Dutchess County Fair

I am here at Goodguys car show. It is a very good show. It is very clean. No trash anywhere. The cars are excellent. Building look professionally built. The people are very nice here. I will be back.

I’m only reviewing their winter RV storage. The process was easy and efficient for me. I’ll have to check out their Summer Fair during the season, after taking my RV out for the spring.

The entrance fee was $ 15, OK so I was prepared to have a fun time for that price. I am not a cheap person, but reasonable on what I spend my money on. I wanted to try a Bratwurst, so I found the vendor mentioned on the fairs web site. To my amazement a six inch Bratwurst on a bun with some sauerkraut was $ 8. I said fine, I will pay it since no food was allowed on the grounds and I was hungry. For $ 8 you would expect it to taste outstanding, but no, it was terrible. I wanted some french fries but the cost was $ 4 to $ 6, no way I was going to pay that for fries. Its a shame that parents would have to take an awful lot of money for rides and food and don’t forget the admission price. Next time I will just go to Coney Island, no admission price, and around Coney Island there is plethora of places to eat, in and around the grounds at very reasonable prices. Never again!

I am retired military. I served my country and paid the price. I go to the Dutchess County Fair every year and spend a small fortune there. So I really did not appreciate being hassled by some snotty old prune for using my military ID to get discounted tickets. Granted the picture on my ID is old but I had to remove my sunglasses, I was questioned about my service and whether I actually had served or not and she was not very nice about it at all. Dutchess County Fair you should be ashamed of yourself! You are going to question that I was even in the military when I present you with photo ID? If you don’t want to give the discount then don’t advertise it. I did not see her asking the senior citizens for proof of age, as she was one herself. It felt quite discriminatory to me. So I hope the five bucks was worth it to the Fair’s reputation because I’m going to tell the story to everyone I meet.

The first time this year I been this year. Been every year and enjoy the day lights out of it enjoy the food this year the weather is great. People were not pushy what a change

We came to see the second largest fair in New York state and it was underwhelming. Admission is $ 15 per adult. As expected, the bulk of the rides were for little children and the food was all artery clogging and overpriced. The disappointment in the food vendors were the 3 — 4 fried dough/​fried Oreo vendors and 3 — 4 lemonade vendors. They could not get other vendors to provide greater variety than deep fried obesity? I know fair food is traditionally bad for you but I was hoping for more choices. The indoor vendors were mainly local businesses trying to sell you stuff. There was even a Verizon Wireless stand. I guess nothing screams fun at a fair like signing up for Verizon Wireless? The bulk of the fair are vendors attempting to see how much money they can get out of you. The fair also has cows, horses, and pigs on display. Overall, it is not worth it. You can use the admission to buy junk food anywhere.

Ive literally been coming here since I was a little kid. I started really coming back here 5 years ago with my gf and we have not missed a single year since. I look forward to this all year. We essentially here for the food. You have try have the corn with butter, cheese fries, gyro, chicken cheese steak, and of course the ridiculously delicious milk shake close to gate four I think. On top of this we usually buy food vouchers online beforehand which gets you additional food. Unfortunately they did not have it this year which was actually a real let down because we didnt feel as though we had to stuff ourselves sick to use the coupons. Hopefully next year… Another thing lacking was the ride called The Vortex. We look forward to me trying to get her to go on this every year and sometimes succeeding. However, this year the ride was missing… Hopefully next year they will revert back to the previous years though either way, we will of course becoming back here.

Love this place and realized that I never reviewed it!
Started coming here about 5 years ago, introduced by my bf as something he used to go to when he was younger.
Since first coming here, we’ve noticed an increase in price for everything — ticket, food etc, but I guess that is to be expected over time.
They have lots of things going on that we don’t participate in such as the livestock section where there are auctions for cows or goats and even rabbits! There is a section where you can see and sometimes pet rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, roosters and other farm type animals. They also have shows and guest appearances, as well as inside shopping for foods, jewelry, all types of household things and everything in between.
The bf and I mainly go to pig out on overpriced fair food and being away from the city. Milkshakes, cheese fries, corn, cheese steaks, gyros, pizza, Asian food, Mexican food, candy apples, desserts, Texas style brisket/​pulled pork and so much more in the food department that I wish I had more stomachs to try everything: P
The bummer for this year is that they got rid of the advanced tickets for food vouchers. There was a percentage off if you bought them so you pretty much get more for your money and trading voucher tickets for food prizes feels better than parting with cash.
Hope they bring it back next year!

