We have been taking the kids to the Altamont Fair for years, and while we aren’t always in town when the fair rolls into Altamont in mid-August, we have some great memories of visiting many times.
The fair is very easy to find as you head down route 146 to Altamont, a small town in Upstate New York. Right along the main road, you will see huge signs for the fair that direct you right to the parking lot. There are sprawling fields to park in, and parking lot attendees will direct you where to park. We arrived not much after the fair opened (10am) and did not have far to walk to the entrance.
There are a couple different entrances, and the fair is on a large loop, so be sure to grab a map/brochure on your way in, which has a map and a listing of all the events going on throughout the day (from pig races to dog shows).
This year we headed to the fair on a perfect Saturday morning – not too hot with some clouds clearing out to make way for blue skies.
The kids saw the rabbit building right away, and there was no stopping them! We spent some time looking at the adorable bunnies before heading to see lots of other animals.
Every time we visit the Altamont fair, there is the grueling decision of what fair food to indulge in! I had a tough time choosing between fried pickles, fried jalape̱os, and fried mushrooms. Although you can find your pick of fried foods (from fried dough to loaded tater tots to fried Oreos), there are plenty of other foods Рsteak sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, gyros, and more. Plus drinks, from fresh-squeezed strawberry lemonade to wine slushies.
My daughter got some awesome fried pickles with a side of spicy horseradish to share with me. Absolutely delicious!
It was nice to be able to sit in the shade while we ate our food. There are a variety of tents around the fairgrounds as well as benches that were in the shade, which is much appreciated after walking around quite a bit in the sun, especially with kids.
After seeing how big the onions were at the bloomin’ onion stand, we had to get one. Even though the kids claimed to be disinterested, they did eat quite a bit of it!
There are lots of rides and other attractions at the fair. You can find ones for little kids up to much more intense, thrilling rides. Plus attractions like a haunted house and a house of mirrors.
The fair has lots of games too, like your classic ring toss or darts, and much more. We gambled away our fair share of money trying to knock down $50 and $100 bills out of arcade machines.
We stopped at lots of vendors and booths throughout the fairgrounds. There are quite a few to see, from businesses to groups. My daughter decided to act out her most “doctor-like expression” for the St. Peter’s Health Partners booth!
Towards the back of the fairgrounds you can find things like farm machinery on display.
There are lots of kid-friendly things to see and do, like this exhibit learning to milk a cow. There are play areas and other interactive things specifically designed for kids, but plenty of other things for little ones to enjoy (like looking at baby animals).
My kids love visiting all the animals, from horses to goats, pigs, sheep, and more.
The Altamont Fair has a pretty good setup, and I was happy to see things like this hand-washing station. Despite packing an entire canister of hand wipes in my backpack, this was a fantastic opportunity for the kids to wash their hands after petting lots of animals.
There are a variety of items for sale at the fair.
The Altamont Fair is a lot of fun, and it makes for a nice family day. I know we will be returning next year!
What to bring:
~ comfortable shoes
~ sunscreen / sunglasses / hat
~ cash for food, games, etc.
For kids, also bring:
~ hand wipes
~ drinks and snacks
~ stroller or wagon for smaller kids
Seeing these pictures, I can hardly wait for the country fairs, starting pretty soon. I love the critters, and I like the contests like pies, jam, fair food (that onion looks good)! I once got a baby Nubian goat from a fair, to join my chickens, cats ‘n dog at the time!
Looks like a lot of fun. We have a fair that comes every September. I have not been in a long time though.
Fairs are so much fun! My favorite things to do is eat the yummy food and look at all the livestock. It’s a great way to say hello to fall!
That sounds like fun! Good old fashioned country fairs like this are hard to come by around here, so when they do, we really make an effort to go!
It sure does look like it’s a lot of fan and wish we had something similar in my neck of the woods. I am jealous of the foods you guys tried too
I love going to state fairs! They are SO much fun and tor FOOD is awesome! I mean where else can you go to get a fried twinkie? LOL
Fair season has started and I can’t wait to take my family. It’s an annual family tradition. We look forward to the food, seeing the animals and the concerts and the food. Hey, it’s the one time of year where we splurge on fried treats and there’s always something new to try. I can’t wait to see what’s on this year’s fair menu.
We use to go to the fair when we lived up north! It was always so fun to see all the animals and play the games. My son loved it.
I miss the state fair so much! Being from Detroit, our state fair was right in the city, so I was able to see all of the animals and eat lots of fun food close to home.
What a lovely looking fair it seems like there was so much going on for everyone, I Would have loved to have checked out the animals myself.
Oh the fair! I don’t know if it’s where I’ve lived, or if it’s just the south, but fairs are not nearly as great as they are everywhere else I’ve seen pictures. A friend of mine lives in Ohio, and their fair is amazing! Yours looks pretty great too!
There insetting like our local county fairs or even the state fairs. So much great food, rides and we always love the animal shows.
Oh, I love fairs. I can’t wait until we have ours!
As much as I love fairs for the rides and people watching, to me there is nothing more important than the food. GIVE ME ALL THE FUNNEL CAKE!
My family loves checking out stress fairs like this. We always go when one is in our area. The best part is trying out all the cool food choices.
I haven’t been in a state fair in years. Living in the city my entire life makes me long for activities like this. I will have to check if there are any state fairs near me. I really have to be in at least one!
I love going to our county fair. It’s such a fun tradition that goes back so many years – it just feels like home!
I wish we lived closer to make it! The kids love the fair and this fair looks much better than ours!
Looking at all your photos made me homesick. I love small town county fairs. I never entered anything but I was always tempted to enter some of my home canned pickles.
Our fair is not that exciting. I love seeing the farm animals, though. Our doesn’t have fried pickles! I have to find them.
Oh my goodness, fairs are my favorite! funnel cakes, fried green tomatoes, corn dogs, ahh, I love it all! You are so lucky to have this experience so close to home every year.
Going to a fair can be lots of fun! I haven;t been in years. The fried onion looks yummy, we had one very similar at the Windmill farmers market in Upstate NY, it was yummy!
Oh man… I’d love to go just for the blooming onions and deep fried pickles. YUM!
This looks like so much fun! The food is always my favorite part about the local fairs. <3
This looks like so much fun! I love fair food and all of the fun games. The animals are perfect for kids, too!
How fun!! It’s not a full fair experience for me if I haven’t had a funnel cake!!
This looks like so much fun! Can’t wait to explore the Fair in our new hometown! Funnel cakes are my favorite treat!