Exhibits, music and more as fair opens run today

RHINEBECK, N.Y. >> A Woodstock-themed horticultural exhibit and a concert by the rock band Daughtry will be among the attractions at this year’s Dutchess County Fair, which opens Tuesday, Aug. 20, for a six-day run.

The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on state Route 9G. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and military personnel, and free for children 11 years old and younger.

While major stars and nationally known themes are planned, the most important events are those that link the this year’s fair with Dutchess County fairs that date back to 1809 and connected people to farms and agriculture.

“We’re a place where ... people can walk away knowing something they didn’t know before as far as teaching people about agriculture and where their food comes from and how important farming is to this community

The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on state Route 9G.

and to the world,” fair spokeswoman Vicki Imperati said.

Fair officials are seeking to emphasize the simple life of days gone by with displays at the Antique Museum Village, Bentley One Room Schoolhouse and the Pleasant Valley Train Station.

There are also events at all good county fairs that seek to mystify an audience. Among the daily performances at the fair will be “Hands on Horses: An Interactive Equine Experience,” featuring Craig Karges as a mentalist who officials note “combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible.”

Grandstand concerts all start at 7:30 p.m.