East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Dutchess County Fairgrounds President Andy Imperati invite individuals and families with developmental disabilities to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday” at the Dutchess County Fair on August 22, 2024. Attendees can enjoy the fair ahead of the crowds with a special early gate opening at 9 a.m. and sensory-sensitive hours on the carnival midway from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Inclusive events will be offered throughout the week-long fair.

County Executive Sue Serino stated, “The Dutchess County Fair is a community favorite event year after year, and one that we look forward to all year long. With sensory-sensitive ride midway and an earlier opening time, our ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ partnership with the Agriculture Society is a true testament to Dutchess County’s commitment to ensuring an enjoyable experience at the Fair for people of all abilities."

New this year, the Dutchess County Agricultural Society has added an accessible entrance at Gate 2, near Livestock Hill, which features less of an incline, wider lanes, wheelchair countertops, handrails, and a small gathering area inside the gate.

On ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families can enter the fair an hour before the official 10 a.m. start time. The animal barns on Livestock Hill and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 4-H Exhibit Hall will be open ahead of the crowds. Though not every attraction will open at 9 a.m., this soft opening provides families a chance to ease into their day with a quiet start.

The Powers Great American Midway area will open with limited rides at 9:30 a.m., which will be sensory-sensitive until noon. Flashing lights, music, and other sounds will be turned off throughout the morning to accommodate guests who may find these distractions challenging.

Other scheduled events on ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday include:

- 9 am: ThinkDIFFERENTLY & 4-H’s Flourishing Farmers Showcase at 4-H Livestock Showring

- 9 am: AgriVenture – Interactive educational exhibit featuring Milk Dutchess the Cow

- 10 am: The National Anthem performed by members of the Down Syndrome Association of Hudson Valley

- Noon: ThinkDIFFERENTLY & Hidden Hollow Farms All Abilities English Horse Showcase

Throughout fair week, attendees are encouraged to visit various exhibits submitted by individuals with disabilities including GrowDIFFERENTLY in Horticulture building and RockDIFFERENTLY in Hobbies & Crafts Building E.

A sensory-friendly quiet space hosted by ThinkDIFFERENTLY staff will be available daily from 10 am to 6 pm on Livestock Hill in Cornell Cooperative Extension tent for those needing respite.

Dutchess County Agricultural Society President Andy Imperati commented, “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday has become an important tradition during Fair week that so many look forward to.”

The Dutchess County Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 25 opening daily at 10 am; children under eleven are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online at dutchessfair.com with discounts available through August 19th.

For more information and full schedule details visit dutchessfair.com/the-fair.