Altamont Fair

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.

Altamont Fair

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.

Altamont Fair

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 jalapeños, 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 – steak sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, gyros, and more.  Plus drinks, from fresh-squeezed strawberry lemonade to wine slushies.

Altamont Fair

My daughter got some awesome fried pickles with a side of spicy horseradish to share with me.  Absolutely delicious!

Altamont Fair Fried Pickles

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.

Altamont Fair

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!

Altamont Fair Bloomin Onion

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.

Altamont Fair

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.

AltamontFairPrizes

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!

Altamont Fair

Towards the back of the fairgrounds you can find things like farm machinery on display.

Altamont Fair

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).

Altamont Fair

My kids love visiting all the animals, from horses to goats, pigs, sheep, and more.

Altamont Fair Pig

Altamont Fair

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.

Altamont Fair

We also had a chance to visit our good friend, Bob Lavoy, who is a local resident and sells metal detectors.

Altamont 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