Altamont Fair

Directors elected

2009-12-18T06:58:00.002-05:00

Five members of the Altamont Fair were elected to three year terms on the Board of Directors. Wayde Bush will continue serving on the Board. his particular interests are the Blue Ribbon Cooking Center and the Farm Machinery Museum. Pat Canaday was elected to her second term, she does a lot of work in the finance area but her heart is still in the sheep barn. Dave Ahern was elected to his first term, he has been very active in Buildings and Grounds. Susie Osta from the Pony Show and all fair ribbons will now be on the board. Willard Schultz will serve on the board again, he is very involved in infield logistics and maintenance.

suggestions please

2009-11-03T14:57:00.003-05:00

The Altamont Fair is having a meeting next week to discuss ways to be more inviting to exhibitors and vendors. What do you think we could do to make it more attractive to you to enter the 2010 Fair as an exhibitor? I look forward to your comments.

Congratulations Donny Albright

2009-10-20T13:53:00.002-04:00

Everyone at the Altamont Fair congratulates Donny Albright on his being named Fireman of the Year by the Guilderland Center Fire Dept. Donny worked tirelessly to bring Hometown Heroes in Action into the successful exhibit we had in 2009. He was also very busy in the Guilderland Center Fire Dept. You are doing a great job, Donny!

We regret to inform you

2009-10-20T13:52:00.000-04:00

The Altamont Fair has lost a willing worker with the death of Judy Pulliam. She was involved for over twenty years with the farmhouse museum and the one room schoolhouse. Our condolences to her husband Vall.

Enjoy a bus ride to the Fair

2009-07-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

The CDTA and the Altamont Fair have agreed to provide transportation services to support the 2009 Altamont Fair Schedule.

CDTA will operate shuttle service between Crossgates Mall and the fairgrounds for the 2009 schedule (August 11-16, 2009) The Crossgates Mall location will provide customers with convenient access to several of CDTA's most popular and frequent routes and services. The shuttle service will operate on a one-hour frequency.

CDTA will charge a fare and require that it be paid using our Day Card ($4). Once a person has the day card, they can use it on any CDTA bus for that day--this will take care of the trip to the fairgrounds and accommodate any transfer a customer may need (taking more than one bus to reach the fair).

MEATBALLS

2009-07-06T07:22:00.002-04:00

Does everyone rave about your meatballs? When you serve spaghetti, does everyone ask for seconds on the meatballs? When do we have an idea for you.....enter your meatballs in the Blue Ribbon Cooking Center's Meatball Contest. It will be held Friday August 14 at 6:30. Sponsored by Mama Mia Deli & Pizza on 53 Fuller Raod in Albany. Make sure your friends are there to cheer you on!

MAMA MIA!Italian Meatball Cook Off - 6:30 P.M. - on Friday, 8/14 at "Blue RibbonCooking Center"Sponsored by Mama Mia! restaurant at 53 Fuller Rd., Albany1st Prize $30 gift certificate to Mama Mia!, 2nd Prize $20 giftcertificate, 3rd Prize $10 gift certificate.Be at Gate 2 at 4:30 with your meatballs, to be admitted to the AltamontFair FREE! One Free admission per meatball entry.

Miss Altamont Fair

2009-07-03T08:47:00.002-04:00

The Altamont Fair invites you to enter the 2009 Miss Altamont
Fair Pageant! The competition will be held at the Northrup
Stage near Gate Three.

ABOUT THE PAGEANT

The purpose of the Pageant is to give the contestants an
opportunity to showcase their natural beauty and speaking
ability in a public environment so they may enhance their
personal and professional skills in order to achieve their
educational and professional goals.

Residency Requirements
Applicants must be residents of Albany, Schenectady or Greene
Counties.

Age Requirements
Miss Altamont Fair 16-21 years old
Junior Miss Altamont Fair 12-15 years old
Young Miss Altamont Fair 8-11 years old
Little Miss Altamont Fair 5-7 years old

Contestants will be judged on poise, personality, ability to
follow directions, on-stage presence and appearance and the
ability to communicate with the public.

Application and entry fee must be received in the Fair Office by 3pm on Saturday, August 8, 2009.

Find out more by going to www.Altamontfair.com and click on Exhibitor Guidebook and then on Miss Altamont Fair.
_______________________________________________________________________

Enter the demo derby

2009-06-30T09:47:00.001-04:00

Forms now available at the Altamont Fair Office on the fairgrounds. 861-6671
You too can be a part of a Stoney Roberts spectacular!

