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.