FAIR FOOD FARE
Saratoga County Fair kicks off with food truck festival
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. »
The Saratoga County Fair has been in operation since 1841.
It’s one of the oldest fairs in the state.
This year marks only the second time its decadeslong run has been interrupted, the first occurring during the Civil War. But with the Capital Region in Stage 4 of reopening guidelines as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, organizers have found a way to still be able to bring the fair experience to the community.
Many of this year’s County Fair activities are virtual, but there’s one thing that executive director Susan Rhoades and concessions chair Lauren Rowland agreed they had to keep as a live experience, one way or another — the fair food.
That’s why this weekend and next, taking place during what is traditionally setup week and Fair Week, the Saratoga County Fair is hosting a food truck festival featuring a handpicked selection of the best food
the County Fair has to offer.
“We both wanted fair food!” Rhoades exclaimed. “We thought about how we could still allow people to experience their fair food while keeping everyone safe - takeout only, ‘fair in a box,’ we had a lot of ideas. This is what we came up with.”
Rowland, who is also on the board of directors and in charge of the virtual side of the fair, explained that as a part of the committee for the state virtual fair, she got a lot of ideas for how to run things for the County Fair.
One of the biggest ideas was keeping to the regularly-scheduled calendar. Moving the County Fair to a different date, even virtually, would have disrupted the community calendar and interfered with other activities already planned.
“It was very important to us that we keep the timing the same and respect the community’s calendar,” Rhoades said.
“If things were normal, the food vendors would already be here anyway getting set up, so it made sense to have the first weekend of the festival now,” explained Rowland on Friday, the first day of the food truck festival.
The food vendors at the fairgrounds, spaced apart to maintain health and safety standards as outlined by state and CDC guidelines, all have several things in common. They’re all local, state-owned and -operated companies representing a variety of fair foods.
Rowland and Rhoades were very careful to select vendors that did not have overlapping menus, to allow each vendor to showcase themselves to the fullest. Each vendor chosen is also someone that has been a regular at the fair.
Festival attendees can expect to enjoy Saratoga County Fair classics, such as the Brickyard Grill and Gillette’s Pizza. Cold drinks, fried foods, and sweet treats are available for enjoyment.
“I’ve had my ice cream, so I’m good for today!” Rhoades laughed.
Festival attendees will be asked to follow strict safety guidelines while on the fairgrounds. Masks must be worn at all times except when eating, and social distancing must be maintained.
As the festival got underway, attendees and vendors alike were enjoying themselves in spite of this year’s major changes. Foot traffic was light but steady, keeping the vendors busy for most of the evening.
“It’s so different to see the fairgrounds like this,” Rowland commented as she walked the grounds, “but it’s better than not having it at all.”
Rowland added, “this is my summer life. I’ve been a part of the Fair since I was 18 months old.”
Gail Sharp, working at the Brickyard Grill, felt similarly. “I always love the fair,” she said. “I grew up with it.”
The Brickyard Grill, owned and operated by Brickyard Tavern in Ballston Spa, has been at the Saratoga County Fair for seven years.
Also happy to be at the fairgrounds again despite the changes is the team at Gillette’s.
“It’s like a big family,” said owner Brian Gillette. “Every year we’re welcomed with open arms. We get to know everyone - the 4H families, the customers, the fair board. We love it here, it’s like our second home.”
Gillette continued, “we’re just thrilled to be working. We have to improvise and make it work.”
Down the street from Gillette’s, the vendors in the Adirondack Kettle Corn booth smiled and waved to people passing by, saying hello and wishing everyone well.
“They’ve been here at least six years,” Rowland commented. “That’s when I remember them buying that spot. They’re very community-oriented. They make a donation to 4H every year.”
Festival attendees were happy to be on the fairgrounds as well.
Stephanie Miner and Hope Heath, both from Ballston Spa, love coming to the Fair every year.
“We always come for the food,” Miner said.
“What’s not to love about the fair?” said Heath. “It’s sad this year, but at least they made something out of it.”
Jim Druckenmiller, from West Milton, was at the fair with his stepdaughter Meghan Morrissey and granddaughter Ziva, both from Ballston Spa.
“I’ve been coming to the fair since I was Ziva’s age,” Druckenmiller said.
“We like the food,” Morrissey added. “Ziva likes the animals, though there aren’t any this year.”
“It’s good!” declared Ziva, who turns 3 next month, enjoying her cup of ice cream.
“I think this is kind of cool,” Morrissey continued. “It’s actually kind of nice not having a huge crowd.”
“It gives these guys a chance to make some money, and gives people a chance to get outside,” Druckenmiller added.
The Saratoga County Fair’s live activities will continue this Tuesday, when both the Capital Region and Saratoga County chambers of commerce host a 9 am ribbon cutting to officially kick of the Fair. At that time, the Fair Queen will be announced.
The event will be livestreamed on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.
The County Fair staff wishes to extend their grateful thanks to this year’s sponsors: Stewart’s Shops, MVP Health, Tractor Supply Plus, Discover Saratoga, and Manchester Newspapers.
To learn more about the Food Truck Festival and the schedule for this year’s Saratoga County Fair, visit www.saratogacountyfair. org, follow @thesaratogacountyfair on FaceBook, or email info@saratogacountyfair.org.