Last year I vowed I would get to the Dutchess County Fair to see what it was all about. To be truthful, I was mostly interested in having funnel cake. I picked up my niece and nephews, stopped at an ATM machine and we headed north to Rhinebeck, NY. It was everything I expected from a State fair - rides, food, games, animals, a parade, music and more!

[caption id="attachment_2860" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The parade - lots of animals!"][/caption]

Though my wallet was drained (twice since I had to find an ATM on the fairgrounds as well) it was worth it. The kids and I had a great time. They played the carnival games, rode all the rides, visited the wildlife exhibit, ate funnel cake and burgers, drank fresh lemonade and milkshakes, and had their caricatures done. They even got to see Senator Charles Schumer, who walked right by us, shaking hands and kissing babies. We got a great picture of his back as he turned away from us a little too fast. Oh well.

[caption id="attachment_2908" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My shot of Chuck Schumers back (white shirt)!"][/caption]

When I told my husband I was taking them again this year, he asked if I needed to take out a loan for it. Yes - it's not an inexpensive day but it's a fun one just the same. To me, worth every penny! I often recommend attending the fair to families that are considering relocating to the area and are in town touring or house hunting during the week of the fair. It's a wonderful way to experience Dutchess County. This year the fair runs from August 24th to the 29th. Will you be there?