GOOD ATTENDANCE
Schaghticoke Fair closes another successful year
SCHAGHTICOKE, N.Y. >> The Schaghticoke Fair has concluded a successful 202nd year. Labor Day marked the end of the fair’s run this year, with many of the familiar fair experiences the community has come to know and love.
The weather turned out to be very good for a last day at the fair, with warm temperatures and a light breeze. The weekend’s rain was mostly dried up, leaving dry paths and lawns for Fair foot traffic. Within hours of the gates opening, crowds had gathered to explore all that the Fair’s closing day had to offer.
“It’s been a challenge this year,” remarked Fair Manager Carly Reyna Ostrander. “There were lots of changes due to COVID and the new online ticketing system. But the crowds have been in excess of our 2019 numbers.”
This year, the fair utilized online ticketing. It’s not a new concept for the fair, but it was pushed more strongly than usual this year. By prioritizing online ticket sales, Ostrander said it helped the success of this year’s Fair in two ways.
“We have a staff shortage this year, and the online tickets get people through the gate faster,” Ostrander explained. “And when you register for online tickets, you provide all your contact information and proof of vaccination or COVID testing. It puts a system in place that lets us do contact tracing, should we — heaven forbid — get a positive case come up at the Fair.”
A highlight of closing day was the demolition derbies. Two derbies took place at the fair’s grandstand, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Participating for his seventh year was Brandon Munhall, joined by his family in matching demolition derby T-shirts. Munhall drives every year in memory of his friend Derek Douglas, who passed away at the age of 33. Douglas, who was a mechanic, worked on Munhall’s cars for years and was good friends with the family.
Munhall and his family — his father Ed, his uncle Jack, and his two sons Cameron, 10, and Hunter, 7, were glad to be back at the Fair.
“It’s good for the kids,” Munhall commented. “It gives them something to do before going back to school.”
“I like the bumper cars,” added Hunter.
Munhall talked about what he enjoyed most about doing demolition derbies as he and his family took a break to enjoy some favorite fair foods — blooming onions and corn dogs.
“I like the crowds the most,” he said. “The louder they get, the harder we go. It’s all about the fans. Once you’re there at a derby, you’re automatically having a good time.”
Cameron and Hunter were looking
forward to helping their dad work on his car before the derby, and cheering him on once things got underway.
The demolition derbies, like many fair attractions, were held under carefully-planned arrangements to allow for maximum possible attendance while still maintaining every possible safety standard. Ostrander had to oversee many changes and adjustments to the fair this year to ensure it success while overcoming the ongoing threat of the pandemic. In addition to more seating spread farther apart, causing some attractions like the beer garden to take up more space than usual, some attractions were moved outdoors to provide open air circulation.
“We ran the Royal Hanneford Circus outside this year, and it worked out great for them,” Ostrander said. “They put on a great show — they were able to do thrill shows and stunts that they couldn’t have done in a tent.”
Ostrander added, “I feel like we’ve had a very successful fair this year. It’s had its hiccups, but all in all it’s been a success.”
Thinking about next year’s fair, Ostrander said, “We’d all love to see a return to normal next year. We’d like to improve the online system. I do feel like the public has been very supportive of the Fair, and very supportive of their communities during this time, and I’d love to think that will stay the case. I’d like to continue with the positive momentum.”