One of the largest and most popular events in Rhinebeck, NY each year takes place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. The annual Dutchess County Fair is an event like no other. Nationally recognized for its agriculture, food and vendors the fair draws crowds in the hundreds of thousands.
So what makes this event so special? To start, each year gardeners enhance the character of the 162-acre fairgrounds with dozens of themed gardens. Waterfalls and ponds filled with koi and colorful water lilies add significantly to the Horticulture Center. When a respite is in order, relax in the quietude of the ALL NEW Memorial Garden. Certainly, no visit to the fair would be complete without a walk through the Horticulture Building.
Turn-of-the-Century Treasures: The Dutchess County Fair affords an opportunity to showcase not only agriculture, but also all that is best about our past.
Antiques Museum Village—Turn- of-the-century displays featuring “story tellers” in costume will take you back to a quieter, simpler time. Stroll past a printer’s shop complete with a working 1900 printing press, marvel at a living room filled with Victorian furniture, view a rural kitchen and watch as repairs are done in a Model-T-era auto shop.
One-Room Schoolhouse—An authentic one-room schoolhouse has been moved to the fairgrounds and is filled with memorabilia that reflects educational practices and schoolhouse activities in an era long past. If you are fortunate enough, you may visit at a time when one of the teachers who actually taught in the school is your guide.
Working Blacksmith Shop & Gas Powered Engine Show —Witness how work was done and things were made long before the robots were introduced to the workplace. This walk down “memory lane” is sure to bring special pleasure to our seniors and absolute amazement to the youngsters in your group.
Arts and Crafts: The number of crafters displaying and selling their one of kind creations increases each this year. Some of the finest artists and crafters from all over the country will assemble and make available their treasures at great prices.
Building D—From Field to Table: A Celebration of the Foods We Eat Building D is the place to sample and purchase specialty foods in great variety. While the usual fair food vendors throughout the fairgrounds provide all of those tasty treats that come with a visit to the county fair, a walk into Building D will afford the opportunity to take home any number of delectable delights. Stock up on country store candies, honey, real maple syrup, jams, jellies, fudge, and oh yes, don’t forget the gourmet chocolate covered apples on a stick! A visit to this building is also an opportunity to celebrate “The Bounty of Dutchess County” with a farm fresh display sure to please.
Building E is the place to find hundreds and hundreds of handmade quilts, hobbies, crafts and more. From the finest hand crocheting to needlepoint and crewel, you will find nothing but “labors of love” in Building E. While inside, if you find the aroma of culinary creations wafting through the building, follow the tantalizing aroma to the HARVEST KITCHEN. You will be invited to take a few minutes out of your busy fair visit to sit, relax, and watch master chefs and TV cooking show celebrities demonstrate the latest cooking techniques.
Buildings A, B, and C are filled with row after row of concession booths. A sales force of over 300 individual vendors inside these buildings and dotted throughout the fairgrounds bring everything from fine jewelry to pots and pans for purchase. Not to worry, they will be happy to hold your purchases until you are ready to leave for home.
Dutchess County Fair Souvenirs: In addition to Building E, you will now be able to purchase all of your favorite fair souvenirs at two outside locations on the fairgrounds. The souvenir stands will allow you to take home memories of your day at the fair and more.
Distinctly Dutchess Pavilion: An opportunity to learn about, see, and purchase products that are grown, made, and manufactured exclusively in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley.
See a Calendar of Events for the Dutchess County Fairgrounds or Buy Tickets online.
