Saratoga County Fair ends on a wet note

A scene from the 2014 Saratoga County Fair.

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Steamy temperatures and the threat of storms did not dissuade people from attending the final day of the Saratoga County Fair on Sunday.

Though lines for the rides and games were short and tidy, swaths of people sought refuge from the strong sun and humidity under tents and trees.

Most vendors offered a variety of cold beverages, from slushed lemonade to beer, which enticed a good amount of fair-goers.

Frank Potestio of Albany was sitting under a tent enjoying a chicken gyro and an iced tea to cool down.

“It is really hot out here,” he said while wiping beads of sweat off his forehead. “I couldn’t just stand out there all day and not take a break.”

Sunday marked the sixth and final day of the 173rd edition of the Saratoga County Fair.

A crowd of people gathered to shake hands with U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, who was joined by a pair of prospective state legislators — Madelyn Thorne and Carrie Woerner.

Tonko said the fair gives farmers, young and old, an opportunity to showcase their hard work and pays tribute to the driving force behind the upstate economy.

“I love coming here to see the interaction between young and old people and the intersection of generations that it creates,” he said.

Tonko, who spent some time on a farm as a child, added that the values a person learns while farming, such as persistence and dedication, can be helpful later on in life.

Thorne, of Schenectady, who is challenging Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna, in the November election, said she loves running into old friends at the fairgrounds and interacting with potential constituents.

“You can come out here and see a lot of people you know,” she said. “Of course when you’re with Mr. Tonko a lot more people come up to you.”

About 150 people filled the Talent Pavilion to watch a talent show where contestants performed dance routines.

Contestants ranged from ages 4 to 18, and while some competed individually others danced in groups.

Mari Brennan, 17, of Ballston Spa, was not fazed by the large crowd and said she is used to dancing in front of large groups of people.

Brennan’s crew of 10 girls performed a step-dancing routine while sporting military-themed outfits.

The group received a resounding round of applause from the fans in attendance before taking the stage.

“We got the idea for the outfits from a Janet Jackson music video,” said Brennan, who dances with the JDC Dance Center. “We really have a lot of fun performing in front of our family and friends.”

Adriana, a Saratoga Springs resident who preferred not to give her last name, attended the fair for the first time Sunday and already has an eye toward next year’s festivities. “I love seeing the different types people that come out to fairs and other events like this, it is really quite interesting,” she said. “I am already looking forward to coming next year.”