A Tradition of Excellence

The 165^th Dutchess County Fair was hugely successful by any standard of measurement. Preliminary attendance figures indicate that the paid attendance was 143,069 with an estimated overall attendance of 325,481. While the weather forecast the first two days and 90 degree temps on the final day did hold the numbers down to some degree, these attendance figures are HUGE for a six day fair.

It was also an excellent fair because we were able to maintain our agricultural integrity with 1184 exhibitors fielding 7,428 individual exhibits. Survey results continue to reflect that the majority of our patrons come to see all of the agricultural exhibits. This holds us true to and consistent with our mission to educate the public and showcase agriculture, still the number one industry in New York State.

From the new Sand Castle to Bixby’s Rain Forest Rescue and the 40 Top News Stories of Our Times, the $100,000 investment in new shows and attractions proved very popular with our guests. Concert enthusiasts were treated to some great entertainment in front of the main stage with Broadway music, the best of Country featuring the legendary George Jones, Joe Nichols, Gloriana, and current country superstars, Montgomery Gentry. Foreigner “blew the roof off the joint” Friday night with a sensational concert.

Plans are already underway for the 166^th Dutchess County Fair which will be held next summer from August 23^rd through the 28^th. As the recession continues to press on, wars and violence all over the world persists, pressures at home continue, we look forward to again providing an outlet for wholesome family fun and quality entertainment in 2011. To all who assisted us in making this year’s production a success and any and all that will join us in producing next year’s classic fair event, we offer our gratitude. Thank you for your contributions to our important work and for helping us continue “the tradition of excellence” that is the Dutchess County Fair.

It’s Over . . .Again

As a child, the fair at home never ended without little Bobby Grems crying. I shed a tear or two this year, too . . .and big Bob Grems is 63 years old! I cried because it will take 365 days for the next Dutchess County Fair to return. I cried for the young soldier that we remembered at each evening’s grandstand show that was buried last week. Did he ever make it to the Dutchess County Fair? I cried tears of happiness for the 1130 children and chaperones who visited during “Ideal Country Holiday”. These were kids who could never have been fair go-ers without the generous support of a caring community. Angry tears flowed when I remembered the fights with the Poughkeepsie Journal over a totally unfair and inaccurate front page article three days before the fair on food safety. The most respected fair man I know read that article by Sarah Bradshaw and commented, “That is the worst piece of fair journalism I have read in 40 years.”

A little grief and sadness is not all bad, a few tears cleanse as does an early morning rain. Like life itself, the down times help us appreciate the good times. And were there ever good times at the 165^th Dutchess County Fair. Over 1500 adults and children took the time to prepare, deliver, and pick up over 7500 individual entries, helping keep alive the tradition of what a good county fair should be. Five fabulous concerts of big name talent filled the night air. Wonderful free shows ; so many you could never see all of them in one day. Lots of fair food and tens of thousands of gallons of freshly squeezed lemonade. Families and friends gathering, renewing acquaintances. A spectacular fireworks display to end it all on Sunday night.

I don’t get the criticism, any criticism of the fair unless it is reflective of these troubled times. But it is precisely because these are difficult days that we need to provide an alternative, emphasize the positive, showcase agriculture and its importance, create a forum for family fun that our sights are clearly set on the 166^th Dutchess County Fair. The detractors and critics beware! You will not stop or even slow down this effort. If we have been able to endure wars and depressions and not only survive but, thrive, you will not stop us. Our work is too important, our mission too worthy, our past too glorious to allow you to turn our efforts back now. The 166^th Dutchess County Fair happens next summer from August 23^rd through the 28^th. Mark your calendar, everyone. And, thanks to all who came and had fun with us this year.

