Dutchess County Agricultural Society Inc. | Dutchess County Fairgrounds — Local services in Town of Rhinebeck

The Sheep and Wool Festival is the annual event that my husband and I NEVER miss!!! We have been traveling from Fairfield Cty CT to Rhinebeck for some 10 years now. We purchase our tickets ONLINE and in advance for a hassle-free admission once we get there.

There is so much to see that it is nearly impossible to see everything in one day. Parking is easy and well marked so you don't get lost at the end of the day. Handicap parking is available and clearly marked, too. I am handicapped and have no trouble navigating the grounds. The restrooms are "attended", too thank goodness!

We love to see all that the vendors have to offer; there is NO mass produced stuff here...all original. So come prepared to be WOWED! Of course, there is going to be a ton of people but with the way the vendor spaces are laid out...there is no trouble getting up close to the ones that catch your attention.

For people coming with children...there are lots of animals to see and "touch". Sheep shearing is one of our favorite events, too. Alpacas are led around the grounds and quite friendly. So much to see, feel, touch and experience so BRING YOUR CAMERAS!!! Photographers will also love this event...

The food vendors are ALWAYS good so don't miss out as you scour through the vendors for some terrific finds and buys...

I expect this year will be as great as any other year we have attended. This is a RAIN OR SHINE event as you can imagine. Many of these vendors have traveled through many states to show, sell and display here so let's all hope and pray the weather is GREAT for their sake and for the animals, too. DO NOT BRING PETS TO THIS EVENT...the only animals allowed which are NOT affiliated with the fair are SERVICE DOGS with their harnesses or vests designating they are service dogs and not pets.

WE CANNOT WAIT TO GET THERE THIS YEAR!!! A terrific way to spend time out of doors and to get some holiday...

Great day at the fair ..like always had a terrific time ...If you don't go you are missing out ..have to give back to all the people who are there for us to enjoy ..the vendors would love to see you all come and enjoy ..but yourself something special.nd get some great food, music,goodies rides and visit the animals ..love it !!!!! I will say bring a mask some of indoor bldgs ask to respect mask were there were animal ..aslo when visiting livestock each bldg.haf hand sanitizers on either end of bldgs ..The bathrooms are always very clean someone is in there always ..plenty of benches and rest areas..under trees ..you can always go sit on bleachers if there isn't a concert on..That has an overhang...there are 3 or 4 tents with tables chairs nd a stage ..you can get cold beers nd I think wine ?? nd flavored seltzers ..2 drinks per person per sitting..not always music in the tents ..fans are going though!!!. There is a great area close to live stock that has a historical museum of old farm equipment most are working and it's very interesting .theirs a broom maker, blacksmith ,printer,nd more ..look for the Cedar Shaker Shingles with the Dutchess County Fair burned into wood and date ..A bang for your Buck really !!!! .there is sooo much up there to sight see nd doo stay over a night or two you ll want to go back often ...Once again I hope you make time to go...

When I was a youngster back in the 1960s, our family had a small summer home in Beekman, and the Dutchess County Fair was a must-see annual event. The Fair, always held in late August, was bittersweet back then. It was a great fun time meeting my upstate friends, seeing the animals, going on the rides, and eating fair food. That giddiness was tinged with a bit of dismay, knowing that the end of summer was near, I'd be back in school, and the summer house would be shut soon enough until the following spring.

Living in Pennsylvania the last 30+ years, I still make the annual pilgrimage to the Fair, still love all the sites, sounds, and wonderful aromas, and still wait as long as needed for a milk shake near the 4H building (always a highlight). Though I'm no longer a 'ride' person, the Fairgrounds and Fair itself only gets better with time. And, now retired, visiting during the less crowded midweek is an extra treat.

So, how much do I love both the nostalgia and current day glee the Fair promises each year? As a sort of tongue in cheek request, I've told my family that I want my ashes to be buried next to the Dutchess Dairy groups milk shake stand!

If I drive there every year, and want my earthly remains interred there in perpetuity, the least you SHOULD do is go to the Fair. To paraphrase the Beatles, 'it's getting better...