Mission/Purpose
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The By Laws of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, Inc. define its purpose as "the promotion of agriculture, horticulture, mechanical and domestic arts, fine arts and allied sciences through education, instruction, display and competition."
The 65 member Society, its Board of Directors, Staff and Management work tirelessly throughout the year to produce a county fair that is consistent with the Society's Mission.
Nothing is more important than to "preserve, promote, and protect" the agricultural integrity of the fair.
Increasingly, it is a goal of the Society to further develop and promote the Dutchess County Fairgrounds as a destination for not only the fair but for shows, events and activities throughout the year.
These events will bring people together in opportunities to enjoy good, wholesome, family entertainment in the beautiful setting of the 168-acre fairgrounds in Rhinebeck.
In 1899 Circus Magnate, Alf T. Ringling wrote the following about "The Mission of Amusement:"
"To be good, mankind must be happy. To wreathe the face of humanity in smiles for a time, to loosen the chains that hold man captive to his duties and return him to them better fitted for his obligations, is the mission of amusement and the one great desire of moralists is, and ought to be, that it be pure and wholesome.
Amusement unfetters the mind from its environs and changes the dreary monotony of the factory's spindles to the joyous song of the meadow lark. It gives flight to the caged soul to treat in airy places. It softens the wrinkles of sorrow, makes smiles of frowns.
This is the mission of amusement . . . with its innocent sights of joy for the children and its power to make all men and women children again for at least one day."
Whether enjoying a day at one of the nation's leading agricultural fairs, a shopping spree at a Rhinebeck Crafts or Antique Fairs, a wonderfully "wooly" experience that celebrates the sheep industry, or a stroll through acres of classic cars, we invite you to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds to become "children again for at least one day."