I’ve been here twice — about 20 years ago when I was in my teens and just now. The fair is exactly how I remembered it. Lots of food, rides, animals, milk shakes, specialty shops and tons of family fun!
I really enjoyed the plant/​exterior décor exhibit near the little zoo. The people that participated are really creative and inspiring!
The specialty shops were probably my favorite part of the fair (shopping = fav part … Go figure) lol. I bought lots of cool items. Dog biscuits for my dog Bailey, Malbec Jam — simply amazing, and Wild Coyote Chipotle Hot Sauce — if you’re into hot sauce and come across this vendor you must sample their hot sauces! I also bought this spray for your foot that is supposed to help with inflammation (I suffer from a foot injury that has been coming and going since 2010) anyways the vendor did a little demo on my foot and I swear to god my foot has not bothered me since the fair — that was over 2 weeks ago — amazing bc just about 3 – 4 days a week I’m normally in pain.
The rides we were did were the kiddie rides for my 19 month old. There were only 3 that were appropriate for her age/​height. As expected her favorite was the carousel.
The Eli Young Band was there performing at the band stand. I’m a huge fan of theirs but missed out on the concert bc the people I was with are not into country. It’s okay though bc I saw them about 10 days prior at Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation Tour!
The food was delicious too — I had: sausage n peppers, funnel cake, pretzel and an apple crisp… I know — what a fat ass! I could not resist! Lol. I did however space everything out and not eat it all in one sitting! :)

Get the $ 4 milkshakes at the 4h hill stand. The line moves pretty quickly — less than 10 minutes for milkshake perfection! I’m also a big fan of the Lime Fizz stand (which also come in lemon or orange). Ask for them without sugar — they will make them sugar free. There is also a diet soda option, which is terrible so go sugar free with seltzer.
The best attraction is the super cheesy but awesome Pig Races on the racetrack (Rosaire’s Racing Pigs). They run several a day. It’s free to attend and you can wager $ 1 bets on the three different races. And the pigs have brilliant bacon-​inspired names like Heavy P and Britney Spare-​Ribs. Fun!
Of course there are tons of food options (and a shout out to the Regina Coeli Steak Out — get stuff there!), the midway and games galore. It’s a fun day overall and worth a visit to Rhinebeck.
PS — if you want to have any alcoholic drinks on the fair grounds, stop by Fosters at the Fair. They have a full bar and the only place to get your happy hour on.

Amazing fair!

It’s a pretty authentic fair with everything you can imagine. The walking will make you exhausted but fear not, there are tons of vendors to buy typical fair food from BUT alas, nothing is very good, the steak sandwiches were under seasoned, and the chicken gyros were bland and tasteless.
Aside from the food, everything else is totally awesome, there is so much to see/​do/​buy, alot of things are overpriced and can be bought for less if sought out online, however, it’s just a great feeling to be in the Hudson Valley attending a legitimate fair, it’s a must go if you’re from NYC because it’s not far at all.
Beware, there are live animals there and the smell can make stomachs churn, the horse and pig racing shows are must sees. If you’re into agriculture and cultivation of prize winning flowers this place is definitely for you.
If it wasn’t for the food disaster I would’ve rated it 5 stars.

Although it’s been a few years since I attended this fair, one of my favorite vendors in the park serves French-​fries in a doggy-​bowl style dish. I always think this is quite cute and funny-​even though this is an annual purchase I tend to make. Prices at this vendor tend to be a bit more expensive, but when you see some people nearby and even around the park walking with these dishes, it tends to make you wish you had one for yourself, if you want to «have some fun in life.»
On top of that, this fair also has several concession stands that serve foods, anything from roasted turkey to some great roasted corn-​on the-​cob to fried dough and Zeppoles to you-​name it! They’ve pretty much got it all. Ask around, and you’ll find out where the best places are to eat from pretty much most people, where the lines are long.
As for first aid station, yeah theyve got ONE, but you have to travel up a steep incline, if coming from both/​either the main entrance or livestock gate! (Also located nearby, is a NY’S Police security building&booth, and during times of the fair itself, a cooling pool (just used as a landmark) that always tends to be at the fair, in roughly the same spot every year. However, I don’t remember this companies name, you’ll see the long line and realize it’s the booth I’m talking about.
However, I would like to let people know, not to bring your animals into this fair, unless your a admissionist. Owners of these animals will be asked to leave fair grounds, and don’t think about putting your lovable pooch in your car! Any visitor with this problem will be noted, their car towed and a ticket will be issued (not even if the window is down, will they ever forgive this instance– it’s just inhumane to-​do).
And although most of the fair is evenly paved in cement, there are some spots near the racetrack and out in the parking lots, that may be quite hilly-​and you may end up tripping over these unnoticed «hills» in the ground-​just slight notice beforehand, so you better thank me!
I also forgot to mention in my last review, that parkis is absolutely FREE. And even that you can take trains and buses or the water taxi to the fair, makes it that much better. For Metro-​North, take the train to the terminus-​hub Poughkeepsie and transfer on Amtrak to the Kingston-​Rhineclifff station. There will be a free shuttle bus between thee train station and the fair and ferry boat landing dock and fair.
And the Dutchess County Fair isn’t the only thing this fair exhibits during the year. They also have several craft shows, sheep and wool festival, a GoodGuys car show (s) as well as some antique shows. Call the fair’s phone number (orvisit their website) to find out whether or not the event you’re looking for is scheduled or not. Fair events normally take place starting in late April/​early May and lasting till middle October. The fair takes place starting the second-​to-​last Tuesday in the month of August, lasting 6 days, and ending generally till the last Sunday in August.