Chapel Schedule

2009-06-28T10:55:00.003-04:00

The chapel was opened at the Fairgrounds to provide worship possibilities for the carnival workers, vendors and exhibitors. Here is this year's schedule:

Altamont Fair Chapel
5:30 PM 1 PM
August 11
Rock Road Chapel

5:30 pm 1pm
August 12
Pastor Jeff Minniear
Grace Baptist Church

5:30pm 1 pm
August 13
Ministering Dan Wolford
Gallupville Gospel Church

August 14
1pm
Dr Claude and Debbie Guerra
5:30pm
August 14
Rev. Jim Link Family worship Center

August 15
11am
Piano Recital Karen Edson

1pm
Brother Anthony Casso, Lasallette Shrine Vigil Mass

5:30

Father Jeffery L. Arche, MS LaSalette Shrine Vigil Mass

1pm
August 16, 2008
Hilltown Gospel Singer
Karen Edson

5:30 pm
Rev. Bob Mundell

Ride Bargains

2009-06-26T13:11:00.002-04:00

Reithoffer Midway is coming back to the Altamont Fair this year and is offering a great deal.

Cost of a Wristband Ticket is only $15.00 in advance.(available at www.Altamontfair.com after July 12, 2009) This is a PAY ONE PRICE MEGA Wristband Ride all day ticket, good any one day of the fair. This ticket does NOT INCLUDE gate admission.

Children 12 and under FREE admission to Altamont Fair

Advance sale Admission Ticket $10

Advance sale Mega Wristband $15

Enjoy the thrills of the midway at Altamont Fair August 11-16, 2009

See the Possibilities

2009-06-25T08:07:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to point out some of the things to enjoy at the Altamont Fair. Kids 12 & under are FREE admission every day this year. There will be Zoppe Circus performances daily. There will be tractor dealers. There will be apple peeling contests. There will be awesome cars in Cars: Past, Present, Future. Dogs--there will be every kind of dog performance you can imagine at Dog Magic. There will be barns of farm animals. The Miracle of Birth will have a calf born daily. We have competition for Miss Altamont Fair. There will be Guitar Hero. There will be battle of the teen bands. There is a great circus display. Come again to the Altamont Fair. See your Hometown Heroes in Action!!

BIGGEST ZUCCHINI

2009-06-24T09:52:00.002-04:00

The sun has finally come out, our gardens are going to grow grow grow. As you are harvesting your vegetable treasures, think about showing them off at the Altamont FAir.

Enter some of the veggies you think will do well, then there is a one time opportunity to add more veggies to your entry. That happens the Sunday (August 9) before the fair.

That is the time to parade your largest zucchini. I've had baseball bat sized ones (and my kids are not squash fans) Can you beat that? Try .....Enter your giant zucchini and WIN at the Altamont Fair.

We also want to see the real beauties of your garden--those perfect beans, that photographic tomato, that luminous pumpkin.

go to www.altamontfair.com
click on exhibitors guidebook

then click on vegetables and find out how you too can enter.

Battleoftheteenbands

2009-06-22T11:40:00.002-04:00

That's right, the Altamont Fair is having a Battle of the Teen Bands. So far 45 bands have signed up, only half that number will have stage time. So Get your application in now. go to www.battleoftheteenbands.com The performances will be Wed, Thur, and Fri on the Grove Stage with finals on the grandstand on Saturday. You have to play....You have to come support your favorite band. This is going to be awesome.

Admission to the Fair includes these performances...no extra charge! Advance sale tickets will be available at Price Chopper supermarkets after the fourth of July. Also available in July at www.altamontfair.com. One day adult admission is only $10 in advance. $12 the week of the Fair. Kids 12 and under are FREE everyday of the Altamont Fair!

DOG MAGIC

2009-06-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

DOG MAGIC
EVERY DAY OF THE FAIR !
DEMOS * INFO * FUN * ACTION

* KOUNTRY K-9 SHOW—3 X’s Daily *

ALBANY KENNEL CLUB : Canine Good Citizen ~ Advanced Obedience ~ Conformation & more !

4H DOG OBEDIENCE * GRROWLS RESCUE * RETRIEVER DEMO

* RALLY O ! PERFORMANCES * KARYN TINDAL’S DANCING DOGS *

* PAWSTARS with Erich Steffensen * SHEEP DOG HERDING DEMOS*

TRACKING * VENDORS * N.E.B.C.R * S.D.T.C Obedience demo *

Stop by the DOG MAGIC tent for your free sample of LOYALL DOG FOOD

Joey Page

2009-06-20T08:06:00.002-04:00

Joey Page will be appearing on the grandstand stage at the Altamont Fair on
Friday August 14, 2009. He is the popular Disney teen pop star. Opening act will be Good for the Soul. The show should start at 7 pm All shows are included in the price of admission. Tickets will be available online and at Price Chopper Supermarkets in July. Advance adult tickets are only $10. Kids 12 and under are admitted for FREE.

