There's A Little Bit of Everything at the Fair

By Liz Page

WALTON – It's difficult to explain all that you will find at the Delaware County Fair in Walton where they are getting ready to kick off number 134 in a little more than a week. It remains the largest agricultural fair and attracts more than 80,000 visitors over its six day run. It officially opens on Aug. 11 and runs through Aug. 16. Ahead of the official opening, on Sunday, Aug. 10, there is an Open Horse Show featuring driving, mini and English show horses at 9 a.m..

You will find a little bit of everything from the best of the best.

Kids are practicing leading their livestock for the show ring, putting the finishing touches on clothing and other items for exhibits. They are trimming and polishing. One of the dairy ambassador candidates said she loves doing table settings at the fair. The dairy ambassadors will soon be busy in the dairy cattle show ring, handing out ribbons and trophies and showing their own animals. They will also be in Tuesday's Hero Parade and involved in building the giant ice cream sundae on Tuesday, which is Children's Day at the fair.

Others are painting their demolition derby cars, fine tuning their tractors for the tractor pull or rehearsing for the karaoke contest.

"We are on pace to have 1,200 animals on the fairgrounds all week," said Jason Craig, president of the fair board of directors. "We are looking at the long range forecast, which is warm and humid and could spark a thunderstorm, but we are hoping for good weather so people can come out and have a good time at the fair."

There are baby pigs, friendly goats, rabbits, sheep, dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, ponies and contests and competitions galore.

Thursday is Senior Citizens Day, with seniors admitted for $5. There is an antique tractor pull in front of the grandstand all day with the truck pull that night.

On Friday night there will be the Tom Newman Memorial Horse Pull in the horse show ring at 6 p.m..

Craig said there have been some changes in the fair board, but they have been working all year and making a smooth transition as Ed Rossley retires and Craig shifts from secretary to president. Don't worry, Rossley is still very much involved and has been working to make a smooth transition.

Craig said there are several new things for fairgoers to see this season. There will be pig racing, with a couple of shows each day; the Flying Cortes Trapeze Spectacular will do multiple shows per day near the Main Gate. The dock dogs return, but will be in a different location. The Snake Man claims to have the largest diamond-backed rattler, along with several other things that crawl, including lizards. There is Red Eye, who will be telling tales of his encounters chasing after Big Foot and the giant sand sculpture returns as well.

In between all this, there is constant entertainment in the entertainment court and don’t forget the rides.

"This is the first year with our new officer team. The board has worked great together all year to put together a fair for people to come out and enjoy.

“There have been improvements to the grounds, such as lighting and black top. There are new water and sewer lines, rails have been restored and new fencing installed. We are proud to showcase our event. It is a place where families and classmates hold reunions. They gather to have a good time together."

In addition to all the exhibits, shows and contests, there will be 150 vendors, including some new food vendors, according to Craig. And don’t worry, you will still find the classics, like fried dough.

Dreamland rides will be open at 1 p.m on opening day, which the board is very happy about. They also run specials and the best way to know about the specials is to follow the fair on Facebook. "We are always putting updates there."

One of the things that is often overlooked is the Cornell Cooperative Extension Human Ecology, which provides tons of information and demonstrations. Here again, there is always something going on.

Perhaps the best thing about the fair is, that no matter what your fancy, it is likely you will find it. It brings the best of the best all together in one spot and showcases all the county has to offer.

Daily admission is $10, season passes are $20 and children under 12 are admitted free. Grandstand tickets went on sale in July and are $8 in addition to daily admission. The grandstand schedule is, as follows: Monday features the first of two Demolition Derbies,; Tuesday is the Hero's Parade; Wednesday is the NYTPA Tractor Pull, four classes; Thursday is the the Street Legal 4 x 4 trucks, Memorial Tractor, Hot Farms; Friday is the Black Cat Hell Drivers Stunt Show and Saturday finishes with the Demolition Derby.