ULSTER COUNTY FAIR STARTS ITS 6-DAY RUN
Annual event features animals, games, rides, music — and even some politics
The annual Ulster County Fair opened Tuesday afternoon, replete with games, rides, food, music, adorable animals and plenty for agricultural devotees to enjoy.
In the rabbit area at the Libertyville Road fairgrounds, 10-year-old Teagan Helsley and her New Holland lop, Kiara, waited for judging. Teagan giggled with friends, Kiara kept popping its head up from a carrying case, and mom Aileen Helsley sat on the bleachers.
“There was some disappointment and tears last night when we learned our other rabbit couldn’t stay,” she said. “It had a stress reaction to being outside in the heat.”
But after four previous fairs, Helsley said her daughter has grown to understand the importance of each individual animal and looks forward to entering more animals each year.
“We started with rabbits and we expanded to goats, and she’s showing a cow as well,” Helsey said.
Also on hand was the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, providing children with information via a safety trailer about how to survive a house fire.
“We have a little class for kids and what to do to
Aileen Helsley said her daughter has grown to understand the importance of each individual animal and looks forward to entering more animals each year.
get out,” Deputy Coordinator Wayne Freer said. “We have a smoke machine ... and we also have it so the doors get warm, so we teach them to feel the door before they open it. We have some props inside and show what not to put on your stove or near your stove.”
Among vendors at the fair, Tricia Pipitone, a Saugerties resident and retailer with LuLaRose Fashion, was looking forward to opening day after planning adjustments in how she displayed her contemporary clothing based on success at her first fair a year ago.
“Last year, I was here with someone else and we shared the space,” she said. “I brought the tent this time because it rained last year and I have tarps to put up.”
Pipitone said the fair offers her an opportunity to meet people who both shop online and in stores but still would like to work one on one with someone from the community.
“If people are local, then they can come shop with me, but I can also ship,” she said. “It’s personalized shopping on your schedule.”
Politics also were on display at the fair, with county Republican Committee Chairman Roger Rascoe greeting visitors on behalf of candidates seeking voter support this year.
There did not appear to be a Democratic table.
The headline music lineup for the remainder of the fair is Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters at 8 p.m.
Wednesday; Charlie Daniels Band at 8 p.m. Thursday; Keith Anderson at 4 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; the Two by Two Petting Zoo; and chain saw carver and artist Josh Landry.
There also will be a fireworks show at dusk on Wednesday.
Competitions and exhibitions include a truck pull at 7 p.m. Thursday, an antique tractor pull at 6 p.m. Friday and a baby contest at 11 a.m. Sunday. There also will be daily horse shows.
Competitions and exhibitions include a truck pull at 7 p.m. Thursday, an antique tractor pull at 6 p.m. Friday and a baby contest at 11 a.m. Sunday. There also will be daily horse shows.