Fairs are for friends and farmers

Agricultural fairs as we know them started two hundred years ago. They were in the very beginning, have been for 200 years, and are today, about farmers coming together. A fair provided a social function for society, then and it does today. The vast majority of our citizens 200 years ago were farmers. Today, I think the statistic is 1 or 2%. But, a fair back then, and for two centuries have been an opportunity for our farmers to showcase the very best of their livestock, the best their fields and farms could produce. I don’t know when the prized blue ribbon make its debut or the reason that farmers across the country now work, plant, and plan for months in the hope of picking up one or more of those prized blue ribbons. Right now, as I write these lines, over 1,000 individual exhibitors ,men, women, boys, and girls, are preparing everything from cows, horses, pigs, chickens, sheep, and goats to jams, jellies, quilts and fine arts for the 165^th Dutchess County Fair. They provide us the core, the essence of what an authentic county fair is all about. If we are going to save our family farm and farming, if we are going to give our citizens an appreciation for agriculture, educate them as to where the food we eat comes from, encourage young people to carry on the rich tradition of farming, we have to let our agricultural fairs lead the effort. No place on earth do we do a better job showcasing agriculture than at a county fair. So, accept the invitation and come August 24^th through the 29^th to the largest 6 day county fair east of the Mississippi. Come, experience the wonders of agriculture and learn more about it by rubbing shoulders with our farmers. Come and ask a farmer or two why year after year, decade after decade, century after century,t hat blue ribbon has been the incentive to get them off the farm and share with us one of our richest and most noble traditions, the county fair.

One Final Blog From Boonville

I make this final entry from the place of my birth, the beautiful backyard garden that my family has maintained for as long as I can remember. There’s a sign coming out of Rome, NY that reads, “Boonville, just 25 minutes to Heaven” This is a wonderful little village. Just on the borderline of the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. The scenic ponds, lakes, and streams attract tourists from afar. Several years ago, a joint commission of county governments proposed creating a landfill up the road in Ava, NY. A local group of activist citizens and concerned residents kept the issue in the courts and the dump out of our beautiful, bucolic setting for many years. In the end, the “wisdom” of the original commission and the need to bury our garbage someplace, won out. I have not been by the dump or “landfill” as the “authorities” like to call, lately. So, I don’t know if the thousands of sea gulls have take up residence there or the smell of rotting garbage fills the countryside, or if the runoff of toxic waste that was so feared has come to fruition. I only know right now as I sit writing this, one tractor trailer after another rolls up the street just beyond this beautiful garden. All day, they come and go. Back and forth. So, children are at risk during the school year as the big rigs drive past the two major schools servicing the area, every day. And the way of life of this wonderful little village has been permanently interrupted.

At the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, I always say, “It would be totally inconsistent for us to be here to showcase agriculture and not be a good friend of the environment. Our Aug. 24^th through 29^th fair, will be a zero landfill event, in addition to all of our reclamation efforts. All of our garbage will be transported to nearby burn plants and regenerated into energy. Having my peace interrupted this morning by a parade of garbage trucks that despite the best efforts of the good people of this area were not able to stop, makes me more committed than ever to trying to be a good friend to the environment.

An Ideal Country Holiday

Rhinebeck, NY—On Wednesday, August 25th, the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, which produces the annual Dutchess County Fair, will play host the second "Ideal Country Holiday" event. Invitations will be extended through agencies of the Dutchess County Youth Bureau to as many as 1,000 children and their chaperones to attend the fair’s “Ideal Country Holiday”. This is a special program allowing children who might not have transportation or the financial means, the opportunity to attend their county fair.

The children will be treated to free admission, four hours of free carnival rides, an “Ideal Country Holiday T-shirt”, and lunch. Where needed, bus transportation will also be provided. While the emphasis is on creating a fun filled day at the county fair, there will also be an educational component allowing the children the opportunity to learn more about the value and importance of agriculture in their lives.

In addition to the fair’s support, the day will be subsidized by donations to the newly formed nonprofit 501c3 Dutchess County Agricultural Society Scholarship and Youth Empowerment Fund, Inc. Individuals, businesses, clubs, and organizations are invited to contribute. The cost to sponsor a child is $50.00 and donations can be made to DCAS S&YEF, Inc. and sent to PO Box 389, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.

Commenting on the program, the fair’s GM, Bob Grems, said. “We do many wonderful things and share great experiences with our 400,000 guests each summer. This program will provide an opportunity to extend the experiences of the county fair to some children who might not be able to attend, otherwise. I have no doubt that this will be the best day of the summer for these children.”

