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Festivals

There are so many festivals throughout the seasons in the Shawangunk area that it would be impossible to list here. However, the events listed below give some idea of the range and diversity among the festivities. Most of the festivals take place around New Paltz, NY, and beneath the magnificent cliffs of the Gunks. For an extensive listing of these activities, please see www.newpalztchamber.org

The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Craft Fairs
The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Craft Fairs, held on both Memorial Day and Labor Day, are a tradition in the area. Thousands of people attend to see and often buy quality crafts by 300 independently juried artists and craftspeople from all parts of the country. The fairs are known for the old-fashioned craftsmanship and vibrant imagination of the exhibitors.

Exhibits range from rustic furniture to exquisite jewelry; from custom-made canoes to handwoven hammocks; from rod iron sculptures to hand-crocheted dresses. From handcrafted flutes to immaculately crafted chess sets. Demonstrations typically include farriers welding horseshoes and artists engaged in their crafts, including painting, jewelry making, and weaving on site. Specialty foods, such as homemade salsa and mustard and special dips, as well as health care products, all herbal or natural products, are also available under the tents. The fairs are a true event, and a fine reminder of what fairs and festivals used to be before commercialization invaded the country fair scene. For more information about the fairs, see www.quailhollow.com.

Ulster County Fair
The Ulster County Fair, held in late July and early August of every year, is another New Paltz tradition. The fair has grown, but it still retains a lot of its old-fashioned country flair. How many fairs can still boast baby contests and frog-jumping competitions? Racing pigs, truck and tractor pulls, horse shows, including barrel racing and other Wild West competitions, and a beauty pageant are other events that keep the country in this country fair. To find out more about the fair, see www.ulstercountyfair.com

Taste of New Paltz
Every September, New Paltz pays homage to its local restaurants by offering a full day of sampling from all the fabulous foods each has to offer. The "tastes," however, extend beyond a culinary experience. Local wineries participate as well as the artists and funky shops along the main street. The event goes on rain or shine under the tents from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz. See www.newpalzchamber.org for more information.


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