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Longstanding Traditions Bring Families Together At Dutchess County Fair

RHINEBECK, N.Y. - The 171st annual Dutchess County Fair - the second largest in the state - kicked off Tuesday in Rhinebeck, and attendance has become a family tradition for many.

Daily Voice talks to fair visitors about their favorite part of the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
An incredible variety of food is a big draw for many at the Dutchess County Fair.

An incredible variety of food is a big draw for many at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Fried dough is one of the most popular items at the food court.

Fried dough is one of the most popular items at the food court.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Making those wildly popular 4-H milkshakes at the Dutchess County Fair.

Making those wildly popular 4-H milkshakes at the Dutchess County Fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
The line for everyone's favorite - the 4-H milkshake.

The line for everyone's favorite - the 4-H milkshake.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
One of the things people love most about the Dutchess County Fair is the food - and the great variety available at the fair.

One of the things people love most about the Dutchess County Fair is the food - and the great variety available at the fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
A family enjoys 4-H milkshakes on opening day at the fair.

A family enjoys 4-H milkshakes on opening day at the fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
The animals at the fair are always a favorite for many.

The animals at the fair are always a favorite for many.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Cooking up fair favorites at Tuesday's opening day.

Cooking up fair favorites at Tuesday's opening day.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Hot Dogs at the fair, with the works.

Hot Dogs at the fair, with the works.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Enjoying some fair specialties.

Enjoying some fair specialties.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Many love the fries from John's Famous Fries - served in a dog bowl.

Many love the fries from John's Famous Fries - served in a dog bowl.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
The Philly Cheese steak sandwich tops the wish list for many fair-goers.

The Philly Cheese steak sandwich tops the wish list for many fair-goers.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Blooming onions are a popular item at the fair.

Blooming onions are a popular item at the fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Sausage, steak & cheese and corn dogs are top-selling items at the fair.

Sausage, steak & cheese and corn dogs are top-selling items at the fair.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Games are the best part of the fair for many kids.

Games are the best part of the fair for many kids.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman
Lush plants and flowers on exhibit are a fair favorite for many.

Lush plants and flowers on exhibit are a fair favorite for many.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

Most Dutchess residents, as well as those from surrounding counties, have memories of the fair that go back to childhood, and usually include family time.

And there's one thing they all have in common: they all have a fair favorite. Something they come back to every year, many with children who will carry on the tradition for future generations.

For some, the fair's sprawling food mall says 'Dutchess County Fair.' You name it, they have it here.

Many others might say it's the farm-fresh, nearly irresistible 4-H milkshakes (that you'll wait on a long line to get) just before you exit the fair.

Fair-goers at Tuesday's opening day all had that one thing they loved about the fair - whether it was the food, the animals, the rides, the vendors, the games, the horticultural exhibits or the live entertainment.

Check out the video above to see Daily Voice talk to guests about their favorite traditions at the fair.

To watch another video, this one on opening day festivities on Tuesday, click here.

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