Great county fair! Take the whole family. Don’t forget to stop my the 4-​H booth and order milkshake.

Good place to gorge on fair food until you get sick. Where else can you walk around checking out livestock while gnawing on a 2 pound bbq turkey leg that tastes like lighter fluid? Big disappointed that the old (sliced) pork sandwich guys were not there this year. If anyone knows where they went, let me know. Thats the fair we’re hitting up next year. You can imagine the rest of the scene at this place.

Well every year, it has been the same. Maybe a few new rides year after year. The only thing that is new every year is the entrance fee. It has been $ 10 two years ago and now it’s $ 15. Pricey it is.

I give this fair 5 stars only because I go every year. The downside is that its becoming very expensive. $ 8 for a fairly small steak sandwhich? $ 15 to get in? Takes a full days salary for a family of 4. But its still fun and still a family tradition.

I went to college near the fairground, and it was fun to go and visit. In terms of the activities, it is pretty standard fair stuff. There are games, stands, and the occasional over priced food. My friends and I had fun on some of the rides and funhouses, though they weren’t anything crazy.
What was amazingly fun for me was going to see the animals. There is a wide array. Cows, pigs, etc. You can go and see them, watch the judging, etc. What I did find a bit odd (and perhaps just because I didn’t grow up with this) were the signs over the pigs saying «Hi my name is _​_​_​_​. My owner can cut me up, ad send me directly to your home.» I was a bit uncomfortable, but my vegetarian friends were downright shocked. In the end, life is different everywhere and although I am not used to it, I understand it nonetheless.

I’ve been coming about six years now, and if you’re looking for every fried food imaginable and pit bellied pig races, then look no further.
Fried dough. French fries. Veggie tempura. Corn dogs. Funnel cake. Zeppoles. Fried candy bars. And of course: Deep Fried Oreos.
Plus milkshakes, cotton candy, kettle corn. Every kind of fair/​carnival food.
The Dutchess County Fair wants to explode your heart. Just make sure you do it gradually. It’s only once a year for a reason.

Well, I am not a big fair goer but I do make an exception to the Annual August Dutchess County Fair. I suppose it is everything one could wish for in such an event and then some.
Hoping I might traipse across Madame Fate and her banshee of cohorts at any given time, we made our way there yesterday. In the morning they had a horse show where, I must add, my friend’s 5 year old daughter took first place in her Lead Line Class. You go G! In the near distance were performances (Jason Aldean and Air Supply were on the ticket for the day) as well as rides, «food,» 4H, agricultural/​floral shows and crafters (some crappers) selling their goods.
Food: As a pescetarian/​veggie, I had no luck finding food I could eat. This is fat ass central at its finest. I do not want a fried piece of dough that is called an Elephant’s Ear for good reason nor do I want deep fried Oreos or to corndogs which seem to be a particular fave of some provocative 12 year old girls… With the exception of the $ 5 Lemonade with a ladle full of sugar, I kid you not, it was difficult to find anything not fried. When we found something that said vegetarian on it, we reconned and they cook the food on the same space as the meat so no dice there. Last time I checked, chickens were not vegetables either.
Which leads me to… The 4H exhibits. I would like to think that someone from an animal rights group would be checking up on things as, in the poultry house, some of the birds in their cages were so stressed from the experience that they were pulling their feathers out. That certainly does not make for a good show bird, I would think. Anyhoo, I enjoyed seeing the piggies and bunnies and moo-​moos and bah-​bahs and even the albino wallaby but I do not understand how people can ooh and ahh over these glorious beings and then go eat their kin. I digress.
I never trust carnival rides, being a safety and clean freak, but my friend’s kids would tell you how much fun they are. 30 times over in a day nonetheless!
So I may not be the biggest fan of such events but at the same time I look forward to it yearly. :o)
Long story short. There is enough to please anyone even if one does not like the whole thing.