County fairs in or near NYC

County fairs in or near NYC

• Photograph: Donna F. Aceto59.fw.fairs.westsidecountyfair_02_0.JPG667541
• Photograph: Queens County Farm Museum
  59.fw.faris.queenscountyfarmmuseum_01_0.jpg667552
• Photograph: C. Richard Chartrand59.fw.fairs.allentown_04_0.JPG667563
• Photograph: Leonard Baginski59.fw.fairs.durham_03_0.JPG667574
• Photograph: Adam Kuban/flickr59.fw.fairs.sheepandwoolfest_04_0.jpg667585

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Photograph: Donna F. Aceto

As it turns out, the words county fair aren't necessarily synonymous with country fair. We found three within city limits, all taking place this month. Looking to do a day trip? See below for three out-of-town options, each just a car ride away.

Richmond County Fair
When Fri Sept 4–Sun Sept 6 11am–8:30pm.
Where Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave at St. Patrick's Pl, Staten Island (718-351-1611, historicrichmondtown.org).
The scoop Staten Island's only county fair stretches across the sprawling grounds of a village that dates back to the 17th century. Traditional agricultural attractions, like a farm stand featuring locally grown produce, along with more modern events—a hula-hooping contest, a potato-sack race and pie- and hot-dog-eating contests—take center stage.
Don't miss Every day, a bunch of wee Wilburs chase after an Oreo cookie—no, really—in the pig races. Make a family game of it by guessing which porker will take home the gold.
Admission $15, seniors $10, children under 32" tall free.

West Side County Fair
When Sun Sept 12 1–6pm.
Where Riverside Park South, Hudson River between 66th and 72nd Sts (212-408-0219, riversideparkfund.org).
The scoop During this annual blowout, your family can experience all the fun of a classic county fair—games, a petting zoo, square dancing—for a mere MetroCard swipe.
Don't miss Get a carnival fix without schlepping out to Coney; look for inflatable play areas, sideshow acts and a mini Ferris wheel.
Admission Free.

Queens County Fair
When Sat Sept 25-Sun Sept 26 11am–6pm.
Where Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy at Elkmont Ave, Floral Park, Queens (718-347-3276, queensfarm.org).
The scoop This popular event offers plenty of homestyle attractions: blue-ribbon contests, midway rides and animal meet-and-greets. Parental perk: Stop by the Bavarian Garden to taste German and Irish brewskies.
Don't miss The Amazing Maize Maze is a three-acre labyrinth made of corn plants. It's as much a puzzle as it is a maze—your family will have to solve clues in order to get out.
Admission $7, children under 4 $4. Does not include include maze, carnival rides and games, and various other activities.

Great Allentown Fair
At this weeklong fest, car-loving kids will thrill to the J&J Demolition Derby (Mon Sept 6); other popular events include a pig swimming race and a big-cats show. Justin Bieber's September 4 gig is, sadly, sold out; console your kid with tickets to Lady Antebellum on September 2. (Who? Well, American Idol season 8 finalist Danny Gokey is the opening act.) Allentown Fairgrounds, 302 N 17th St, Allentown, PA (610-433-7541, allentownfairpa.org). Tue Aug 31–Mon Sept 6. Times and prices vary; see website for details.

Durham Fair
Established in 1916, it's the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut—so expect a major focus on farm work (canning and baking demos, antique equipment displays, a pumpkin-growing contest). Animal attractions include pony and oxen pulls, and meet-and-greets with dairy cattle, sheep, goats and more. Head to the Kids Place for goofy fun, like doughnut- and pie-eating contests or a water-balloon toss. 24 Town House Rd, Durham, CT (durhamfair.com). Thu Sept 23–Sun Sept 26. Times and prices vary; see website for details.

NYS Sheep and Wool Festival
Regular ol' yarn shops have got nothing on this festival, organized by the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers. While the purling-obsessed gather round the vendor tables and knitting workshops, li'l animal lovers can watch border collies herd at the Sheepdog Trials, and llamas bound at the Llama Leaping contest. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck, NY (sheepandwool.com). Sat Oct 16-Sun Oct 17. $12, advance $9; weekend pass $17.

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