Making It Come Together

The portable nature of the traveling carnival industry has always intrigued me. I’m writing another blog from my front porch in Boonville, watching as the carnival continues its setup for my hometown fair across the street. Just 24 hours ago, they were totally set up, 25 miles away in another small upstate town. By 4:00 pm tomorrow afternoon, the wheels will again be turning on the rides. The pop corn will be popped and all of the other food stands will be operating. The game trailers will all be stocked and the “agents” ready for another week’s work. When I was a kid, some carnival food was unique. The only place you could get cotton candy was at the county fair and you looked forward to it every year. Today, it’s readily available at any number of outlets.

Another of the most interesting aspects of the carnival business is how “plush”, the stuffed animals people will pay good money to win at carnival games is still the prize of choice. Everything from bicycles to TV’s has been offered as prizes to attract players. Stuffed animals still provide the magnet that pulls people into a game. This despite the fact that nearly every attic in America is filled with the fury critters.

Looks like the setup here is progressing, nicely. The carnival that plays the Dutchess County Fair won’t have it so easy with such a short “jump”. They tear down on a Saturday night and while they won’t open again until 10 am the following Tuesday morning (Aug. 24^th), they have to travel nearly 400 miles from Gathersburg, MD to Rhinebeck, NY. All of this effort will make the near magical transformation of another vacant fairgrounds into the marvelous midway that will entertain our 350,000 plus visitors. I’m excited!!!

The Clintons Discover Rhinebeck

RHINEBECK, RHINEBECK, RHINEBECK – I would certainly be remiss if I did not take a few moments to comment on the other big event in RHINEBECK this summer, the weekend’s Chelsea Clinton wedding. In my job, I have the opportunity to speak with people all over the country on a daily basis. For the past two weeks or so, I hardly spoke with a person that did not know or ask questions about the wedding. It really put our wonderful village on the map! Of greatest significance, I believe, is the geography lesson. Now, millions of people know that they are a train ride away or driving distance to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

The little town was a bevy of activity from Friday on. And the former President certainly gave local residents and tourists in for a “gawk” or two a real treat when he opted to enjoy lunch at Gi Gi Trattoria on the village’s main thoroughfare. The number of media outlets present was staggering. While our fairgrounds helicopter pad was not required and the traffic gridlock that was predicted didn’t happen, the village enjoyed a great weekend of activity. Residents won’t forget this event for a very long time.

Why Rhinebeck? Well, visit once and the question will be answered. The former President and Secretary of State have visited here on more than a couple of occasions. This is a lovely, quaint village with beautiful shops and great restaurants. Astor Courts where the wedding was held provided exceptional security advantages. Thankfully, the community and the guests honored the wishes of the couple to make this a private affair.

The Clintons have discovered Rhinebeck. The world knows us better now, too. From August 24^th through the 29^th, I believe many more people than ever before are going to want to discover Rhinebeck, also. In coming to the fair, guests will experience the beautiful village and so much more. Since 1919, the fairgrounds have been a playground for people throughout the greater Hudson Valley. We have showcased agriculture, entertained, educated and enriched people’s lives. Always, with the hope of getting them back again and again. After this weekend’s wedding, we believe there will be more first time visitors with every confidence that they will become repeaters. If the Clinton family found Rhinebeck, everyone else out there can too.

It All Began Here

I’m sitting on the front porch of the home where I grew up. Today is set up day for the Boonville-Oneida County Fair. A flood of memories and emotions visits me here. One of my very earliest recollections, when I was probably no more than 3 or 4, is looking out the big picture window onto the fairgrounds. I knew it was fair week again or at least realized that wonderful “happening” across the street with the exciting rides, bright lights and fun was back. I recall my first “job”, selling my mom’s homemade lemonade for $1.00 a gallon to the men setting up the tents.