Poets Corner

2009-06-19T16:51:00.002-04:00

The Altamont Fair has a little bit of everything from cars dropping from cranes to Dog Magic to battleoftheteenbands to a special afternoon of Poetry. Come visit the Schoolhouse Museum to hear original poems by William Robert Foltin, Tim Lake and friends on Wednesday, August12.

New Blue Ribbon Cooking Center

2009-06-16T13:44:00.001-04:00

The members and associate members of the Altamont Fair put on a great show every August (August 11-16, 2009) and maintain the fairgrounds year-round . They care about the communities they live in and frequently volunteer to help their neighbors (whether as 4H leaders, school board members, volunteer firemen, sports coaches, etc.)

To celebrate the new Blue Ribbon Cooking Center, the members brought food to recent meetings. Yesterday, I transported cartons of food and toiletries donated by the people behind the Altamont Fair to The Hilltowns Community Resource Center .

The Hilltown Community Resource Center serves families in Berne, Knox, Westerlo and Rensselaerville. There were 700 food pantry visits for assistance just last year. We were glad to help and they were glad to receive the food. If anyone else has a hankering to help out, toiletries and diabetic foodstuffs are always needed. To reach them, call 797-5256.

New Pony Contest

2009-06-12T13:14:00.001-04:00

While you are at the Altamont Fair this year, come check out the imaginatively decorated pony stalls. Pick your favorite stall. Pick your favorite pony. Results will be tallied daily with the winner announced on Saturday night. All fairgoers may vote.

Scrapbook Show Cancelled

2009-06-12T13:13:00.002-04:00

There are no plans currently for a scrapbooking show at the Altamont Fairgrounds in June 2009. The previously announced show has been cancelled.

Found Art

2009-06-02T07:39:00.002-04:00

When you are in the city or in the woods, look around you. Lots of times you find really cool items that are very interesting to look at. This category in the youth Fine Arts division is designed to get young people to look at the world around them and share the results with others. You too can enter this. Please go to www.altamontfair.com and click on Exhibitors Guidebook and then on Fine Arts. You will find out how to enter in the Youth Art Show! Check it out!

Memorial Day Parade

2009-05-25T15:48:00.005-04:00

John Van Wormer and Susie Osta spearheaded a fantabulous Altamont Fair Float for the Rotterdam Memorial Day Parade. Check it out!

Look for this float updated in the Rotterdam Flag Day Parade! I mean this had ponies, music, smiles, lion and tamer, sunflowers, chicks. It was great.....can't wait to see it with flags!

Rotterdam Parade

2009-05-17T09:16:00.002-04:00

There will be an Altamont Fair float in the Rotterdam parade this Thursday evening. It sounds wonderful and there will be ponies and clowns walking with the Float. Thanks John and Sue!!

The Car Show on Saturday was lots of fun--those cars were beauties and there were lots of vendors at the Flea Market--flowers to toys to jewelry to car parts and more.

EASTER EGG CONTEST

2009-05-12T08:17:00.001-04:00

You have another chance to decorate eggs this year. The Poultry Barn is having a decorated egg contest. Check out Poultry under Exhibitors Guidebook.! Creative and fun

WANTED: Green Thumbs

2009-05-08T06:43:00.003-04:00

Now is the time to think about the fruits and flowers you can enter in the 2009 Altamont Fair. Entry forms are due in July but the vegetables and flowers need only be ready by August 9, 2009. Share your bounty with all the people coming to the Fair. Let them see the perfect bloom or that wonderful tomato. There are even categories for houseplants for those of us who prefer indoor gardening. The thrill of display is wonderful and just think you could casually decorate your home and garden with winning ribbons. Let's do it.

Go to www.altamontfair.com and click on Exhibitor's Guidebook.

Battle of the Teen Bands

2009-05-04T16:59:00.002-04:00

Did you hear about the latest excitement at the Altamont Fair? Maybe you saw the lawn signs? Well, there's going to be a Battle of the Teen Bands right here at the Altamont Fair. You have to come support your favorites (or is there only one favorite?) Check out this website to answer all your questions about how to join in the fun. Www.battleoftheteenbands.com

I regret to inform you

2009-05-02T09:41:00.000-04:00

Luella Kellerman passed away yesterday. She and her daughter Sue have been Superintendents of the Arts and Crafts Building at the Fair.

We will miss her smile and quilting and ability to gently get things done. The Altamont Fair has lost a true friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and her family.

Thanks Roger & Stuart L.

2009-05-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Roger Smith, the children at Clarksville Elementary celebrating Earth Day, were able to see how an antique corn sheller works. The Lyman's brought up lots of ear corn so the children could shell the corn by hand and then see how mechanization can speed up the process. This interactive experience was great for the children and we are looking forward to seeing it at the Altamont Fair. Thanks

Helderberg Mountain Nationals Car Show

2009-04-28T09:33:00.000-04:00

Put May 16 on your calendar for a great day out. The Car Show is returning (check out www.altamontfair.com for entry information. In between seeing great cars, there will be a flea market and refreshment booths....a little something for the whole family. So plan on coming to the fairgrounds on Saturday May 16!

