MIDDLETOWN - The Orange County Fair opened Thursday for its 184th annual edition, and it will continue every day through July 28.
The fair, at 239 Wisner Ave. in Middletown, is open weekdays from 4-11 p.m. and from 1-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Among the featured attractions is the Anastasini Circus, with juggling and comedy. The Anastasini Circus has been entertaining audiences all over the world since 1877.
There's also the Big Bee Transforming Robot Car — a car that turns into a giant robot before your eyes.
Driver assaulted:Father and son accused of assaulting elderly Newburgh livery driver
The Petting Zoo, a family favorite at the fair for years, continues that tradition this year. Fair organizers say this is an educational experience that also offers a chance to feed the animals up close.
All new this year is the Join the Circus Show. In the words of fair organizers, this offers participants a chance to "be a part of the circus. Become an acrobat, high wire walker, lion, tiger, strongman, ballerina or get shot out of the cannon!" The experience also includes a walk-around circus parade.
Orange County Fair entertainment: Music lineup
The fair's new amphitheater offers a daily succession of tribute bands saluting Black Sabbath, Kid Rock, the Electric Light Orchestra, the Grateful Dead, Meat Loaf, Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, AC/DC, and one band called Stairway to Halen that salutes two legendary acts, Led Zeppelin and Van Halen.
Iron Cobra, which performs on July 25, is a three-piece rock band based in the lower Hudson Valley that plays the best of Van Halen, Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin and many other acts from the past.
Concerts taking place in the amphitheater are free with fair admission, but there are a limited number of VIP tickets for $20 for admission to a premium viewing area not open to the public, and a VIP access line at the bar.
There are more than two dozen carnival rides, everything from tea cups and a balloon wheel for the kids, to the Super Cyclone Coaster, the fair's new rollercoaster that's ready to bring thrills to all who dare ride it.
You'll also find all your favorite fair foods, and there will be fireworks on both Friday nights, July 19 and 26.
Vero Beach:Breeze Airways adds flights to new Florida destination from Stewart Airport
How much are Orange County Fair tickets?
Admission is $10 for adults; and $7 for seniors age 65 and older, and children ages 7 to 12. Children 6 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
Ride tickets range from $1.50 for a single ticket to $30 per person per day for unlimited ride specials.
However, there are a number of combos and other deals for both admission and rides. For complete information on those, and other information about the fair, visit their website at orangecountyfair.com.
Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.
Most Popular
Comments / 0