I was introduced to the children of the carnival operator over on the big rock where travel trailers were parked. That was our meeting spot for many, many years. I started helping set up and tear down rides at such an early age that my parents came looking for me one Saturday night, long after bedtime. The fair was my summer job in college. I did everything from pick up garbage to writing press releases. I also did a little PA announcing and it was from this experience that the famed auto stunt driver, Joie Chitwood, invited me to join his traveling stunt show one summer’s morning at breakfast. I went on to be the “voice” of the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show for 14 seasons.

When my mom’s health declined several years ago, I returned to oversee her care and again became involved in the fair. I started a program to bring less advantaged children to the fair. “Ideal Country Holiday” moved to the Dutchess County Fair with me. We will entertain over 1,000 children and their chaperones for a free day at the fair again this year.

It all came from here. This place, the professional life I have loved. While I have moved on to management of the wonderful Dutchess County Fair, my heart remains in the little fair, in the little town of Boonville. On second thought, I like to think I have a big heart, certainly big enough to hold great affection for two wonderful county fairs.

The Kid in Us All

In a pre-fair interview on a local radio station a couple years ago, the interviewer finished the interview with the observation, “Well, Bob, you sound like a kid in a candy store.” I replied, “I work in a 162 acre candy store.”

I love the work I do. Most of my career choices have been made because of my love of fairs. As a child growing up across the road from our county fair in Boonville, NY, I was aware of everything that went on at those fairgrounds from the earliest stages of preparation to the final cleanup.

As a kid, most every year, the carnival would start moving a ride or two onto the fairgrounds the week before the fair. When I saw that first ride truck, I would hop on my bicycle, tear over to the fairgrounds and just sit and stare. I can even remember the make of the truck. It was an old Diamond T.

Well, last week, little Bobby Grems got excited all over again. Powers Great American Midways, the outstanding carnival operation that provides the rides, games, and some of the food for the Dutchess County Fair pulled their first ride onto the fairgrounds. The kid in me jumped for joy. This must mean that we are in the final countdown stages for our August 24th through 29th Dutchess County Fair.

A good county fair is many things. But, it is certainly the sights, sounds, bright lights, and aromas of a carnival midway. I can’t do the rides anymore but I sure did as a child. Getting to know the family that owned the carnival that played our fair, I had unlimited free ride passes. I rode to my hearts content. The Tilt-A-Whirl, Scrambler, Ferris Wheel, Dive Bomber. Oh, the memories. Today’s modern carnival makes those “antiques” seem timid in comparison. Rides today throw you in the air to new heights, twirl you around at break neck speeds, turn you upside down and inside out. No, I can only look now and marvel at how far the mobile carnival industry has progressed.

For families that might not be considering a long trip to a major amusement park or even a closer theme park, all of the fun and excitement of carnival rides are driving distance away (or train or bus ride) in Rhinebeck, NY. The rides have changed but the “thrill a minute” fun and action is still very much available. Plan a trip. Bring your kids and the kid inside. Little Bobby Grems will be waiting for you.

Meet Bob

My home is upstate NY in a wooded area with a pond as part of my sprawling front yard. (Sorry, I only rent!) This spring, I have been able to watch a pair of Canadian Geese raise their goslings, now to full maturity. I try never to take nature for granted. The birds, deer, squirrels and chipmunks give me great pause for reflection each day.

I love NY City. I love the contrast of the quaint and quiet Rhinebeck to the hustle and bustle of NY. I left my Canadian geese this past weekend for a trip to the city. While enjoying Bryant Park, I was welcomed back to nature when a mother duck and eight chicks wandered around the massive marble fountain in the park. The stir of excitement this created with park visitors was just amazing. I immediately thought, imagine the reaction of these city inhabitants to the hundreds and hundreds of farm animals we have just 2 hours north at the Dutchess County Fair.

We are all of the earth, the land, the sea. Something inside us draws us back to nature. We are literally fed by nature. Agriculture and farming are part of all that is natural. No place on earth do we better showcase agriculture than at a wonderful county fair. If, like me, you are inclined to look to nature for pleasure, sustenance, and growth, mark your calendar for visit to Rhinebeck for the 165^thDutchess County Fair. The ducks and chicks and all of their farm friends will be waiting.