I'm SO excited

2009-04-23T07:19:00.000-04:00

The exhibitors guidebook (known previously as the Premium Book) has been posted on the Altamont fair site. I can now plan what to knit and what to grow and where I should be August 11-16. The General Rules and Regulations will be posted soon I'm told. Go check it out and start planning that scarecrow.!

We regret to inform you

2009-04-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

The Altamont Fair lost a long time friend when Madeline Karker died this Sunday.

Madeline touched all of us for so many years….. Her warm smile and quick wit made going into the Altamont Fair office a pleasure – even if you had a problem needing solving!
She was the Fair's executive secretary for over 30 years.

Calling hours will be Thursday April 16 from 4:30-8pm at the Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont.

Our condolences to her family.

DOG MAGIC

2009-04-15T06:27:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about the new attraction at the Altamont Fair?

DOG MAGIC, a huge new tent plus outdoor facility devoted to our doggy friends. There will be professional acts, there will be educational possibilities, there will be demonstrations of some of the many things dogs can do. There will be vendors. All in one place on the Fairgrounds.

I'll keep you posted.....

Stamp & Scrapbook Expo

2009-04-14T08:08:00.000-04:00

We are looking forward to a Stamp & Scrapbook Expo on the fairgrounds during the weekend of June 12-14, 2009.

Spinning fibers

2009-04-13T09:15:00.000-04:00

The Altamont Fair has a wonderful Wool Nook tucked in the front of the Sheep and Goat Barn. There are wonderful finished products, skeins, fleeces and demonstrations. Information about these and other fair competitions will be available shortly on the Altamont Fair website
www.altamontfair.com under the subheading of Exhibitors Guidebook then Sheep.

The 2009 Exhibitors Guidebook will be online shortly (sometime this month) We are a volunteer organization.

For more specific questions, leave a comment and I'll try to find an answer for you.

I regret to inform you

2009-04-05T10:10:00.000-04:00

that longtime friend of the Altamont Fair, Jean Bear, has passed away. Jean touched the lives of Green County 4Hers for well over 60 years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bear family as we share their sorrow.

YOUR PHOTO

2009-04-04T09:40:00.000-04:00

The Altamont Fair is requesting photos from all you visitors to the fair. We would like to showcase your special flash shot of action at the fair. Send the photo or photos in jpeg form to newideas@altamontfair.com or mail your photos to
FLASH SHOTS
Altamont Fair
PO Box 506, 129 Grand St
Altamont NY 12009

The pictures can be sent in anytime during the year. If it is chosen to be used in Altamont Fair publicity, you will be awarded admission tickets plus goodies. We hope to display all photos at the Fair so be sure to check out the display when you come.

This also means that we would like your name, address/email address so we can send out prizes.

All photos become the property of the Altamont Fair.

If the picture is readily identifiable as taken at the Altamont Fair, it has a better chance of being selected. (just saying)

I regret to inform you..

2009-03-22T07:46:00.000-04:00

We have lost two long time Altamont Fair friends.

Don Otterness passed away late Thursday night. A long time supporter of 4H and agriculture, Don was active for many years in the Sheep Barn, Men’s Garden club and Milking parlor.

Edwin M. Martin passed away on March 15. Ed was the former Poultry Building
Co-Superintendant with Dick Langenbach for MANY years.

Please keep Don and Ed and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

We need your help!

2009-03-17T14:23:00.000-04:00

As part of our historical mission, we work hard every year to make the past come alive for fairgoers. We have a range of museum buildings from Antique Farm Machinery to the Circus Museum. There is a one room school house and a farmhouse (complete with kitchen.) The 1890's Carriage Museum has many of the shops found in Altamont at that time.

Having a live interpreter connects with the fairgoers. We want to explain "Why?" and "How did they do that?"

With your help we can do even more. Do you have stories to tell about life on the farm or being in Grandma's kitchen? Would you like to share how you knit or crochet or bake? We need people to be present in the buildings during Fair week August 11-16, 2009. We are looking for volunteers who will interact with the public and share their enthusiasm and knowledge.

Please contact Father Jeff to offer your time and thoughts
Fr.Jeff AT verizon.net or volunteer AT altamontfair.com or call 861-8159

Eastern NYS Regional Poultry School Show

2009-03-06T11:46:00.000-05:00

April 18,2009 9am til 4pm at Altamont Fairgrounds.

