More than 400,000 are expected to attend the fair until it wraps up Sunday.
Thousands turned out for the 172nd annual event Tuesday that featured a few new additions including entrances with automated ticket vendors, allowing fairgoers to purchase and print their tickets at the gate. Another new feature is the Welcome Center that's really a big barn and offers visitors a chance to check out the fair's history in photos.
Security is also front and center with New York State Police, along with other security, checking all bags that are brought into the fairgrounds area.
But once visitors are past the entrance gates, it's all fun from thrill rides and 4-H Club animals to horse shows, stunt exhibitions, and entertainment.
There's also new rides this year including the Powers Pantheon Ferris Wheel and the Funny Fairy Trail Train ride, alongside lots of typical and exotic fair food ranging from the tame cotton candy to the adventurous Tongue Twister, a sour slushy drink complete with gummy worms and Jolly Ranchers.
Other happenings include K-9 demonstrations with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, action sports shows, and entertainment each night (admission tickets needed; available online) at 7:30 p.m. with music by the Three Doors Down, the Marshall Tucker Band, Brothers Osborne, and the Old Crow Medicine Show.
Fairgoers will also find plenty of craft shopping, baked goods, and "good old" fair goodies.
This Thursday, the fair will open early for Think Differently Thursday to accommodate people with sensory processing issues.
The fair runs today through Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck.
Admission is $15 general admission, $12 in advance, $10 seniors, children under 12 are free.
For more Information visit dutchessfair.com or call 845-876-4000.
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