118th Altamont Fair to kick off with all-inclusive passes making a return
Next week the population of Altamont will surge as thousands converge on the small village for its biggest yearly event: the Altamont Fair.
This year’s six-day extravaganza will mark the 118th time the gates have swung open for the storied annual tradition. From its modest roots touring the Albany area to the modern-day incarnation at its permanent home, each year, the fair promises to bring something new, yet something familiar, to neighbors near and far. And 2011 will be no different.
I think we’ve got a different mix, said Pat Canaday, who’s on the fair’s Board of Directors. `You try to meet people’s needs in providing some favorites, and then some new events as well.`
The big news this year is really the same as it was last August ` the fair’s unlimited, one-price admission ticket will make a return, granting patrons parking, admission to all events and as many rides as their stomachs can handle for $15.
The all-inclusive pass premiered last year, and organizers said it was well received.
`We believe we’re offering a lot,` Canaday said. `The price of a movie ticket today is getting right up there … for just a little more you could spend the day and the evening having fun.`
Fans of the midway attractions should note Reithhoffer Shows will be bringing some new rides for the 2011 fair, including the Stinger, which swings 16 riders on a pendulum more than eight stories above the ground as their seats rotate 360 degrees. The midway opens at noon every day.
When you’ve had enough of rides, there’s still more than enough to do. Amazing animal acts include Robinson’s Racing Pigs, back by popular demand after a year away; The Disc-Connected K-9’s, a Frisbee show featuring dogs rescued from shelters; the Raptor Project Birds of Prey, with eagles, falcons, owls and hawks; and the Bear Mountain Wildlife Show.
Spread throughout the expansive fairgrounds every day will be craft demonstrations, agricultural information, vendors selling everything from homemade soaps to furniture and enough delicious fair food to feed an army.
There will be special events each day of the fair, too.
On opening day, Aug. 16, perennial events like the Battle of the Teen Bands and the Miss Altamont Fair Pageant are scheduled.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 17, senior citizens will receive free admission until 4 p.m., as will Grange members, and there will be a performance by Colleen Pratt.
An 8 p.m. performance by Anthony Garguila on Thursday, Aug. 18, will be followed by a fireworks show best viewed from the grandstand, sponsored by Quick Response Restoration.
Friday, Aug. 19, is WGNA Country Day, with a special appearance by Steven L. Smith Band, the Ramblin’ Jug Stompers, the Back 40 Band and the Jessie Stewart Band.
Saturday, Aug. 20, is Irish day, with performances by the Schenectady Pipe Band and the Farrell School of Irish Dance. The McKrells will perform, headlined by Kevin McKrell. Also appearing are Who’s Your Paddy, the Fighting 86’s and the Wild Rovers.
Sunday, Aug. 21, the Grove music stage will feature all kinds of gospel music as well as the winner of the Battle of the Teen Bands and special guests, Spuyten Duyvil. Sunday is also military day, when a show of military ID will grant free admission.
Patrons can save $1 on regular admissions by ordering ahead of time through altamontfair.com, where more information on all the attractions and a full schedule can be found.
The gates will open every morning at 10 a.m., with vendors and exhibits opening at 11 and the midway starting at noon. Opening day is Tuesday, Aug. 16, and the fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 21.“