This is a learning day for kids interested in poultry. The educational sessions will include incubation, embryology, health, feeding, housing, waterfowl, show preparaion, what happens at a show and fitting and showmanship....That is going to be one busy morning. Then after a lunchbreak, youths can prepare their birds for an afternoon funshow.

For more details contact Erika Marczak ( phone 518-441-9870) or email her

marczakeAThotmail.com

This sounds like fun and it is FREE.

Helderberg Mountain Nationals

2009-03-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

Helderberg Mountain Nationals Car Show,
Craft Fair, Flea Market & Swap Meet
Altamont Fairgrounds

Saturday May 16, 2009

Be sure to join us for the return of the Helderberg Mountain National Car Show. There will be outstanding and outrageous cars, proud owners, auto related swap meet, flea market and craft show good food. What a fun day.

There are still some vendor spots open, check out the Altamont Fair Website and the Helderberg Mountain Nationals Car Show site for more contacts and info.

Appeal to the young

2009-03-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

Rachel is posed in the Arts & Crafts Building where some of her handiwork was displayed. Her dress was beautiful. And her smile and enthusiasm around the fairgrounds helped create good will. And if you looked really hard you could see several generations of her family hard at work at the Fair.

I wonder if she is sewing now?

NYS FAIRS Support Education through scholarships

2009-02-19T10:44:00.000-05:00

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Altamont Fair is a member of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs, Inc. The fairs across New York state have gotten together to offer six scholarships to students who have participated in the fairs and who plan to study agriculture or fair management. The NYSAAF and the NYSSA offer an annual scholarship program which is available to students who are New York State residents, who currently are (or have previously been) active in a fair that is a member of the NYSAAF and who plan to attend (or already attend) college in pursuit of a degree in agriculture or fair management.

The fair where you have been active must endorse your application and will submit it for you. Our website www.nyfairs.org offers a complete list of our member fairs BUT you have to hurry. The deadline to submit your application (and you can’t do it online) is the second Saturday in April. There is an essay and there is an application form. And you can find them both at the www.nyfairs.org website.

Oh yeah , it is for people already in college or high school seniors.

Good luck!

Altamont Fair's website is www.altamontfair.com

Welcome Zoppe Circus

2009-02-19T10:37:00.000-05:00

We are very excited that Zoppe Circus will be part of the Altamont Fair again this year. Its performances are included in your admission to the Fair. What a deal!!

It is very entertaining and held under the Big Top. Come have some genuine fun!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

Planning is underway for a great Altamont Fair in 2009.

Join us August 11-16, 2009.

Your ideas and suggestions

2008-08-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe that the 2008 Altamont Fair has come and gone. It had some wonderful moments (lasting hours and days!) I'll be sharing some of the show results with you and some of things I found going on.

But, all the volunteers who are involved in putting this fair on, they want your ideas on how to make it better. And they would really like to hear just what you liked about the 2008 Fair. Just leave your comment below, I don't need to know your name, just your thoughts. Thanks

A calf is born

2008-08-13T23:33:00.000-04:00

Wow! In the Miracle of Birth tent inside Gate 2, there have been two tremendous calves born. 10:30 am on Tuesday, Lucy the cow delivered Altamont, a girl calf. We got a great video that you still can see. Then Wednesday, Sparkle the cow waited until 9 pm to deliver (with the help of Farmer Mike and Dr. Stu) a bouncing baby bull, Monte. Mothers and calves are doing fine.
It was AWESOME. You have got to check this out. Another calf will be born (fingers crossed) on Thursday.

The sheep show was split between meat sheep and wooly sheep.

Those pulling draft horses were so BIG and STRONG!

So on to Thursday, Jordan Pruitt is performing in the evening.

There will be baby chicks hatching in the Agriculture Building.

There will be dairy cattle showing morning and evening.

The photography in the Flower Building is incredible, well displayed and plentiful.
Also check out the smiling tomato....too late tonight to show you a picture but WOW

The Farmhouse museum will have a display on the birth of modern medicine.

and so much more.....See you at the Altamont Fair.

Tuesday

2008-08-11T23:31:00.000-04:00

Opening Day---lots of excitement

A dozen 6 horse hitches are expected for the draft horse show.

First ever apple peeling contest

Lady Antebellum perform on new bandstand stage

Calf expected to be born at New Miracle of Birth exhibit

Great Goat Show

Pony show is beginning

A new Miss Altamont Fair will be crowned

Contestants will be vying for the Fleischman's yeast contest. Sample the entries after the judging. They are beautiful and delicious.

And so much more. Come and enjoy this year's Altamont Fair!!

Final Prep

2008-08-11T06:52:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is showtime so today is spent putting finishing touches in all the barns and bulidings. You should see the pony stalls. Each stable paints and decorates their own stalls--Buzz Lightyear to Frontiertown. And the skeins of yarn and garments in the Sheep building are superb. You won't believe the poultry building---so many different colored eggs. Be sure to check out the Ag Building--hatching chicks and apple peeling.

