ALTAMONT — The Altamont Fair opens Aug. 16.
The six-day fair will feature classic favorites as well as new things to see and do.
“We’ve got some new performers and some returning old ones,” said Pat Canaday, a member of the fair’s board of directors. “The Royal Hanneford Circus is always fabulous. They’ve got a lot of aerial work this year, with performers being on the high wire. That’s going to be really cool.”
Tickets for this year’s fair are $18 if purchased by Aug. 15 at midnight. Advance tickets can be purchased through the fair’s website, altamontfair.com. Tickets at the gate are $22, and children less than 36 inches tall are admitted for free.
Wednesday admission is free for senior citizens 65 and older, Grange members, and active military and veterans with ID. Canaday said the one fee includes concerts, entertainment and rides.
This year, the Royal Hanneford Circus and the Sea Lion Splash will have multiple shows during the fair.
“The other big show is the Sea Lion Splash,” said Canaday, “which actually is licensed through the federal government to take rescues of seals, and they are committed to educating people about marine life and safety for the seals and other marine animals. They are all rescued seals. These sea lions are pretty smart. I can’t wait to see it.”
The fan-favorite demolition derby will be held Sunday.
“The derby is very popular,” Canaday said. “We have a lot of people come to see their friends and neighbors compete with these crazy cars.”
The fair will have classic food favorites as well as some unique snacks this year, Canaday said. She noted that pickle pizza and giant mozzarella sticks are not new this year, but are very popular.
The circus, sea lions, canine shows, pig racing, Native American storytelling, lumberjack shows, hypnotist and magic shows, and live music entertainment will all be offered at this year’s fair.
“The Reid Northrup Memorial Stage will have entertainment every night, bands every night,” Canaday said. “During the day we have Michael DeSchalit, the master hypnotist, who’s also going to do some magic for us. He’s a lot of fun. He’s out of Las Vegas. He preforms there regularly.”
The Main Line Tap Room will have performers during the day and different shows in the evenings, Canaday said. She said there will be six different performers there at various times throughout the fair.
“We also have a local band, new this year, which is really fun,” Canaday said. “Its the Capital District Mega Band. It’s new for us. It’s local community people who have gotten together. They’ll be performing Saturday from 12-3 p.m.”
Canaday said fair attendees will find a variety of things to keep them occupied. “We have a really fun mix of entertainment, a wonderful midway provided by Dreamway Amusements, and the agricultural aspect. I think we have a really great blend, and I think it works for people.”
The fair will also have a military ceremony at 2 p.m Wednesday to honor veterans.
“That’s something that is very special that we absolutely do every year to honor our veterans,” Canaday said. “We’re very proud of that as well.”
Categories: Art, Entertainment, Life and Arts, Life and Arts
