Planning your visit to the Altamont Fair? Get the latest fair information on our redesigned altamontfair.com website — designed to be more informative and useful. Look for the most up-to-date schedule of events and news about the fair. There is so much to see, do, and enjoy, we don’t want you to miss anything!

While on the website, check out the new, full color interactive map. The map is color coded to help you identify the locations of your favorite events.

The streets are now named, making it easier to navigate the whole fair. Try out the new interactive street view — click on an item in the map and see what is near you at the street level. Click on the arrow to advance the view or click on the event or building and see the schedule. 

The Altamont Fair offers a wide range of attractions, entertainment, music, museums, and great fair food.

So much to share: How about this — interested in agriculture? Start off at the livestock barns and visit the cows, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits. The Ag Tent will have a variety of educational demonstrations to share the behind-the-scenes activities in caring for and showing animals.

Don’t forget to stop in the Agriculture and Science Building to learn how our local not-for-profit organizations and businesses are sharing their passions. The Youth Science Fair, sponsored by County Waste, features “Science in Agriculture.”

Don’t forget to stop in to the Horse and Pony barns and show rings; there are plenty of equine events scheduled all week! New this year — llamas will be joining an alpaca exhibit in the pavilion from Thursday through Sunday.

Horse pulling is scheduled for Tuesday; oxen pulling is scheduled for Wednesday. The Pony Pals drill team is performing on Friday.

Look around each of the buildings around the fairgrounds for an exhibit illustrating, “What If There Were No Farmers?” The Altamont Fair Board is awarding a special prize for the best one. You may be surprised to see how important agriculture and farmers are to our daily lives.

Do you enjoy quilting, sewing, woodworking, and other crafts? Stop in the Arts and Crafts building to see the beautifully crafted articles by your friends and neighbors. Mrs. Red Shoes will be there, guiding the free “Make It and Take It” crafts for kids.

Stop in to visit the 4-H Building to see the 4-H club exhibits and the Cloverbud projects. 4-H is not just animal science and gardening; the program also encompasses food and nutrition, leadership, career exploration, natural resources, community service, and so much more!

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy food – the Blue Ribbon Cooking Center is hosting a variety of contests that do not require pre-registration; be sure and check it out.

For more information and entry requirements visit www.altamontfair.com. A quick reminder — online entries for most competitions close on 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4. Consider submitting your best and maybe win a prize.

Wednesday, Aug. 13, is Senior and Armed Forces Day. Seniors 65 and up, and active and veteran military personnel receive free admission until 4 p.m. (Free admission does not include rides.) Courtesy carts will be available to assist our senior and veteran fairgoers to enjoy the whole fairgrounds, supported by St. Peter’s Health Partners.

The Altamont Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 17. The pay one price for those 36 inches and taller is $15 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and $17 on Thursday through Sunday. This includes admission, Circus Hollywood, shows, exhibits, parking, and unlimited rides. Advance-sale tickets are available online for $15 that can be used any day.

The fair opens every day at 10 a.m.; exhibits open at 11 a.m.; and the midway opens at noon. For a full schedule of events and contest entry information, visit www.altamontfair.com. 

Editor’s note: Pat Canaday is the treasurer of the Altamont Fair and a director.