See you tomorrow at your local Altamont Fair.

Army StrongChili Cook Off

2008-08-09T07:58:00.000-04:00

New to the Altamont Fair this year will be a chili contest. It will be Saturday August 16, enter by Gate 3. You need to pick up an entry form at your local Hannaford Supermarket---just ask at the service desk and send to the Altamont Fair (address on the form.) Send it to the fair by August 13, that's Wednesday. The chili should be one of these categories.....vegetarian, traditional or Army Strong (spiciness).

This will be the Army Strong Chili Cook-off so the judges will be Army personnel. The criteria is which chili merits the Army Strong label.

Ok, entry form check
crock pot of chili check
cheering section check
wonderful prizes check

I wonder if they need another judge? hmmmm.....

MIRACLE OF BIRTH

2008-08-07T08:07:00.000-04:00

Each day at the Fair, a dairy cow from Stanton Farms will give birth. This will be happening in the Miracle of Birth Tent next to the Cattle Building near Gate 2. You will have a chance to actually see the process live and in person. Come check it out!

This assumes the cow cooperates each day---isn't that part of the miracle?

Wow! A roller coaster and Giant zucchini

2008-08-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

Well the fair is next week so all the behind the scenes work to put on this show is happening NOW. Animal pens are being set up, restaurants are being cleaned and shined, sound systems are being tuned up and the grandstand stage is being finished. That new grandstand stage is going to be beautiful.

There are 500 entries in the Fine Arts department. You'll have to make sure to see the great photographs, the fantastic watercolors, the digitally enhance art. The Flower building is an awesome place for this display.

There are entries for the giant zucchini contest......If you entered vegetables and find a contender in your garden this week, you can add it to your entries Sunday afternoon when you bring in your other vegetables. You could have bragging rights for a whole year about the largest zucchini in the capital district!

Oh, I didn't know that the Midway will have Altamont Fair's first ever roller coaster. I think it is called Indy 500 but I'll check on that.

Advance sale tickets are available this week at Hannaford Supermarkets. and there are discount coupons on the website if you are waiting to buy your ticket at the gate.

Parade of Champions

2008-08-05T08:27:00.000-04:00

Make sure you are at the Fair at 6:30 Saturday night to see the Parade of Champions. This is a new happening this year. There will be two champions from each barn, chickens, goats, sheep, cows, ponies, etc. You will be able to see them and hear a little bit more about the animals.

Following the Parade, will be a animal costume class--open to fair exhibitors and their costumed animals. You should see the trophy that John van Wormer has donated---gorgeous.

Oh, the parade and costume parade will be happening in the big horse show ring, easy to find.

Miss Altamont Fair

2008-08-03T06:45:00.000-04:00

You still have an opportunity to be crowned Miss Altamont Fair. This is a contest to recognize natural beauty and encourage poise and public speaking. There are categories for little girls and grown women. You'll be expected to make appearances at the Altamont Fair (August12-17,2008) and then come back next year and crown your successor. It is a whole new way to see the fair.

Go to Altamontfair.com and click on Premium book (on the left) then scroll through the possibilities til you see Miss Altamont Fair.....click on that. You'll find all the info you need and the entry form.. But hurry.....entries close August 8, 2008.

There is going to be a reunion of former Miss Altamont Fair winners. Please contact the pageant superintendent (see premium book) for details.

People vs. machines

2008-08-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

Apple Peeler Contest 2008

In the olden days, yes before I was born---in the 1800’s, people used to “put up” fruit for the winter. They used apples for kettles of applesauce, lots of delicious pies and dried apple slices. Each apple had to be peeled—so many inventors wanted to ease the workload. Hundreds of inventors came up with mechanical peelers to make the job go faster. Ed Languish of Albany County has been collecting these gems for years. This year he’ll be displaying some of his mechanical peeling machines at the Altamont Fair. (August 12-17).

But is the machine really better than a man? Can a woman create a longer peel than a machine? Can a child peel a trip of shiny red apple that is longer than his/her Mom’s? We’ll answer these questions and more daily at the Agricultural Building at the Altamont Fair. Individuals will be able to publicly peel an apple for the longest strips. (Contests daily at 3pm and 6:30 )Mr. Languish will demonstrate his handcranked machine apple stripping. Will you try it? Will you win? Sign up early at the Agricultural Building each day. There will be ribbons. Albany County orchards will be donating fruit gift certificates to the winners.

We will supply the apples and the peelers. You supply the expertise.

Who can peel the longest strip from the apple? In one piece? Will it be you??

