Statement from Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro
on the opening of the 171st Dutchess County Fair
“The Dutchess County Fair is an annual tradition that highlights our people, our culture, and our history – in short, everything that makes us distinctly Dutchess. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the county, the state and the region will come to Rhinebeck this week to experience the heritage we in Dutchess County cherish and of which we’re so proud. Those who attend this week’s fair will enjoy our county’s hospitality and sense of community which warmly welcome visitors from around the globe each day, making Dutchess County a worldwide tourist destination.
This year’s Dutchess County Fair will embrace our successful ‘Think DIFFERENTLY’ initiative, offering early admission and sensory-friendly attractions for residents with special needs from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 25th. We thank fair organizers for helping us ‘Think DIFFERENTLY’ and coordinating Thursday morning’s fun for our neighbors of all abilities.
Several Dutchess County departments, including the Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) and the Division of Veterans Services, will be on hand this week to interact with fairgoers and showcase the great work our county employees perform each day for our residents. Visitors to 4H Hill can also learn about the Dutchess County Animal Response Team (DCART), which ensures humane care and treatment of animals in the event of a significant emergency. Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Agriculture & Horticulture Program, located inside the Horticulture Building, will inform fairgoers about recycling and composting.
We are grateful for those from our Department of Emergency Response and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office who work together with fairgrounds officials to ensure a safe event for all who come and enjoy the fair.
I wish the Dutchess County Agricultural Society including its board, staff and volunteers success for the 2016 Dutchess County Fair, and I will see you at the fair!”
