4 Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know About The Ulster County Fair

Summer is one of my favorite seasons and I especially love when it's fair season in the Hudson Valley! We have county fairs that we can attend and come together with the community to enjoy.

It's always exciting to go to the local fairs to go on the rides, play games, eat delicious fair food and see fireworks!

So far, I've been to the Orange County Fair and Ulster County Fair this summer. There are some interesting facts that you may not know about the Ulster County and I wanted to share!

The Ulster County Fair Dates Back To The 1880's

The Ulster County Fair's website shared that this fair first started around 1869! This came from residents in Ellenville who put on a fair and found it successful. They continued to have this fair and called it Southern Ulster Agricultural Society at the time. It wasn't until 1900 that, "the Ulster County Fair was recognized as one of the finest county fairs in New York State"

The Ulster County Fair Wasn't Always Located In New Paltz

Ulster County Fair, Ellenville Public Library

I was excited to learn about this my friends and family recently! Once I saw the history of the Ulster County Fair on their website, I've been looking forward to share with other Hudson Valley residents.

The Ulster County Fair took place in Ellenville at Ellenville Driving Park. This fair also took place at Forsyth Park in Kingston before making it's way to New Paltz!

The Ulster County Fair Has Unique Exhibits, Contests And More

I love going to the Ulster County Fair to see the farm animals, exhibits and fun contests that they have. There's the 4-H Highlights that has the milkshakes each day of the fair. Throughout the week, they a dog show, all species costume class and awards ceremony.

Only at the Ulster County Fair can we participate in a Corn Shucking Contest, Corn Eating Contest, Hay Bale Throwing Contest and more (and I SO love this!)

The Ulster County Fairgrounds Hosts Different Events Throughout The Year

It's true! The Ulster County Fair takes places on the fairgrounds each summer. These fairgrounds also hosts different events throughout the year. This summer, they had the New Paltz Fireworks Celebration and Vintage in the Hudson Valley. We can look forward to Woodstock-New Paltz Arts and Crafts Show along with the Rosendale International Pickle Fest!

I loved learning all the historical and fun facts about this fair from the Ulster County Fair's website. Be sure to check it out if you're interested in more. We can attend the Ulster County fair until August 9, 2026, have fun!