The fair is a great place to take your kids

We all have an inner child. Sometimes it takes something small to bring it out. Whether it's the sight of a popcorn machine, the taste of a sweet candy apple between our lips, or the breeze on our skin; we can all relate to reverting back to the years when the only thing that mattered in life was having fun.

If you're looking for some excitement in the Adirondacks this summer, take a trip over to Morrisonville, New York, for the 58th annual Clinton County Fair. From July 19 - 24, the Clinton County Fair will offer many different activities for six days worth every dollar spent. The annual event should not be missed. Where else can you see "Tiny", the seven-foot-tall ox; fine art exhibitions, or a demolition derby? Want to see your brother or sister dance like a chicken? Just attend hypnotist Michael Blaine's hypnosis shows.

Clinton County Fair manager Glenn Gillespie said, "The Clinton County Fair is a nonprofit organization that supplies entertainment for the locals. It's a time for friends and family to get together and have some fun. The kids get to see the animals, and the folks get together and meet other friends."

According to Gillespie, over 30,000 people attended the event last year, and he hopes to get 35,000 people to come out to this year's fair.

The fair is not just for kids and has many thrilling rides like "The CLAW"

Join the crowd on the opening night, Tuesday July 19, as the stunning, colorful fireworks, provided by Telstar Display Fireworks, explode into the summer night. Steve Pierce, Regional Director of Telstar, said this will be the fourth year Telstar will be working with the Clinton County Fair. "It's a spectacular 25-minute show that will have brilliant colors and loud noises starting at 10 P.M. We will be the premier opening act and it will definitely be spectacular," Pierce said. "I will personally be going up to shoot the show, since it is always a pleasure to go up to Morrisonville." Telstar Display Fireworks travels all over New York State to do shows.

"Not everyone is fortunate enough to afford a carnival, so on the opening day Clinton County Fair is charging an entrance fee of $1. The canned food items that will be donated go to the community and local food shelves," Gillespie said.

The front gate admission price for the fair varies. On Tuesday, July 19, the entrance fee for the opening day is $1 with the donation of a canned food item. "Not everyone is fortunate enough to afford attending a carnival, so on the opening day Clinton County Fair is charging an entrance fee of $1 so the families that cannot afford the regular admission fees can at least attend that day. The canned food items that will be donated go to the community and local food shelves," Gillespie said. The rides are free for the first hour opening day as well.

Every day afterward, the front gate admission fee is $7. Children 11-years-old and younger get in for free. Children also get the opportunity to buy a bracelet, which guarantees unlimited admission onto the rides, such as "The Claw."

Mascots provide ample entertainment for children

Each day is unique. Themes include "Family Day," "Children's Day," "Press Republican Day," and "Grandparents Day." On Wednesday, July 20, "Children's Day," enjoy the magic of Lance Gifford, the 4-H beef cattle show, a drill team, a parade, and more. The magic show is going to be held three times in a day, as will other events.

On Friday July 22, the theme is "Special People Day." Special people, counselors, guardians, and senior citizens get in for half price; $3.50. On this day, enjoy the English horse show, the sounds of old timer Chet Thurber, old time fiddling on the Gregory Supply Stage, and a coin hunt in the sawdust.

The events during the six-day fair are decided by the board of directors. "The people who are in charge of the event are the 24 directors who meet and pick the events for the week. They discuss talent, then they throw it to me, and I put it together," Gillespie said.

Some of the additional entertainers expected to perform include Glengarry Bhoys, who will be playing Scottish music, and country singer Blake Shelton.

"This year, the entertainment will be bigger compared to last year. I am trying to bring in a rock group that will attract 4,000 people. Besides the entertainment, we also have more spectacular rides for the children. This will draw in a lot of kids," Gillespie said.

The demolition derby is one of many events staged at the Clinton County Fair

Because the Clinton County Fair is nonprofit, they work with companies that will help with fees, such as promotion of the event through sponsorship. Joe Barcomb, manager of Sam's Club, said, "Through Sam's Club sponsorship, we hope to gain exposure and build relationships with the vendors at the fair." Sam's Club is one of the 36 sponsors of the fair.

The Press Republican is also one of the sponsors of the events. On Thursday, July 21, the fair is titled "Press Republican Day," and the staff will be giving away free newspapers. A representative from the Press Republican said, "The first 3,000 to 4,000 people will receive a free newspaper as a form of sponsorship."

"I've been working on the event since the last day of the last fair. It's a year long job," Gillespie said.

Gillespie has worked on the board for five years and continues to work diligently for the fair. "I've been working on the event since the last day of the last fair. Gillespie said. "I am already thinking and working on the 2006 fair. It's a year long job."

Are you planning to go to the Clinton County Fair? Tell us about it!

All tickets and passes are available at the Fair Office, or by calling 518-561-7998  

Clinton County Fair reserves the right to add, delete, or change the schedule.

TICKET PRICES FOR 2005:

TUESDAY:  $1 Front gate (age 2 and under - free). Grandstand: Battle of the Bands & Fireworks - $1

WEDNESDAY:  $7 Front gate (age 11 and under free) "Children's Day" Grandstand:  $5, Pit Pass:  $5 Wristband, $13 w/coupon, $14 w/out coupon. Good ALL DAY!

THURSDAY (Press Republican Day: FREE newspaper for early birds): $7 Front gate (age 11 and under free), Grandstand tickets are $25 for reserved track seating and $19 for grandstand seating, front gate entry not included. "Midnight Special Bracelet" 9pm-1am $11 (After Concert)

FRIDAY:  $7 Front gate (age 11 and under free), Grandstand tickets are $22 for Reserved Track Seating and $15 for Grandstand seating, front gate entry is included ($7). "Special Day for Special People" & "Senior Citizens Day" Seniors half-price gate ($3.50) Age 62+. Special People are FREE and councilors or guardians are half-price ($3.50) Proof of group required. Wristband $13 w/coupon, $14 w/out coupon Good ALL DAY "Thanks to Reithoffer Shows."

SATURDAY:  $7 Front gate (age 11 and under free), "Family Day" Grandstand: $5, Pit Pass:  $5; Adirondack Tractor Pull.

SUNDAY:  $7 Front gate (age 11 and under free), Grandstand:  $5, Pit Pass:  $5 for each show at 1:00pm and 6:30pm.

SEASON PASS:  $20, not sold after 5:00 PM on Monday, July 18th.

DAILY PASS: available Wednesday through Sunday, $7 each.

WORKER PASS:  $5 per day

4H Season Ticket:  $5 for the week

All information courtesy of www.clintoncountyfair.com