HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Schaghticoke Fair a joy for all on its 200th anniversary
SCHAGHTICOKE, N.Y. » This year is the 200th anniversary of the Schaghticoke Fair.
It’s open through Labor Day, with many features and exhibits new for the bicentennial celebration. While the fair’s focus remains on agriculture and animals, there is “something for everyone.”
There are, of course, the “usual” exhibits and features that have drawn crowds for years, such as the 4-H displays, the midway with its rides and fair foods, and the animal exhibits.
“I’ve been coming to the fair since I was a kid,” commented Melinda Paquin, of North Bennington, VT, who was there with her 2-year- old son Reno. “We love the cow barn, and all the animals.”
Exhibitors at this year’s fair are showing off their knowledge and skills in a variety of subjects, from raising and caring for rabbits and cavys (also known as guinea pigs) to horsemanship to growing produce.
In the arena, young riders in the 4H horse show displayed their abilities to lead their horses through a series of commands given by the judges. The judges routinely asked the riders to walk, jog, lope, reverse and continue, and to halt
It’s open through Labor Day, with many features and exhibits new for the bicentennial celebration.
and back up.
Over in the “Flowers, Vegetables, and Grange” building, ribbon-winning entries were proudly on display. A demonstration of “flower arranging for anyone” was hosted by Mary Ann Fowler from North Country Flowers. This is her first time exhibiting at the fair.
“Everyone should have flowers in their house, all year round,” Fowler said to her demonstration attendees. Her “pro tip” for getting the freshest flowers in months when you can’t find them outdoors is to find out what days of the week the supermarkets get their fresh flower deliveries, and buy flowers on those days.
Also new to the Schaghticoke Fair this year, though they’ve been appearing all over the country, is Swifty Swine Racing. This exhibit featuring pot belly pigs that race and swim in a miniature track draws a big crowd with every show. The racers are divided into two classes, 4-year-olds and 6-week- olds. Swifty, the exhibit’s star swimmer, is 4 weeks old.
When a fair runs as long as Schaghticoke’s, it’s no surprise to see new shows and exhibits. Things change over time to reflect new interests. The new and novel will capture the attention of fairgoers. It also creates fond memories of exhibits that are no longer featured.
“We used to like the circus when they had it,” commented Carol Miller, of Troy. “They had a big top and a whole show.”
Carol’s husband Samuel is a fan of the 4-H displays and the ice cream.
A feature of the Schaghticoke Fair that is “newish,” appearing for its third year, is the passport activity for children, run by John O’Donnell and his wife Carolyn. Participants can pick up a passport in the “New York Products” building, then explore the fairgrounds for passport stamp locations, indicated by colored signs. When they have completed a passport, they return it for entry into a raffle.
Raffle winners, chosen on Monday, will receive a new bicycle.
“There will be 2 winners, one boy and one girl,” explained John. “We’ll call the winners to let them know.”
Also inside the “NewYork Products” building are a variety of things to see, try, and learn about, for people of all ages. Many organizations have tables set up to showcase their services and products in support of state and county agriculture. Kids can try their hand at milking “Bessie the Cow,” an activity that delighted Avery Fayette, 4, and her brother Colton Fayette, 6, from Mechanicville.
When asked about their favorite things at the fair, the whole family had a different answer.
“I like the Fun House,” stated Colton. “It’s what I remember the most.”
“I like the rides,” Avery said.
“And I like the goats,” added mom Becky.
Also featured in the “New York Products” building and a regular at the Schaghticoke Fair is Shoeleather Express, a square dance organization.
“We want the next generation to start square dancing,” said caller Elaine Milkenas. “It’s wonderful recreation, good for your mind and body. You’ll travel about 3 miles at a square dance.”
One of the things that makes the Schaghticoke Fair such a success is the way it balances the old and the new — the staple exhibits that keep the crowds coming back, and the brand new exhibits that draw newcomers and the next generation of fairgoers.
The Early Engine Club is a fixture of the Schaghticoke Fair, and exhibitor John Ambuhl is no stranger to the fair either.
“I’ve been here ever since I was a little kid,” he said, standing in front of the steam boiler he operates. The boiler was once used for logging in western MA, first as a machine to drag logs in the field, and later as a power source in the sawmill
Wandering the fairgrounds as part of the Circus Incredible exhibit is Rietta Wallenda, who is new to the Schaghticoke Fair. Rietta is accompanied by dinosaur Crunch and its baby, Munch.
Also appearing at the Fair for the first time was the CapitalLand Chorus on Thursday. The female a capella group is a branch of the Sweet Adelines International, known for barbershop- quartet-style singing.
Taking a rest after a long morning of excitement was Jocelynn Collins, 3, of Malta, at the fair with her family. Though she’s been to other fairs before, this is her first trip to the Schaghticoke Fair.
“I like the Wiggly Worm (roller coaster),” she said. “And I fed the birds! They f lew down and ate my stick!” Jocelynn was referring to the Jungle Experience Exhibit, where participants armed with a stick of birdseed could enter an area filled with birds, who would fly down for a snack.
She also got to have her photo taken holding a kangaroo joey, which she was very proud of.
Young or old, first time fairgoer or fair veteran, the Schaghticoke Fair is sure to please everyone who attends.