Saturday, June 28, 2008

Getting Busy

Well I stopped at the Fairgrounds yesterday and things were really hopping. The Old Songs Festival is this weekend and people had already arrived.

Things are perking along for the Altamont Fair too. There is going to be a sock dyeing demonstration in the Sheep Barn on Saturday afternoon. All through Fair Week there is going to be Apple Peeling Contests--just sign up when you get to the Fair. And the Zoppe Circus will be appearing all week!

Now if you are looking for a summer activity Make a SCARECROW--there is a contest for that too. The details are in the premium book under Scarecrows (there is no entry fee) The beasts can be traditional or modern--I've seen everything from brides to robots....just remember they are outside so they might be rained on or blown about. I have to go do something about one for my garden--the blueberries are ripening and the birds love them almost as much as I do. They enjoyed all my cherries even before I thought the fruits were ripe enough to pick!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Hair of the Dog

Voted Best Rock Band by the readers of the Albany Times Union Newspaper, June, 2008.

And they will be at the Altamont Fair on Wednesday August 13 at 8:30pm. Admission to the concert is included in your Fair admission...What a deal! Anyway the Grove will be rocking that night. And if you want to enjoy the music all summer, their latest CD is "Donegal."

Not having success getting pictures up yet but they will be coming!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Local talent

Check out some of the entertainment that you will see at the Altamont Fair. Here's a free download of music and a chance to support local talent.
MARIAVILLE CATTLE CO BAND
Is Schenectady’s Mariaville Cattle Company Band the World’s Hottest Unsigned Band?
Schenectady's own Mariaville Cattle Company Band is competing to be named the world’s hottest unsigned band. The local artists have entered The Gretsch Company’s Next Gretsch Greats, online battle-of-the-unsigned-bands celebrating the drum and guitar maker’s 125th anniversary.
Fans can vote for Mariaville Cattle Company band’s song, "County Line", or other favorite songs at www.gretsch125th.com every day from June 15 through July 16. Watch here for the results!
Check out their music with free downloads at www.cattleband.com and help support our local band with your votes.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

FLOWERS

Did you know that the Altamont Fair has a huge building filled with garden flowers and houseplants from people like us? We can try for a blue ribbon on our zinnia blossom or that fabulous dahlia that everyone envies. Please check the premium book on how to enter. Shortly I will discuss entering here but you can get a head start. Anyway, the reason I am mentioning this, besides loving to think about flowers, is that in gardening terms, YOU NEED TO GET PLANTED! Even houseplants need some time to get really comfortable in their pots. So get ready, set, garden this week.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Help Wanted

The Altamont Fair has many museums, farmhouse, schoolhouse, fire house, cars, carriages, machinery,etc. There are wonderful exhibits in each area. Sometimes the displays are new items, sometimes new presentations. Did you know that there will be an exhibit on the birth of modern medicine at the Fair this year? Anyway, during the Fair (and other times during the year), there is a need for volunteers to explain or interpret the exhibits to visitors. Please volunteer your time. Call the Fair office at 861-6671 and someone will get in touch with you to explain more precisely how you can help.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Bee Skeps

I was flipping through the Martha Stewart Living Magazine at the dentist the other day--the one with the fantastic beehive cake on the cover. Imagine my surprize to see a picture layout of various handmade bee skeps--these were used for housing bees long ago before beekeepers started using square wood hives. Anyway, I recognized one that I had seen being made at the Altamont Fair! I was so excited......the fair was the first time I had even heard of such a thing. Isn't it nice when something local is way ahead of the popular curve? Anyway, I was even more excited to find out that this bee skep making will be demonstrated at this year's Altamont Fair in the Grange Building. Using rye straw.....See you at the Grange building Thursday August 14 from 1til 5 in the afternoon or again in the evening. It's amazing!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

A NEW STAGE

THE
BANDSTAND
at ALTAMONT FAIR
ALTAMONT, NY

The Altamont Fair with the assistance of Jeff Thomas, Peter Bette and with other local businesses would like to announce the construction of a brand new stage on the infield in front of the main bleachers. The design and construction team being led by Jeff Thomas, Founder and President of WeatherGuard and Peter Bette owner and founder of Bette & Cring Construction has been working closely with the Altamont Fair Board of Directors to construct a Victorian style stage. Many remember that in 1995, the Altamont Fair historic grandstand was lost to a fire. This was a devastating loss to the Fair and to our community. Through the efforts of Peter and Jeff all aspects of the construction and design of the stage will be donated.