With dozens of county and agricultural fairs taking place in the State of New York every summer, fairgoing folks have lots of choices. Do you follow your favorite entertainer or exhibitor? Do you go for the most raucous demolition-derby drivers around? Or will any nearby array of carnival rides and vendor demonstrations and live music do?
In Orange County, the 176th annual Fair opens on Wednesday, July 20 and runs through Sunday, the 31st. Some of the main attractions include the Fearless Flores Thrill Show, a petting zoo and jungle habitat, an antique firetruck show and free music every day in the John Lusardi Music Pavilion. Each night from 7:30 to 11 p.m., attendees can rock to the sounds of loud music from a lineup that includes Will Hoppey’s One-Man Band, Side FX, the ARZ Band, the Carl Richards Band, Galea and the Galvanizers, Concepto Innovado, the Jeremy Langdale Band, Third Degree, Firebrand, the Brian Dougherty Band and Sue & the Blind.
For more traditional county fair activities – indeed, the historical reason for such gatherings – fairgoers can view the home exhibits of goods that their friends and neighbors have created by hand: Quilts, crafts, canned goods, flowers and hundreds of other items are on display to be admired by all and to be judged by a discerning panel of members of the Orange County Agricultural Society. And don’t miss that demolition derby, the flat-track motorcycle races and motocross extravaganzas to be held at the adjacent Orange County Fair Speedway.
Gate admission costs only $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, military and kids aged 7 to 12 years, free for kids age 6 and under; unlimited ride wristbands cost $25. Check the website at www.orangecountyfair.com for a complete schedule of events, discounts and other information.
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Orange County Fair, July 20-31, weekdays, 4-11 p.m., weekends, 1-11 p.m., $8/$5, Orange County Fairgrounds, 239 Wisner Avenue, Middletown; (845) 343-4826, (845) 343-4894, www.orangecountyfair.com.
Join the family! 
