‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday’ Comes Back to the Dutchess County Fair on Aug. 21^st

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Dutchess County Fairgrounds President Andy Imperati invite individuals and families with physical and developmental disabilities to enjoy “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday” at the Dutchess County Fair on Aug. 21. Attendees can enjoy the fair before the crowds arrive, with a special early gate opening at 9 a.m. and sensory-sensitive hours on the carnival midway from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Additionally, inclusive events will be available throughout the entire week of the fair.

On “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday,” individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and their families can enter the Fair an hour early, before the official 10 a.m. opening. They can explore the animal barns on Livestock Hill and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 4-H Exhibit Hall ahead of the crowds. While not all attractions and exhibits will be open at 9 a.m., this soft opening allows families to start their day at the fair in a calm and quiet environment.

The Powers Great American Midway area will open with limited rides, at 9:30 a.m. and will be sensory-sensitive until noon. Flashing lights, music and other sounds and noises will be lowered or turned off throughout the morning, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy rides without the distractions that lights and sounds can cause. The early midway opening means shorter wait times for rides, making it easier for those who need extra time or have difficulties with crowds.

Other scheduled happenings on “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday” include:

• ThinkDIFFERENTLY & 4-H’s Flourishing Farmers Showcase at 4-H Livestock Showring at 9 a.m.; and
• ThinkDIFFERENTLY & Hidden Hollow Farms All Abilities English Horse Showcase at the Horse Show Arena, exhibiting horses and their riders with disabilities, at noon.
• All week long, fairgoers are encouraged to check out ThinkDIFFERENTLY exhibits and projects submitted by individuals of all ages with disabilities, including GrowDIFFERENTLY, a recycled garden art exhibit in the Horticulture building.

 ThinkDIFFERENTLY staff and ambassadors will also host a sensory-friendly quiet space throughout Fair week for those who may need a quiet space to get away and regroup. This space, located on Livestock Hill in the Cornell Cooperative Extension tent, will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visitors needing sensory assistance can visit the Fair information booth, across from the Fair souvenir booth, or visit the ThinkDIFFERENTLY/4-H tent on Livestock Hill.

The Dutchess County Fair runs from Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 24, opening at 10 a.m. each day; children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased online at dutchessfair.com, with discounts available through August 19th. On Thursday, Aug. 21, families coming to enjoy “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday” must enter the Fair at the main ticket gate, at the Welcome Center, conveniently located near accessible parking.

For more information and a full schedule of the Dutchess County Fair’s events, see dutchessfair.com/the-fair.