News
Family festival a fun Fourth for all
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| Children ride free on the Orient Express during the July Fourth Family Fun Fest at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. (Sesame Campbell/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers) |
By Sesame Campbell
CHATHAM — It seemed as though the Columbia County Fair came early this year, as lines of cars waited to pull into the fairgrounds for the 8th Annual Family Fun Fest, hosted by the Columbia County Agricultural Society.
The event, sponsored by the Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation, provided free “kiddie” rides to small children, who flew down the giant slide, spun around on the tea-cup ride, traveled along the Orient Express Train, and bounced inside the Star Walk. A climbing wall supplied by Climb Time, Inc., offered youngsters and adults alike the chance to test their climbing skills. Each climber was attached to a harness and rope, and climbed a wall marked with various levels of difficulty.
“Our record climbers have been a two-year-old who climbed to the top and an 83-year-old guy,” said Jim Tyrell, Climb Time's president. Tyrell, who teaches Health to Greenville middle and high school students, said it was very satisfying to see people of all ages challenge themselves on the climbing wall.
There were pony rides provided by “Ponies for Hire”, which featured Whiskers, a 12-year old pony as one of the gentle animals. Baby goats and sheep were part of a petting zoo, which offered youngsters the opportunity to feed the baby animals.
Adults and children had the usual pick of fair food, while the smell of fried dough, cotton candy, pizza, snow cones, hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken filled the air. Cast members of “Beauty and the Beast” dressed in full costume and walked around the fairgrounds to promote the Disney play that will be performed at the Mac-Haydn Theater starting on July 9, while children laughed and pointed to Belle, the Beast, Gaston, and Lumiere, among others.
Columbia County firefighters were also present to take youngsters on a tour of a mobile unit that simulated a variety of potential dangers from household hazards. A hay maze, live music and magic show provided entertainment for young and old alike. The evening was topped off with a fireworks show that attracted people from miles around.
“Last year we had about 4,000 people who came,” said Vicki Simons, vice president of Columbia County Agricultural Society. “This year appears to have similar numbers. I'm glad the weather cooperated.”
Simons said the generosity of HRBT Foundation and additional funds from Columbia County Partnership helped to make the event a great success. “We really appreciate everything they do,” she said.
The event, sponsored by the Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation, provided free “kiddie” rides to small children, who flew down the giant slide, spun around on the tea-cup ride, traveled along the Orient Express Train, and bounced inside the Star Walk. A climbing wall supplied by Climb Time, Inc., offered youngsters and adults alike the chance to test their climbing skills. Each climber was attached to a harness and rope, and climbed a wall marked with various levels of difficulty.
“Our record climbers have been a two-year-old who climbed to the top and an 83-year-old guy,” said Jim Tyrell, Climb Time's president. Tyrell, who teaches Health to Greenville middle and high school students, said it was very satisfying to see people of all ages challenge themselves on the climbing wall.
There were pony rides provided by “Ponies for Hire”, which featured Whiskers, a 12-year old pony as one of the gentle animals. Baby goats and sheep were part of a petting zoo, which offered youngsters the opportunity to feed the baby animals.
Adults and children had the usual pick of fair food, while the smell of fried dough, cotton candy, pizza, snow cones, hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken filled the air. Cast members of “Beauty and the Beast” dressed in full costume and walked around the fairgrounds to promote the Disney play that will be performed at the Mac-Haydn Theater starting on July 9, while children laughed and pointed to Belle, the Beast, Gaston, and Lumiere, among others.
Columbia County firefighters were also present to take youngsters on a tour of a mobile unit that simulated a variety of potential dangers from household hazards. A hay maze, live music and magic show provided entertainment for young and old alike. The evening was topped off with a fireworks show that attracted people from miles around.
“Last year we had about 4,000 people who came,” said Vicki Simons, vice president of Columbia County Agricultural Society. “This year appears to have similar numbers. I'm glad the weather cooperated.”
Simons said the generosity of HRBT Foundation and additional funds from Columbia County Partnership helped to make the event a great success. “We really appreciate everything they do,” she said.
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