ZOPPE CIRCUS

2008-07-31T07:03:00.000-04:00

Did you know that you can see a family circus under the Big Top at the Fair. It is included in your admission to the Fair. So in addition to marvelous sheep and wonderful draft horses, you can see a performance of a circus. This is a really comfortable old timey feeling circus. The whole family will enjoy it. So make a point of coming to your local Altamont Fair.

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

2008-07-30T06:54:00.000-04:00

Today July 30 is your last chance to enter items in the Altamont Fair. You must do it electronically. Just go to the fair website and click on enter electronically and you will be walked through the process.

Entries need to be registered in advance so that the volunteer workforce at the Fair can plan for the most positive experience for fairgoers. Pens need to be set up. Some items are judged before the Fair opens so that everyone who comes to the Fair can check out the awesome ribbon winners.

So show off that GIANT ZUCCHINI. Impress everyone with your GIANT TOMATO. Share that beautiful quilt you made.

ENTER TODAY

Draft Horse Show

2008-07-29T07:04:00.000-04:00

Tuesday August 12 is the opening day of this year's Altamont Fair. There will be a draft horse show with horses coming from all over the state and maybe a few from our neighboring states. Horses will be shown at halter (individually) and then hitched up. You'll see six horse hitches all together in the showring. And then four horses and two and ladies cart and junior driving!! The New York State Draft Horse Club has contributed $150 to enhance the prizes for the youth classes. You won't believe the power and beauty of these animals.

RIDE CDTA

2008-07-25T08:01:00.000-04:00

There will be bus transportation to the Fair this year. So you can get your entertainment locally and arrive on public transportation. You need a $3 day card. You take your local bus to Crossgates Mall and transfer to a bus to Altamont Fair. How much easier could it be? The ride home will go to Crossgates and you get on your local bus.

The bus rides are available daily August 12-17. The first bus leaves Crossgates at noon and the last bus leaves the fairgrounds at 10:30 pm.

Remember, you'll need an admission ticket to get into the Altamont Fair. Advance sale (discount) tickets are now available at your local Hannaford Supermarket.

Come enjoy your Altamont Fair.

Not too late to enter

2008-07-24T06:36:00.000-04:00

The Altamont Fair will be accepting electronic entries until July 30. How cool is that? So if you are a gardener or cake decorator or wizard seamstress or quilter or knitter or jam-jelly, check out the premium book on the Fair website and enter NOW. You can be part of the FUN.

online entries

2008-07-21T17:42:00.000-04:00

July 23 at 5pm is the deadline for paper entries to the fair. However this year, in an effort to increase the convenience for our tech-savvy entrants, the fair will accept on-line entries. (and there is a later deadline for on-line entries.)

Zip on over to the Altamont Fair site(see upper right on blog) then click on Premium Book .There is another click to begin the on-line entry process. But I think you'll find it easy to do.

All right, lots more entries. lots more to ooh and ahh at the Altamont Fair.

Advance Sale Tickets at Hannaford SuperMarkets

2008-07-15T14:18:00.000-04:00

Ok, now we really know the fair is getting close...advance sale tickets are available at Hannaford Supermarkets in this region. (and you save money!!) You can also pick up a chili cookoff entry blank at the Hannaford near you. (The cook off will be Saturday August 16,2008. ) I know I have heard good things about your chili so lets put it to the test.......'

PS It is time to SEND IN your entry forms for the Fair. I just love seeing all the wonderful woodworking and quilts that people create. If you have questions about entering, just leave a comment and I will get back to you.

getting excited

2008-07-14T14:09:00.001-04:00

Somehow whenever I see a ferris wheel, I know there's good times ahead. I like to ride the ferris wheel so I can look out over all the fairgrounds and get the big picture!

Getting Busy

2008-06-28T09:05:00.000-04:00

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!

Hair of the Dog

2008-06-25T07:17:00.000-04:00

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!

Local talent

2008-06-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

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.

FLOWERS

2008-06-17T08:15:00.000-04:00

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.

Help Wanted

2008-06-10T08:09:00.000-04:00

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.

Bee Skeps

2008-06-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

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!

A NEW STAGE

2008-06-05T08:54:00.000-04:00

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.

Music acts

2008-06-02T12:06:00.000-04:00

So here is a picture of the new CD that has come out. You can listen to Lady Antebellum even before August!

Lady Antebellum

2008-05-31T09:08:00.000-04:00

Lady Antebellum to play at Altamont Fair.

You may have seen them on the The Grand Old Opry Show on TV and now they’ve released a new CD Lady Antebellum. They have been chosen for the Yahoo.com user’s choice program. Check out the music at http://ladyantebellum.musiccitynetwrks.com/

Their performance at the Altamont Fair is included in the general admission ticket price.

August 12, 2008--come on out and enjoy!

