The 130-Year History of the Altamont Fair
One of the longest-standing events in Albany County’s history, the Altamont Fair has symbolized community spirit, exciting entertainment, and enduring education for generations.
In the 132 years since the fair began it has only been canceled three times: 1942 and 1943 due to World War II, and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Albany County has grown and changed throughout time, the fair has grown and adapted along with it. Today, tens of thousands of individuals gather for this week-long, timeless tradition in August each year.
Though the first fair in Albany County was celebrated in Washington Park over 200 years ago in 1819, the first time the county saw an official Albany County Fair in Altamont was 1893. The inaugural Altamont Fair began as a way for agriculture to flourish, bringing farmers together to share their ideas. In 1892, four Altamont businessmen purchased 24 acres of land for the fair and organizers set to work to bring the event to life in just one year.
Traces of the first few fairs in Altamont can still be seen today. Though they have expanded to 138-acres, the fairgrounds are located on the same land as they were in 1893. The structure of the original grandstand remains though it has undergone a series of changes. With a new grandstand established in 1925, the first grandstand became a cattle barn and can now be visited as the Poultry Barn. Sadly, the 1925 grandstand burned down in 1995 due to an electrical fire.
Visitors to the Fine Arts and Flower Building can step in the footsteps of late 1800’s fairgoers. Built in 1896 as an Exhibition Hall, the building has remained the same in appearance and is often rented for weddings and special events. In 2004 it joined the National Register of Historic Places.
In a time before cars were as widespread and accessible, the first fairgoers arrived in Altamont by horse and buggy or bicycle. By 1896, trains became the prominent mode of transportation to the fair with rates ranging from 35 cents to a little over a dollar.
Once in Altamont, fair-goers could purchase tickets for just 25 cents and enjoy agricultural competitions. Participants with the largest animal or vegetable would bring home a prize and knew their winner would be in high demand. There would also be a battle for the best baked goods. Crowds would fill the grandstand to watch harness racing and by 1903, the Columbia Ice Cream tent was known as “the” gathering place.
Though they look a little different today, visitors to the modern fair can still experience these traditions. Competitions take the form of Horse Barn Shows and Pony Barn Shows often featuring a choreographed routine set to music. Sheep and Goat Shows showcase the cute competitors’ milk and wool and give them the chance to strike a pose during a photo contest. Local crafters can also enter their work for competition. Ice cream vendors are still a big hit today, with hundreds of people in line for treats from Stewart’s each year.
Fairs are often envisioned with bright, spectacular carnival rides and dazzling sideshow acts. The Altamont Fair has always held pieces of this. The first fair featured both a carousel and Ferris wheel. In the 1800’s, traveling carnivals and agricultural fairs grew in concert with one another. The carnival aspect of the fair developed as a way to keep visitors entertained. Today, fairgoers can explore amusement rides along the Dreamland Amusements’ carnival midway. Carnival history stays alive with a fully-fledged, Big Top circus and a dedicated Circus Museum. Showstopping acts throughout the grounds include a Shark Show, Pig Racing, and a Demolition Derby.
Throughout the fair’s 130-year history, organizers have strived to keep agricultural education at the center. The fair is a chance for visitors to meet animals – from goats to snakes – up close and learn about their importance. It’s a chance to learn about the proper treatment of animals and the work fair organizers do to ensure they are unharmed. Many children see farm animals for the first time at the fair. They have the chance to collect eggs from chickens and watch baby chicks adventure on mini carnival rides at the Chick Follies. The fair is a chance for visitors of all ages to learn more about the role agriculture plays in their everyday life.
Today, visitors can experience a day-long adventure at the fairgrounds with gates usually closing around 10 PM. But it wasn’t until 1924 that the first night fair in Altamont was celebrated. Through the help of the General Electric Company, fair organizers were able to connect lights around the grounds and allow festivities to continue into the late hours. That same year, the first fireworks show at the fairgrounds was held.
General Electric played a significant role in establishing the Altamont Fair as a multi-county fair. In 1922, the company hosted a special radio broadcast from the fairgrounds and Schenectady County, where General Electric is based, was invited to join. Today the tradition exists as a three-county fair with the addition of Greene County in 1945.
Though the Altamont Fair may be the main event each year, the fairgrounds are home to a variety of events annually. The fairgrounds host the Capital District Scottish Games, seasonal festivals, private events, and weddings.
Built through the passion of employees and volunteers, organizers work almost year-round to ensure the fair remains the timeless tradition it is today. With the same adoration displayed by the businessmen that acquired land for the fair in 1892, the community and visitors alike help contribute to its enduring legacy for generations to come.
Acknowledgements: Special thank you to Altamont Fairgrounds Manager, Amy Anderson, Pat Canaday, and The Altamont Fair History Committee.
