Dutchess County Fair has come to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY. It is a long standing tradition of local families as well as visitors who come for all over the the greater New York area to attend the fair. There is wonderful food (as in all the delicious but fattening things you should not eat) such as giant dishes of french fries, fried dough, steak and cheese sandwiches, things made of waffles, cotton candy, the list goes on and on! Our 
family favorite is the milkshakes made by the local 4H Clubs. They are made from fresh milk that comes from the cows at the fair.
The fair started as an agricultural fair and I am happy to say it is still a huge part of the fair. The 4H kids bring their cows, sheep, rabbits, chickens, lambs and other animals to display at the fair. Prizes are awarded for the best animals. There is also a very impressive display of locally grown fruits and vegetables which are also judged for ribbons. There is a pie contest and some of other "Best of the Fair" awards given for specialty foods and wines. 
The fair brings with it many amusement rides and an old fashioned mid-way with games of chance and prizes galore. There are also live performances all week long at The Grandstand. The fairs entertainment leans towards county and they draw some big names. All of the performances are free.
My husband and I have a favorite memory of The Fair. Our youngest daughter was born on August 23, 1979. August 23 always falls during Fair Week so we always went on her birthday to celebrate. Until she was about 8 years old she believed the fair came to town because it was her birthday and they set it up just for her! Now that she is 28 (am I really that old?) and she lives in Atlanta she calls every year to ask if "her fair" is in town. It's a very special memory.
So, pack up the kids and the car and head out to the Dutchess County Fair. This year admission is $12 for adults and children under a certain age are free. You can get all the details at www.dutchessfair.com
See you at the Fair!
If after visiting the fair you decide you might like to live in the Rhinebeck, NY area visit my website www.realesataterhinebeckny.com or give me a call at (845)224-5238
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