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Dutchess County Fair Starts Off With Blue Skies, Big Crowds

RHINEBECK, N.Y. -- The Dutchess County Fair, the state's second largest, kicked off its annual six-day run Tuesday, with a few new wrinkles and a forecast of good weather for the week.

Daily Voice visits the 171st Dutchess County Fair, which opened Tuesday and runs through Sunday night.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Third Eye Blind performs on opening night at the Dutchess County Fair.

Third Eye Blind performs on opening night at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Crowds came out in perfect weather for Tuesday's opening day of the Dutchess County Fair.

Crowds came out in perfect weather for Tuesday's opening day of the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
A horse turns its head, scaring this little girl at the Dutchess County Fair.

A horse turns its head, scaring this little girl at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
This fair worker enjoys a relaxed moment with a cow at Tuesday's opening day at the Dutchess County Fair.

This fair worker enjoys a relaxed moment with a cow at Tuesday's opening day at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
These two are just checking out the scene Tat Tuesday's Dutchess County Fair.

These two are just checking out the scene Tat Tuesday's Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Crowds came out in perfect weather for Tuesday's opening day of the Dutchess County Fair.

Crowds came out in perfect weather for Tuesday's opening day of the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Two kids enjoy a helicopter ride at the Dutchess County Fair.

Two kids enjoy a helicopter ride at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
The merry go round at opening day at the fair.

The merry go round at opening day at the fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Third Eye Blind performs on opening night at the Dutchess County Fair.

Third Eye Blind performs on opening night at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
This farmer's market greets visitors at one of the fair's main entrances.

This farmer's market greets visitors at one of the fair's main entrances.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
The livestock exhibit is always popular at the fair.

The livestock exhibit is always popular at the fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

The fair - in its 171st year - is a tradition for residents of Dutchess and its surrounding counties, and is well-known for its farm animals, agricultural exhibits and horticultural displays.

Oh, and food.

Just about every kind of food one could imagine is represented along the massive food mall, and of course there are rides for kids and adults, as well as games of 'skill.' Vendors of all kinds are also scattered throughout the grounds.

The fair also offers a Grandstand Concert Series. Third Eye Blind opened the week Tuesday night, and other musical acts will include Chase Rice (Friday night).

New this year is a 'wristband day' - Wednesday - where you can purchase unlimited rides for $25 dollars. Three rides also make their debut at this year's fair - Sea Ray, Jungle Jeeps, and Mega Motorcycles.

"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," Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, noting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the county, the state and the region will be on hand for the festivities this week.

"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," he said.

Check out the video above to get a taste of the fair.

For more info on the Dutchess County Fair: www.dutchessfair.com

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