PREMIUM BOOK

2008-05-19T12:25:00.000-04:00

Well the new premium book is available online. What is a premium book? It states the various competitions at the Altamont Fair and what the rules are for entering these contests. Maybe you have a fabulous chicken (or a wonderful recipe for biscuits.) Your youth group might be interested in constructing a SCARECROW. Or maybe you will have the perfect zinnia in your garden this summer.......Show these off at the 2008 Altamont Fair. I'll talk about how to do all this in another post. so check it out at the Altamont Fair website...linked on the right of your screen.

Grange

2008-05-15T06:25:00.001-04:00

Fresh desserts

Remember to check out the Grange Building. There are exhibits entered into competition from local Grange chapters. There are live demonstrations daily, (soapmaking, quilting, beehive making, etc.) and best of all, they make from scratch desserts that are DELICIOUS—and you should go back daily because the desserts change. I am in a rush today but will post some pictures and more specifics. Be sure this is on your fair list.

TOMATO

2008-05-12T13:24:00.000-04:00

I am so ready for spring to hit this Albany, Schenectady, Greene County area. The tulips have been gorgeous but my mouth is watering for that first juicy tomato of the season. Tomato sandwiches are my lunch of choice in the summer. Anyway, guess what the Fair has come up with—a competition for the biggest tomato. I’ll find out more details but how big do you think we can grow them around here? I’m dreaming about it now. Will you have the BIG TOMATO of '08?

HELDEBERG MOUNTAIN NATIONALS CAR SHOW

2008-05-04T07:12:00.000-04:00

Helderberg Mountain Nationals Car Show
Lots of excitement on the Fairgrounds this weekend. May 10-11. There will be a classic car show, food, vendors, and a The Bellairs will play Saturday night 7-11..

Come Saturday---no admission charge. Gates open to public at 10 am.

Come Sunday—lots of cars and the actual car show. Judging at 2pm. But the gates are open to the public at 10 am. Admission charge.

Check it all out at www.helderbergmountainnationals.com

SATURDAY MAY 3

2008-04-29T09:11:00.000-04:00

SATURDAY MAY 3
Yes, it is time for Altamont's village wide Flea Market and Garage Sale!!

There will be sales all over the village.........great bargains and good stuff.

There is free parking and NO admission to the Fairgrounds for buyers. There is LOTS of parking so it will be easy to carry your treasures to your car and SHOP some more.

There will be maps to show you WHERE the sales are. Breakfast available at the Church Restaurant on the Fairgrounds.

The sale will run all day 8:30-4pm.

And the weather is supposed to be great so come on out.

Village Garage Sale

2008-04-17T08:35:00.000-04:00

Hurry, the deadline to be on the MAP is April 19.

Altamont Fair is joining up with the Altamont Elementary School PTA to hold THE Village wide flea market and garage sale on Saturday May 3, 2008. There are spots available on the fairgrounds to make it easy for buyers to find you. (And in case of inclement weather--there is room for you inside.) But HURRY---the map will be set after April 19 and you want to be on it.

Go to the Altamontfair.com website for sign up form and where to send your money. (Only $25 for a prime spot to empty your clutter!! Wow!!)

Come on- be a part of this.

2008-04-01T09:05:00.000-04:00

Having a Party?

Did you know the fairgrounds can be rented? You can schedule a social event here or something for your business. Sweet sixteen parties, company picnics, tool auctions to festivals. Great location.

2008-03-21T08:40:00.000-04:00

SCHOLARSHIPS

Hey! I just found out something fair related but not happening in August. The Altamont Fair is a member of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs, Inc. The fairs across New York state have gotten together to offer six scholarships to students who have participated in the fairs and who plan to study agriculture or fair management.

The NYSAAF and the NYSSA offer an annual scholarship program which is available to students who are New York State residents, who currently are (or have previously been) active in a fair that is a member of the NYSAAF and who plans to attend (or already attends) college in pursuit of a degree in agriculture or fair management. The fair where you have been active must endorse your application and will submit it for you. Our website www.nyfairs.org offers a complete list of our member fairs

BUT you have to hurry.

The deadline to submit your application (and you can’t do it online) is the second Saturday in April. There is an essay and there is an application form. And you can find them both at the www.nyfairs.org website. Oh yeah , it is for people already in college or high school seniors.

Good luck!

Hi there!

2008-03-15T15:05:00.000-04:00

Hi, the Altamont Fair is one of my favorite places in August. It is a three county fair in New York’s capital district. I thought you might be interested in some of the details I have discovered.

Even though it is March, hello Spring?, the fairgrounds are pretty empty with snow drifts. Here are some recent pictures.

But lots of volunteers are all ready gathering ideas and promises to make 2008 a great fair.

And it will be green and full of great displays and lots of people and lots of things to see.