Ulster County Fair opens on Tuesday
Musical acts include Billy Bob Thornton, Charlie Daniels bands and Journey singer Steve Augeri
The Ulster County Fair will open its 131th edition on Tuesday, July 31, for a six-day run that includes a strong headlining music lineup and two new agriculture show areas.
Gates at the Libertyville Road fairgrounds will open 4 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
“We have a brand new 4-H show ring and a brand new swine pavilion,” fair manager Gary Newkirk said.
“A lot of the judging and the 4-H auction will go on in show ring,” he said. “We had a tent that we used in years past and now we have a building for it, and by eliminating the tent we’re able to expand our antique equipment area and will more of that on display this year.”
The fair is also attempting to bring visitors closer to the insect world with the Butterfly Experience.
“That’s brand new this year and will be open throughout the fair,” Newkirk said. “You’ll be able to go into a net area, be in with the butterflies and feed them.”
Headline acts during the fair will be Thunder Ridge at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters at 8 p.m. Wednesday; Charlie Daniels Band at 8 p.m. Thursday; Keith Anderson 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday; Cale Dodds at 8 p.m. Saturday; and former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Daily attractions will include the Moogician, a magic and music show powered by milk; Robinson’s Racing Pigs; Two by Two Petting Zoo; and chain saw carver and artist Josh Landry.
Competitions and events include:
• Garden tractor pull at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
• Truck pull at 7 p.m. Thursday.
• Antique tractor pull at 6 p.m. Friday.
• Baby contest at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Horse shows include open pony show and driving at 9 a.m. Thursday; open draft horse show at 9 a.m. Friday; open western show 8 a.m. Saturday; gymkhana at 3 p.m. Saturday; and open English horse show at 9 a.m. Sunday.
There will be a fireworks show on Wednesday evening at dusk.
Parking is free and admission is $17 per person, with Tuesday being carload day at $50 total for up to eight people. Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be free for senior citizens.