Dates: August 28 - September 2 2023
Location: Columbia County Fairground/Chatham Fairgrounds, 182 Hudson Ave., Chatham, N.Y.
Hours: Wednesday: NOON to 11pm | Thursday-Monday: 10am-11pm
Public Parking: Free
Cost: General Admission $10 | Kids (0-12) Free | All Guests Wednesday $5 | CASH ONLY
Ride Passes: Monday & Wednesday: $15 | Thursday-Sunday $20
Directions | Google Maps
Food: Available for purchase on campgrounds
Dogs: Not Permitted. Service dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination to enter the grounds. No Pets Allowed on the fairgrounds at any time.
Colorful signs invite you in, welcoming you to one of New York’s oldest continuing State Fairs. Bright lights of the carnival rides flash in fun patterns to the music playing all around you as unique performers strut about the walking crowds! All day long there’s so much to do, from partaking in the classic fairground rides, eating at one of the local vendor's food booths, shopping from local artisans, to checking out the 4H club area (where there’s an exotic animal zoo). As the sun sets the neon signs light up to create a nostalgic atmosphere tempting you to stay a little longer… even if just to ride the ferris wheel one more time. This is Columbia County Fair in Chatham New York.
As one of the biggest draws of the year, the fair brings in about 65,000 people from all over the USA, mainly within the region of New England. There’s so much going on, it's easy for everyone to find something they’ll enjoy. The fair is the perfect place for so many types of gatherings - spend an evening on the grounds as a date night idea, gather with friends as an afternoon activity, or bring the whole family for a big day of spectacular fun.
This summer, join the crowd as the festivities return for the 181th year of rides, games, performances, food, and so much more. The festival runs for a span of 6 days, from August 28, 2023 to September 2, 2023. To promote public wellness and as a health precaution, complimentary masks and hand sanitizers are offered in designated stations throughout the fairgrounds. Minor injuries and ailments are treated at the First Aid Station located near the restrooms by Gate #1.
Founded in 1841, the Colombia County Fair has been a staple for the agricultural community to connect and show off their finest work through the farming year. What started as a simpler community gathering expanded to incorporating performers and live music, and the rest is history! For 180 years this classic county fair has hosted vendors of all kinds and featured amusement activities such as games, rides, livestock competitions, petting zoos, craft shows, and presented agricultural awards, and continues to this day.
Atmosphere & Rides:
Unique wares will be set up among the tractors and antique engines on display throughout the fairgrounds, including handmade quilts, fresh flower bouquets, giant pumpkins, festive scarecrows, and more. All your favorite county fair rides will be there, including a carousel, an orbiter, and of course a ferris wheel.
Food Vendors:
A variety of food vendors are stationed at the Columbia County Fair each year. Outside vendors include everything from classic friend fair foods to sweet-tooth shacks and soft drink & cold brew beverage stations. Inside the 4-H section will be a variety of home-made goods, fresh foods, baked pies, milkshake stands, and other treats. Scheduled on different days will be ice-cream and watermelon eating contests.
Performances:
Live music will be performed with rock n’ roll playing through Sunday’s Grandstand lineup. Chatham's Side Show scheduled to perform includes a magician, a mentalist, a juggler, the youth talent show, and the Ghent Band. The Firefighter's Parade is scheduled for Saturday and the Painted Pony Rodeo is scheduled for Monday.
4-H Clubs:
The community’s youth comes together showcasing their hard work over the year with the work in the 4-H Fair. The 4-H program encourages a hands-on way of learning, including home setting, agricultural, and STEM related education. In this areas you’ll see ribbons & rosettes awarded to the craft far, gardening, and baking competitions. Craft exhibits will be on display featuring quilts, woodworking projects, and hand crafted pottery. There will even be workshop demonstrations for those wanting a more - in depth experience.
A variety of animals shows are scheduled within the 4-H fair. Animal lovers can attend horse shows & races, livestock competitions, and even interact with the furry friends in the petting zoo section!
We hope this inspires you to add a new adventure to your summer bucket list! Silver Maple Farms looks forward to hosting you. Thank you for reading.
The Team at Silver Maple Farm
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